Brooklyn’s summer officially started off in unforgettable style as the Dear Summer Festival lit up the borough with music, culture, and good vibes.
The Dear Summer Festival story is the perfect blend of Black entrepreneurship, cultural power, and community building. Dear Summer Festival, founded by Virginia State University and Delaware State University alumni, started as a small college backyard BBQ among friends and has grown into one of the fastest-growing Black-owned festivals in the country. What began as a celebration of culture and community is now a sold-out, multi-city experience that brings together Black professionals, alumni, Greek and creatives — with major performances, brand partnerships and a vibe that’s unmatched. The founders have a powerful story — from HBCU roots to building a profitable touring festival in NYC, ATL, DC and Houston.
Held under the BQE, the sold-out event brought thousands together for a day-to-night celebration headlined by Meek Mill and Valiant, and packed with surprises, immersive experiences, and nonstop vibes.
Attendees were treated too many unexpected music appearances throughout the evening, with performances from Jim Jones, Rowdy Rebel, Kocky Ka, Bay Swag, and more. With each set, the festival pushed beyond the typical concert format — delivering a curated cultural moment for fans of hip-hop, dancehall, and everything in between.
Branded activations by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Jim Beam provided refreshing cocktails and photo-worthy installations, while a wide range of local food vendors served up crowd favorites with community flavor. DJs kept the energy alive between sets, blending classic jams and current hits that kept the people active all night.
More than a music event, Dear Summer serves as a platform for emerging talent and a tribute to Black excellence, uniting alumni from HBCUs and creatives from across the country. With its roots in community, the festival continues to expand its impact city by city.
Next up on the festival tour: Atlanta. On Saturday, July 19th, Dear Summer will take over Guardian Works with performances by hometown legends Lil Scrappy and Young Dro. It’s set to be one of the most talked about events of the summer. Click the link below to purchase tickets: https://posh.vip/e/dear-summer-festival-atl-2025
The next stops on the Dear Summer Festival 2025 Tour are already on the radar:
- Atlanta — July 19
- Washington, DC — August 16
- Houston — September 20
If Brooklyn was any indication, fans in those cities can expect powerful performances, major surprise guests, and an unforgettable summer experience.
For tickets, artist lineups, and more tour info, visit dearsummerfestival.com.