In Washington, D.C., a lot can happen in one weekend. You could spend your weekend relaxing at home, watching your favorite TV shows and ordering from your favorite restaurant. You could also spend your weekend enjoying electrifying performances from generation-defining artists and entertainers at a Black-owned festival celebrating community and culture through art and boundless joy. If you’d rather do the following, then I have some good news for you. This weekend, the annual Broccoli City Festival will make its debut at Audi Field, home to the DC United and the DC Defenders. Over the course of two days, everyone from Sexyy Red to PARTYNEXTDOOR will grace the stage with support from the likes of renowned content creator Duke Dennis, comedian Funny Marco and best-selling vocalist Bryson Tiller. Not to mention, Issa Rae is set to host the festival’s official kickoff party at Echostage. If that feels like a lot, don’t worry we’ve got you. For those making their way to the nation’s capital solo or for the first time, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Broccoli City Festival?
Website: https://www.bcfestival.com/
Broccoli City is a Black-owned social enterprise rooted in impact and entertainment that focuses on people and progress. We foster creativity and community growth by building innovative experiences that intersect technology, music, art, and social impact. Since its inception, Broccoli City has developed into a national brand that creates and distributes opportunities, education, and resources needed for the upward mobility and social progress of Black and brown communities.
Who’s performing?
The 2024 Broccoli City Festival features a star-studded lineup of world-class entertainers, including GRAMMY Award winners Victoria Monét and Megan Thee Stallion. Leading the way, Megan Thee Stallion, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Lil’ Yachty will headline the first day of the festival with support from Teezo Touchdown, Fridayy, Amaarae, Ryan Trey, Skilla Baby and ChloTheGod. Fans can also enjoy live, interactive experiences like Trapsoul Karaoke with Bryson Tiller, the Hoe Down with Tanner Addell and Coco Butter with Uncle Waffles. To top it all off, Issa Rae will provide the intros as Desi Banks and Funny Marco handle hosting duties.
Day two of Broccoli City Festival will be equally exciting. Headlined by Gunna, Kaytranada and Victoria Monét, the main stage will also feature Sexyy Red, Key Glock, Veeze, Jordan Ward and Joe Kay. Additionally, R&B Only, Duke Dennis and AMP and Everyday People will be in the building. To check out the complete, two-day lineup, please click here.
Where is the 2024 Broccoli City Festival taking place?
Address: 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
After spending time at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds, FedEx Field and several other venues across the area, Broccoli City Festival is headed to Audi Field for the first time. Located in southwest Washington, D.C., the 438,000-square-foot facility holds approximately 20,000 field. Over the years, Audi Field has hosted the UFL’s DC Defenders and the DC United of the MLS. With the new venue, Broccoli City Festival has maintained its ability to host two stages simultaneously while adding a section for Black + Forth, an incubator for people of color from marginalized communities to build and develop businesses. Not to mention, there will be an entire area dedicated to some of the best food trucks and restaurants in the area, including The Bussdown and District Chicken & Gyro.
Can I still get tickets?
Yes, you tickets are still available. However, you should move quickly if you hope to see Gunna perform “fukumean” and Kaytranada perform tracks from his catalog of hits. On the festival’s official website, ingle-day and two-day tickets are available with a full, direct payment or a payment plan. Tickets can also be purchased through resale and additional ticketing platforms such as Stubhub and SeatGeek. However, those acquiring tickets through off-site platforms should research thoroughly before purchasing. Def Pen nor the Broccoli City Festival is responsible if you purchase tickets through second-hand platforms and unverified resellers. To visit the Broccoli City Festival website and purchase a ticket, please click here.
What are the set times?
Earlier this week, Broccoli City issued a list of set times. However, changes are being made in regard to scheduling. Until the official set times are release, check out Broccoli City Festival’s X and Instagram accounts for information.
What should I bring to the venue?
To get through security, all you will need is a ticket. However, you may want to bring an empty water bottle, medication or a bag smaller than 14” by 14” by 6”. Earlier this week, Def Pen Culture Editor Ryan Shepard put together a list of items you may want grab before heading into the venue such as portable charger, earplugs and sunscreen. You can click here to check out “The Grocery List: Last-Minute Items You Need To Upgrade Your Broccoli City Festival Experience” or head to the FAQ section of the event’s official website for more information about what you’re allowed to bring to Audi Field for this year’s Broccoli City Festival.
What am I not allowed to bring to the venue?
We’ve all been there. You get to the front of the line and security lets you know that you can’t bring a valued item inside. On one hand, you may try to bargain with security. However, you’re more than likely going to have to make a tough decision. You’re either going to have to discard the item or find a place to put it until you get back. Fortunately, there’s a way to avoid all of that. Ahead of opening day,, the Broccoli City Festival has let everyone know that several items will not be permitted at Audi Field, including chairs, umbrellas, selfie sticks and outside beverages. For the complete list of prohibited items, please click here.
Are there any official off-site events during the weekend?
Throughout the week, SiR, That Mexican OT and ScHoolboy Q have all graced the stage at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland. As the weekend gets going, the party will head to Echostage as Coco Butter teams up with Insecure creator and Hollywood mogul Issa Rae for the official Broccoli City Festival kickoff. For more information about the party or the process of purchasing tickets, please click here.
What can I do when I’m not at the festival?
The doors to Audi Field will not open until the mid-afternoon, but that doesn’t mean your day has to start and end in southeast Washington, D.C. While many know Washington, D.C. as the home of the federal government, there’s a lot more to enjoy in Chocolate City than just Capitol Hill and the monuments. From some of the nation’s best brunch spots to first-class barbers that can get your hairline together at a moment’s notice, Washington, D.C. has everything you need to fully enjoy your visit to the nation’s capital. Here a few recommendations from staff writers Ryan Shepard and Danielle Germain.
Hotels
Eaton
Website: https://www.eatonworkshop.com/
Location: 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Coda On Half
Website: https://www.codaonhalf.com/
Location: 41 L St SE, Washington, DC 20003
AC Hotel Capitol Hill
Website: https://www.marriott.com/default.mi
Location: 867 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club
Hours: Saturday — 8:30 AM-10 PM | Sunday — 8:30 AM-10 PM
Location: 8240 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Shaw’s Tavern
Hours: Saturday — 10 AM-11:30 PM | Sunday — 10 AM-10 PM
Address: 520 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Chef Shad’s Food Truck
For hours and location, please visit Chef Shad’s Food Truck’s Instagram and official website.
Dispensaries
Mary and Main
Hours: Saturday — 10 AM-9 PM | Sunday — 10 AM-6 PM
Address: 8801 Hampton Mall Drive North, Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743
Columbia Care Chevy Chase
Hours: Saturday — 12-5 PM | Sunday — Closed
Address: 4609 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Barbershops
Manifest
Hours: Saturday — 9 AM-8 PM | Sunday 9 AM-7 PM
Location: 1807 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Millennium Salon
Hours: Saturday — Closed | Sunday — 8 AM-2 PM
Address: 920 Gist Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Signature Cuts and Shave
Hours: Saturday — 9 AM-8 PM | Sunday 10 AM-5 PM
Address: 1019 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hairstylists
The Deluxe Parlour by Nay
Contact: 202-486-1874
Location: Washington, D.C.
Styles By Tima
Contact: (323) 632-9025
Location: Hyattsville, Maryland
Braids By ABC
Hours: Saturday — 7:30 AM-6:30 PM | Sunday — 7:30 AM-6:30 PM
Location(s): 1312 Randolph St NW, Washington, DC | 3933 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC
Nail Techs
Painted By Jaeling
Hours: Saturday — 9 AM-6 PM | Sunday — 11 AM-6 PM
Location: Washington, DC
MYE Eyelash Extension & Nails
Contact: 202-344-7393
Location: 1744 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC 20009
Trendy Nails & Spa
Contact: 240-641-8625
Location: 8661 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
