🎉 Event Overview
Official Name: Broccoli City Festival
Location: Washington, D.C.
Venue: RFK Festival Grounds
Dates: Saturday, July 27 – Sunday, July 28, 2025
Broccoli City Festival (BCFest) is more than just a music festival—it’s a movement. As one of the nation’s leading Black-owned, millennial-focused festivals, BCFest blends the high energy of hip-hop and R&B with a strong emphasis on sustainability, community wellness, economic empowerment, and Black cultural celebration. Held annually in Washington, D.C., Broccoli City Festival draws thousands of attendees who come not just for the music, but to be inspired, empowered, and connected.
🕰️ History and Background
Founded in 2013 by Brandon McEachern and Marcus Allen, Broccoli City started as an Earth Day celebration aimed at promoting environmental justice and health awareness in Black and Brown communities. What began as a small, conscious gathering has evolved into a full-fledged cultural powerhouse—featuring top-tier talent, wellness expos, pitch competitions, and one of the largest volunteer mobilizations for Black millennials in the U.S.
Notable milestones include:
- 2018: Expansion to a full weekend experience with a 5K Run & Fitness Day, panels, and community service events.
- 2022: Broccoli City Week launched, adding programming like the BroccoliCon business summit, BLK Change Weekend, and mental wellness experiences.
- 2024: Broccoli City Festival sold out with over 40,000 attendees, headlined by Megan Thee Stallion and Brent Faiyaz.
✨ Why You Should Attend
Cultural Impact + Social Mission = Broccoli City Magic
Broccoli City Festival stands at the intersection of music, innovation, and social impact. This isn’t just about vibes—it’s about creating change through joy. Whether you’re dancing to your favorite headliner, building a business connection at BroccoliCon, or participating in a community cleanup, you’re part of a larger purpose.
Key Attractions:
- Main Stage Performances: Top-tier artists in hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeat
- BroccoliCon Summit: Networking and empowerment conference with Black founders, tech innovators, and creatives
- BLK Change Weekend: Community service events and volunteer opportunities
- Wellness Zone: Meditation, yoga, fitness classes, and mental health resources
- Marketplace: Black-owned brands, local artists, and eco-conscious vendors
- Food Village: A curated selection of Black-owned food trucks and vendors
🔥 What to Expect in 2025
Headliners & Featured Artists (TBA in early Spring 2025)
Previous lineups have included Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, Childish Gambino, Ari Lennox, and Burna Boy—expect more heat this year.
Themed Areas:
- The Roots Stage: Live bands, soul, and conscious rap
- BLK Market Pavilion: A celebration of Black entrepreneurship
- Green Room Lounge: Eco-conscious brand activations and chill zones
- Broccoli Talks: Panel discussions on tech, health, policy, and community power
Schedule Highlights:
- Friday, July 25: BroccoliCon Summit (Howard University or National Union Building)
- Saturday & Sunday, July 27–28: Festival gates open 1 PM – 11 PM
- After Dark: Official after-parties with surprise DJs and pop-up guests
Tickets & Pricing:
- GA: Starts at $119/day
- VIP: From $249/day – includes express entry, private viewing, premium lounges
- Platinum: Access to artist lounge, open bar, and backstage hangout
Tickets: www.BroccoliCityFestival.com/tickets
✈️ Travel & Logistics
Airports:
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – 20 mins from venue
- Washington Dulles (IAD) – 45 mins
- Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) – 50 mins
Getting Around:
- Metro Access: RFK Festival Grounds is metro-accessible (Stadium-Armory Station)
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft pick-up zones designated
- Bike & Scooter Rentals: Lime, Bird, and Capital Bikeshare all available
🏨 Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels:
- Luxury: The LINE DC, Hotel Zena, Waldorf Astoria Washington
- Boutique/Affordable: Motto by Hilton, Hotel Hive, Eaton DC
- Budget-Friendly: Hampton Inn NE, Holiday Inn Express Downtown
Look out for partnered hotels on Broccoli City’s website offering festival discounts.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Nearby Black-Owned Favorites:
- Busboys and Poets: Food + culture hub for brunch or dinner
- Ben’s Chili Bowl: D.C. staple
- KitchenCray Café: Elevated soul food
- NuVegan Café: Vegan comfort food loved by artists and locals alike
On-Site Eats:
Expect food vendors featuring jerk chicken, vegan tacos, crab cakes, empanadas, and sweet treats like funnel cake and pineapple lemonade.
🧠 Tips for First-Timers
- Dress Code: Streetwear meets festival chic—comfortable sneakers a must
- Weather: July is hot and humid—hydration packs and sunblock encouraged
- Safety & Vibes: Security is tight but friendly—respect the vibe and look out for one another
- Connectivity: Download the Broccoli City App for maps, artist times, alerts, and networking opportunities
📱 Stay Connected
- Official Website: www.BroccoliCityFestival.com
- Instagram: @BroccoliCity
- Twitter/X: @BroccoliCity
- TikTok & YouTube: Search “Broccoli City Festival”
- Hashtags: #BroccoliCity2025 #BCFest25 #GreenIsTheNewBlack
- Community App: Join the BC App for updates and to connect with other festivalgoers
📝 Final Notes
Tickets & Registration:
Tickets go on sale February 15, 2025. Get yours early—BCFest sells out fast!
Grab Tickets Here »
Vendor & Press Info:
- Vendor Applications Deadline: April 30, 2025
- Performer Submissions: By March 15, 2025
- Media/Press Credentials: Apply by May 1, 2025
Health & Safety:
Broccoli City prioritizes your health. Enhanced sanitation stations, water refill zones, and optional mask zones will be in place. Follow @BroccoliCity for any COVID-related updates.
✅ Mark Your Calendar!
Broccoli City Festival 2025 is where culture, community, and change come together. Whether you’re coming for the music, the mission, or the movement, you’ll leave feeling inspired and recharged. Don’t just attend—be part of something bigger.
🎫 Tickets: BroccoliCityFestival.com/tickets
📆 July 27–28, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
📣 Spread the word. Tag your crew. Let’s grow something great together.
