As the self-proclaimed “concert queen,” I’ve danced my way through countless venues, basking in the euphoria that only live music can deliver.
From the heart-thumping bass of my favorite hip-hop anthems to the soulful serenades of R&B legends, my adventures have been a harmonious blend of rhythm, culture, and, of course, delectable cuisine. Each festival I’ve attended has been a unique chapter in my live music journey, offering not just performances but immersive experiences that celebrate art, community, and flavor.
Reflecting on my escapades, festivals like Rolling Loud, Roots Picnic, Essence Fest, and One Music Fest have been more than just events—they’ve been transformative odysseys.
The electrifying energy of the crowds, the discovery of emerging artists, and the shared moments of unity have solidified my love for these gatherings. They are living testaments to music’s unparalleled ability to bridge divides and foster a sense of belonging.
As 2025 unfolds, the festival circuit is buzzing with anticipation, promising an array of events that are sure to ignite your musical passions. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a curious newcomer, here’s a curated list of must-attend festivals that should be on your radar:
Rolling Loud California (Los Angeles, CA) - March 15-16, 2025
Sexyy Red
Scott Legato/ Getty Images
Kicking off the festival season with a bang, Rolling Loud returns to Los Angeles, promising a weekend of unparalleled hip-hop performances. This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, with headliners like A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti set to ignite the stage. Adding a unique flair, Mexican sensation Peso Pluma joins as a special guest, bringing his distinctive sound to the mix.
Tickets are flying off the shelves, with General Admission passes starting at $179 and VIP options offering exclusive perks for $499. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, attendees can indulge in the city’s eclectic food scene, making this festival a feast for both the ears and the taste buds.
2025 Performers: A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, YG, Sexyy Red, Quavo, Gelo, Bossman Dlow, Peso Pluma
2024 Performers: Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Future x Metro Boomin, YG & Tyga, Party Next Door, Summer Walker, Don Toliver, Bryson Tiller, Big Sean, Sexyy Red
Dreamville Festival (Raleigh, NC) - April 5-6, 2025
Curated by the legendary J. Cole, Dreamville Festival has swiftly become a beacon for hip-hop and R&B aficionados. Nestled in Raleigh’s scenic Dorothea Dix Park, the festival offers more than just music; it’s a celebration of community and culture. While the official 2025 lineup is under wraps, whispers in the wind suggest appearances by heavyweights, making this final edition a grand finale not to be missed.
Ticket options cater to various preferences, with General Admission passes and VIP packages that promise an elevated experience. Beyond the music, attendees can explore Raleigh’s burgeoning culinary scene, with the festival itself offering a smorgasbord of local delights.
2025 Performers: TBA
2024 Performers: SZA, 50 Cent, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, J.I.D., Lil Yatchy, Schoolboy Q, Sexyy Red, Jeremiah, Rema, Jeezy, Monica, and more.
EmpowHER Festival (Los Angeles, CA) - May 10, 2025
Kehlani
Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage
EmpowHER Festival isn’t just a festival; it’s a movement celebrating women’s empowerment, creativity, and artistry. Set in the heart of Los Angeles, this one-day extravaganza brings together female artists for a day of unforgetttable performances. While this is the inaugural festival, the incredible lineup includes trailblazers like Kehlani and Jazmine Sullivan making it a must-attend for those passionate about female empowerment.
Early bird General Admission (GA) tickets are currently available at a 20% discount, bringing the price to under $200. As the festival date approaches, ticket prices are expected to increase, so securing your spot early is recommended. For the most up-to-date ticket information and purchases, visit the official EmpowHER website or authorized ticket vendors.
2025 Performers: Kehlani, Jazmine Sullivan, Normani, Saweetie, Flo Milli, and more.
Roots Picnic (Philadelphia, PA) - May 31-June 1, 2025
Curated by the legendary Roots crew, Roots Picnic is a melting pot of music, culture, and activism. Having grooved my way through its vibrant atmosphere before, I can attest to its eclectic lineups that span genres from hip-hop to indie rock. The 2025 edition promises to uphold this tradition, with anticipated performances from both established and emerging artists.
