MEFeater went to the Broccoli City Festival this past weekend, and it did not disappoint! The girls, gays, and theys were out in their best fits enjoying live music, local DMV fare, and activations from some of our favorite brands.
Issa Rae, an official host of Broccoli Fest weekend, popped out and popped champagne at her Viarae and Sienna Naturals activation on day one of the festival. She was joined by Sienna Naturals Co-founder, and her sister-in-law, Hannah Diop. Attendees were given Sephora goodie bags that featured Sienna Naturals samples and a fan to keep cool in the summer heat. On the opposite side of the activation, beautifully melanated men were pouring a summer-inspired, champagne cocktail infused with Issa’s Viarae Prosecco.
Viarae wasn’t the only alcohol partner to grace the grounds of the Audi Field. Hennessy, Jack Daniels, Beatbox, and more pulled up with activations this year. Jack Daniels leaned into AI, allowing festival-goers to create custom bags by answering a few questions about themselves; an AI generator then created an image based on answers to the questions.
Walmart showed up in a mega way for Black creators with their “The Shoutout” activation, prompting people to “be a megaphone for the Black creators you love.” Here, attendees created t-shirts supporting their favorite Black creators while scoring product samples from The Shop and Black Girl Sunscreen.
Shea Moisture brought “Camp Shea” to the festival offering touch-ups, spa water, and of course, samples of their Amla Oil line. They even had a loctician on site!
While there were many exciting ways to interact with brands, the festival came with an impressive lineup of musical talent this year. Day one featured Skilla Baby, Amaarae, and a country hoedown with Tanner Adell.
Later in the evening festival-goers were given the chance to sing for Bryson Tiller at Trapsoul Karaoke– and the mic was on! Karaoke was followed by Lil Yachty and The Concrete Boys. Fans appeared to be disappointed at the absence of Karrahbooo. Days later, Lil Yachty announced that she had split from the group.
In an Instagram live the rapper states “We have decided to split ways with Karrah…I wish Karrah the best in her career.”
PartyNextDoor also graced Broccoli City’s Converse stage with a sexy nighttime performance. However, things got even hotter just before the show’s closer, Megan Thee Stallion, came on stage.
The “Houston Hottie” was preceded by Texas Congresswoman, Jasmine Crockett, who had a message for voters in the audience. “As my soror has already said, you got one ‘Black job’ in November. Your one ‘Black job’ in November is to make sure you show up and vote.”
Congresswoman Crockett then urged audience members to visit iwillvote.com if they have any questions about voting so that they can be informed and show up to the polls in November. She also brought attention to the senseless murder of Sonya Massey at the hands of the police.
“It is time for a change in this country,” she exclaimed. “But we’re not going to get that change until we change the lawmakers!”
On day two of the festival, Baby Tate brought the vocals and baby doll vibes to her set. Uncle Waffles later lit up the City Stage with her electric Amapiano mixes and energetic dance moves.
Fans later flocked to the field at the Converse Stage to turn up with Sexyy Red during her set. Gunna closed with a performance on Sunday, and Victoria Monét was a highlight of the weekend. In addition to an amazing performance of hits from her catalog, Victoria gave fans a guest appearance from her adorable daughter, Hazel Monét, and a tribute to Aaliyah with a dance break to a version of “Are You That Somebody.”
Overall, Broccoli City Festival was a weekend full of culture, melanin, and Black empowerment that brought people together from all over the country and all walks of life. MEFeater is looking forward to what next year’s festival will bring!
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