Take your favorite hip-hop playlist, add a ferris wheel, a psychedelic geometric dome and gorgeous spring weather, and you’ll get Dreamville: a music festival that feels like the high school hometown carnival that still tugs your nostalgic nerves, only with a chart-topping lineup. Remember sifting colorful stripes of sand into a glass bottle and French-kissing your poster of Drake in 2005? Dreamville updates it for 2024 (and adults) with some pretty wild sand sculptures that you can admire on your way to scream for your fave rapper live — and while drinking something that came from a glass bottle.
The festival takes place at Dorothea Dix Park, a giant, sunny green space in the heart of Raleigh, N.C. It’s co-organized by rapper and Raleigh native J. Cole and his manager Ibrahim Hamad (who also co-founded Dreamville Records). Many returning festival staff and performers are also long-time Dreamville collaborators, keeping the vibe on point with a notable sense of community and friendship. The one-big-party-with-your-bffs vibe isn’t just on the field, it’s on stage as well: last year, J. Cole and Drake brought up several special guests during their headlining set, including GloRilla, Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Wayne. With Usher leading the lineup on Saturday, it’s no wonder this hometown hip hop fest drew a small city’s worth of fans.
Within the gates, vendors include more than 50 local independent makers, businesses and restaurants. And while Raleigh’s Uber network reportedly crashed (though it might have been from bad cell service), the festival is generally a huge plus for the local economy: visiting crowds brought in $6.7 million in 2022.
As of February 2024, this spring’s lineup has yet to be released, leaving fans on social media a little hot and bothered (understandable). But Nicki Minaj is confirmed to be in Raleigh on April 7th, so uh, this starship will fly.
The Specs
- About 100,000 music lovers attended the Dreamville weekend in 2023.
- 2-Day GA passes start at $300. Various VIP packages are also for sale. Read about all of the options here.
- Dreamville 2024 will have an app. Keep up-to-date here.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Raleigh.
FAQs
Where is Dreamville 2024 located?
At Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603.
What is the closest airport to Dreamville?
Fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), which is about 16 miles (18 minutes driving) from Dorothea Dix Park and Downtown Raleigh.
What can I bring? What should I leave at home?
Small bags and empty reusable water bottles are allowed. Larger bags and backpacks must be clear.
Which artists are on the Dreamville 2024 lineup?
The lineup this year includes SZA, Chris Brown, J.I.D, Lil Yachty, SchoolBoy Q, Sexyy Red, Jeremih, Earthgang, Teezo, Touchdown, Amaarae, Lute, Luh Tyler, Domani, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Rema, Jeezy, Monica, Rae Sremmurd, Key Glock, Bas, Muni Long, Cozz, Omen, Tiacorine, and Chase Shakur.
Poster
Playlists