The Festival That Changed the Game: J. Cole’s Dreamville Brings Stars, Stories, and Soul

J. Cole performing at Dreamville Festival - Credit: Dreamville Festival (Website)

Sierra Pope | Multimedia News Intern 

3-minute Read

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – The harmony of musical instruments travels through the air, glistening lights illuminate the stage, and fans roar with excitement as hundreds of cameras capture every moment. This thrilling scene defines Dreamville Festival, founded by J. Cole, a 40-year-old American rapper and record producer, in 2018. 

“If you’ve never been, imagine a large-scale multi-stage festival featuring performances from some of the biggest names in music merged with a family-style cookout where everyone feels welcome and has a seat at the table,” Dreamville’s team stated online. “ALL are welcome at Dreamville Festival!”

Fireworks bursting in the sky at Dreamville Festival - Credit: Dreamville Festival (Website)

Attendees recording with their phones at Dreamville Festival - Credit: David Menconi

Since the launch, the festival has taken place at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina–J. Cole’s home state, bringing Black art to life, while making room for diverse communities by way of fan experiences.

Additionally, the festival highlights an array of independently-owned businesses, as well as artisans, muralists, merchants, and community organizations based in North Carolina. The blend of creativity through music, business, and storytelling gives individuals a taste of Raleigh’s culture.

“I would argue that this is the biggest event that happens in North Carolina outside of the State Fair,” Jamari Cortez, better known as DJ JamxliVe, explained to Kristen Johnson. “Dreamville feels like a safe space for people to not only go see the artists they love, but also hang out and just be reunited with everybody that they haven’t seen and care about.”

Attendees posing for pictures at Dreamville Festival - Credit: Live Nation for Brands (Website)

The festival serves as an annual reunion for J. Cole’s American record label, Dreamville Records, hosting a plethora of popular entertainers like Big Sean, Nicki Minaj, SZA, Lil Baby, T-Pain, Ari Lennox, Usher, Summer Walker, Glorilla, and Burna Boy.

Recently, Dreamville has announced its 2025 lineup, which is set to be the festival’s final year. The list features Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, Erykah Badu, and of course J. Cole himself, beginning Saturday, April 5th.

Tickets are on sale now, and may be purchased here.

Undoubtedly, Dreamville is more than a music festival–it is a celebration of cultural possibilities where legacy and love collide. Whether you are a first-time attendee or returning for 2025, J. Cole’s goal is for people to find deeper connections through the power of music.