North Carolina Officials Announce Return of Dreamville Fest with a Fresh Twist

Raleigh City Manager Marchell Adams-David has reassured fans that J. Cole and the team will play a significant role in the ongoing evolution of Dreamville Fest.

Dreamville enthusiasts have an exciting year ahead, with the Dreamville Fest set to kick off in just a few hours today (Saturday, April 5), alongside anticipated projects from J. Cole and J.I.D. Thankfully, it appears that this fifth edition of the music festival won’t be the last, as shared by a festival organizer and a city official during a press conference on Thursday afternoon (April 3). The city has entered into a four-year agreement to host a new music festival in partnership with the label at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park. While Ibrahim Hamad and the festival team hinted that this might be their final event, it looks like a new chapter is beginning instead.

“We’re here for the long haul,” said Sascha Stone Guttfreund, a festival producer with Dreamville Fest and Live Nation, during the press conference. “This partnership spans multiple years, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate with the city of Raleigh on this exciting venture. We’re eager to continue building upon the amazing work we’ve accomplished together over the years.”

Raleigh City Manager Marchell Adams-David shared insights on the direction of the upcoming Dreamville Fest lineup, confirming they plan to stick with what has worked well in the past. “Our focus will remain on hip-hop, R&B, and related genres,” she said, emphasizing that audience preferences will guide their programming for the next four years. Additionally, Adams-David reassured fans that J. Cole is deeply involved in this new phase. “We’re incorporating the Dreamville label to some extent,” she explained.

While it’s uncertain if J. Cole will take the stage as a headliner, Adams-David noted, “He will definitely play a significant role. He’s a local resident and is fully dedicated to our community and this festival.” Event organizer Ib also addressed Dreamville fans, expressing a desire to maintain the sense of community. “We like to think of it as a family reunion. Fans from across the globe and all 50 states come together, and we’re thrilled to host it right here in North Carolina.” Though Dreamville Fest will evolve, the essence of the festival will remain centered on community and a fresh experience.