Ticket information and lineup announcements are typically released closer to the event date. Philadelphia’s rich history and vibrant food scene further enhance the festival experience, offering attendees a chance to explore the city’s cultural landmarks and culinary offerings.
2025 Performers: D’Angelo, Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, GloRilla, Miguel, Tems, Latto, Kaytranada, Jeezy, Pusha T & 2 Chainz, Musiq Soulchild, The Roots, and more.
2024 Performers: Jill Scott, Lil Wayne, Nas, Victoria Monét, Gunna, Fantasia, Muni Long, Method Man & Redman, Scarface, Amerie, Sexyy Red, Babyface, Wale, Tyla, and more.
BET Experience (Los Angeles, CA) - June 5-8, 2025
Cardi B
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
The BET Experience is a multi-day celebration leading up to the annual BET Awards, featuring concerts, celebrity panels, and interactive exhibits. Held in Los Angeles, this event captures the essence of Black culture and entertainment.
Details about the 2025 lineup and ticket pricing are yet to be announced, but past experiences have included performances by top artists and exclusive access to industry events, making it a cornerstone event for music lovers.
2025 Performers: TBA
2024 Performers: Cardi B, Gunna, Davido, Sexyy Red, The Roots, Queen Latifah, Common, and more.
Essence Fest (New Orleans, LA) - July 3-6, 2025
Essence Fest, affectionately known as the “party with a purpose,” is a vibrant celebration of Black culture, music, and empowerment. My previous escapades at this festival were nothing short of magical, with its blend of soulful performances, enlightening panel discussions, and a community atmosphere that feels like a family reunion. The 2025 edition is expected to feature a stellar lineup of artists, though official announcements are pending.
Tickets typically range from General Admission to VIP packages, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. Set in the lively city of New Orleans, attendees can also immerse themselves in the local culture, savoring Creole cuisine and exploring historic sites, making it a holistic cultural experience.
2025 Performers: TBA
2024 Performers: Birdman, Usher, Janet Jackson, The Roots, Mickey Guyton, Busta Rhymes, Charlie Wilson, Victoria Monét, SWV, Frankie Beverly, Tank, Ginuwine, Tyrese, and more.
Broccoli City Festival (Washington, D.C.) – July 12-13, 2025
Victoria Monét
Photo by Kaitlyn Morris/Getty Images
If you’re looking for a festival that brings the vibes and the vision, Broccoli City Festival is it! Taking over Washington, D.C., this two-day celebration is more than just a music festival—it’s a movement. Dedicated to uplifting Black culture, sustainability, and community empowerment, BC Fest blends fire performances with social impact, making you feel good inside and out.
The 2025 lineup is still under wraps, but if past years are any indication (think: Lil Wayne, Megan Thee Stallion, and Burna Boy), we’re in for a show. Plus, with D.C. as the backdrop, you already know the food is going to be top-tier. Expect local eats, poppin’ day parties, and a city full of festival-goers keeping the energy high all weekend long. Whether you’re there for the music, the mission, or just the chance to rock a fly festival fit, BC Fest is a must for your summer lineup.
2025 Performers: TBA
2024 Performers: Megan Thee Stallion, Victoria Monét, Gunna, Kaytranada, Party Next Door, Lil Yaychy, Teezo Touchdown, Fridayy, Skilla Baby, Sexyy Red, Key Glock, and more.
One Music Fest (Atlanta, GA) - October TBA, 2025
As an Atlanta native, One Music Fest holds a special place in my heart. This festival has consistently showcased a diverse array of artists, reflecting the rich musical heritage of the city. While the exact dates and lineup for 2025 are yet to be confirmed, past festivals have featured a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and alternative acts that cater to a wide audience.
Ticket pricing and performer details will be announced as the event approaches. In the meantime, festival-goers can look forward to exploring Atlanta’s dynamic food scene and cultural landmarks, making it a holistic experience that celebrates both music and community
2025 Performers: TBA
2024 Performers: Latto, Gunna, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Nelly, Victoria Monet, GloRilla, Keyshia Cole, Sexyy Red, Ari Lennox, Fantasia, Method Man & Redman, and more.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Mario Skraban/Getty Images
RELATED
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage
