J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival to remain in North Carolina
For years, Dreamville Festival has been one of hip-hop’s most beloved live events—part homecoming, part celebration of artistry, and always packed with unforgettable performances. And while fans were bracing for goodbye in 2025 after months of promotion about it being the “final year,” the script flipped in the best way possible.
At a press conference on April 3, 2025, just ahead of the festival weekend, organizers dropped a bombshell: Dreamville Festival is staying in Raleigh. Not just for one more year, but through at least 2029, thanks to a multi-year partnership with the city.
From Farewell Tour to Fresh Start
When promotions for the 2025 festival began, the messaging was clear: this was supposed to be the “last dance.” Fans from all over the world rushed to buy tickets, hoping to be part of Dreamville’s grand sendoff.
But behind the scenes, plans were shifting.
Festival producer Sascha Stone Guttfreund, who works closely with both Dreamville and Live Nation, confirmed at the press conference that this year’s “farewell” messaging was premature.
“We’re going to be here for years to come,” said Guttfreund. “This is a multi-year deal, and we’re so excited to be working with the city of Raleigh together on something new and exciting.”
That “something new” refers not only to the continuation of the festival but potentially a rebranding or evolution of the Dreamville experience. Organizers remain tight-lipped on what that looks like just yet, but it’s clear they plan to build on the culture and community that has made Dreamville Festival special since its debut in 2019.
A Boost for the Local Economy and Culture
Keeping Dreamville in Raleigh isn’t just a win for hip-hop fans—it’s a huge boost to the local economy.
Since launching, the festival has brought tens of thousands of visitors to North Carolina’s capital each year. Local hotels book out for miles. Restaurants, shops, and ride-share drivers all get a slice of the pie. According to city officials, Dreamville Festival generates millions of dollars in economic impact annually.
“We’re going to continue on the same path that’s been successful for us,” said Raleigh City Manager Marchell Adams-David. “Our consumers have told us what they like, and we’re going to try to provide that to them for the next four years.”
City leaders clearly see the festival as more than a weekend of music. It’s an anchor event that showcases Raleigh’s ability to host large-scale cultural experiences. And now that the partnership extends through 2029, the city can plan for future growth and innovation around the festival.
J. Cole’s Continued Role in Dreamville’s Evolution
Although J. Cole headlined the 2025 edition and remains the face of Dreamville, he may not perform every year moving forward—and that’s okay.
“He will obviously be involved, whether or not he headlines,” said Adams-David. “He is totally committed to this community and totally committed to this festival.”
That commitment has never wavered. Even as Cole’s profile has skyrocketed—from Grammy wins to international acclaim—he’s kept his roots in North Carolina. For many fans, Dreamville Festival feels like a family reunion, and that’s exactly how Dreamville co-founder Ibrahim “Ib” Hamad describes it.
“We call it our family reunion,” Ib said. “I think a lot of people from all over the world and from all 50 states come in, and it’s good to be able to do it here in North Carolina.”
That sense of community-first energy is what makes Dreamville stand out in a sea of generic music festivals.
Dreamville Festival 2025: A Weekend to Remember
This year’s Dreamville Festival, held April 5–6 at Dorothea Dix Park, was a perfect example of why this event resonates with so many.
Saturday’s lineup featured hip-hop royalty and Southern legends:
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Lil Wayne brought out the Hot Boys (Juvenile, Turk, B.G.) and Big Tymers (Mannie Fresh and Birdman) for a true New Orleans reunion.
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Ludacris delivered a high-energy, nostalgic set.
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21 Savage, Chief Keef, and Ari Lennox also impressed with sharp performances.
Sunday’s vibe leaned into diversity and soul:
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J. Cole closed the festival with a career-spanning set that felt both reflective and forward-looking.
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Erykah Badu mesmerized the crowd with her neo-soul wizardry.
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Rising stars like Tems, GloRilla, and Coco Jones gave fans a glimpse of music’s future.
And of course, the Dreamville Records crew showed out: J.I.D., Bas, Lute, EarthGang, Cozz, and more made sure the home team was well-represented.
What’s Next for Dreamville Festival?
Now that the festival is confirmed to stay in Raleigh through 2029, fans are naturally wondering: What will change? What will stay the same?
Here’s what we know so far:
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The location stays: Dorothea Dix Park remains home base, offering a beautiful, accessible outdoor setting for music lovers.
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J. Cole will remain involved, even if not always on stage.
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The festival may undergo a rebranding or structural refresh, but the core mission—celebrating music, culture, and community—will stay intact.
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Future lineups will continue to blend legends, current stars, and rising talent, consistent with Dreamville’s reputation for taste-making.
The team behind the event has proven they understand the balance between commercial success and cultural authenticity. That’s rare in today’s festival landscape, and it’s a big reason why Dreamville is sticking around while other festivals falter.
Why Dreamville’s Longevity Matters
Music festivals come and go. Trends shift. Lineups get stale. Logistics break down.
But Dreamville has managed to defy the odds—not just by staying relevant, but by deepening its roots. The festival’s success offers a blueprint for others:
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Put community first
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Evolve with intention
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Blend nostalgia with innovation
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Stay grounded in authenticity
In that sense, Dreamville isn’t just a festival. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem. One that supports local business, inspires emerging artists, and offers fans a place to belong.
As long as that spirit stays alive, Dreamville Festival won’t just survive—it’ll thrive.
From a Moment to a Movement
Dreamville Festival’s story is no longer just about music—it’s about legacy. What began as a bold idea from a North Carolina native is now a landmark event with global pull and local pride.
Whether you’re a die-hard J. Cole fan, a curious newcomer, or a Raleigh resident who’s seen the city evolve, there’s something magnetic about Dreamville.
And now, with a future that stretches to 2029 and beyond, fans can look forward to new experiences, unforgettable lineups, and that irreplaceable feeling of home.
