Broccoli City Weekend is the hottest, independent, Black-owned festival in America. The brand is gearing up for its seventh installment of the popular weekend bash in Washington, D.C. in April.
We’ve got you covered on what to expect throughout the weekend, and how you can also support Black-owned businesses in the process.
While most people automatically equate BC Fest with its music component, the creators are bringing much more to the nation’s capital in 2019. Travel Noire spoke with the founder of Broccoli City, Brandon McEachern, to get firsthand knowledge on what attendees can expect.
“This is our seventh year, so it is going to be the biggest yet. We’re moving to FedExField this year, which is crazy seeing as though we are still an independent, Black-owned festival,” McEachern says.
“This year is about more than just the music component. The ‘Broccoli Con’ is our way to bring knowledge to others in our community and to signify the importance of other industries by highlighting their integration and impact, not just singled to music. Things like entrepreneurship, community-involved businesses, and partnerships formed from creative ventures will be a focus,” McEachern explains. “We’re providing tools and connecting like minds all in one place. We have Kevin “Coach K” Lee as a speaker. He’s the manager to some of the hottest artists out right now. In addition to a host of other top industry leaders.”
As far as the weekend itinerary, here’s what will take place:
- Broccoli Con (April 25th-26th): The hub where more than 750 of the world’s most influential leaders will gather to focus intently on leveraging resources and relationships to address the greatest challenges facing urban communities today, #BroccoliCon2019 attendees will explore the power and potential of collaboration through the theme “You Can’t “B” What You Can’t “C”” by asking the fundamental question: How can millennials, when equipped with the same tools, resources and access as older generations, contribute to more sustainable and resilient urban communities?
- BC All Night (April 26th): The festival kickoff celebration will be hosted by Wild N’ Out’s B.Simone and I Am Zoie and will feature a special Broccoli City edition of the user-generated concert experience, TRAP Karaoke and live performances from Trippie Redd, Tobe Nwigwe, Bri Steves, and OG Chase B. This takes place at FedExField, 1600 Fedex Way, Landover, MD 20785.
- BC Festival (April 27th): #BCWeekend2019 all ends with the seventh annual festival at FedExField, 1600 Fedex Way, Landover, MD 20785. The lineup features a show-stopping roster including Childish Gambino, Lil’ Wayne, Ella Mai, 6lack, Lil Baby, Teyana Taylor, WizKid, Gunna, City Girls, YBN Cordae, Ade, and New Impressionz.
While you’re in Washington, be sure to check out some of the Black-owned businesses around the city. Washington, D.C. is a city full of culture, and there are tons of Black-owned and Black-centered businesses in the area.
You can check out our suggestions here. In addition to these businesses, the Broccoli City guys want to add two newcomers to the list: Turning Natural (located on H Street NE) as well as Kith and Kin at the Wharf. Of course, Broccoli Bar will be in full swing during the weekend too.
Related: Broccoli Fest, &Pizza Come Together To Launch Broccoli Bar In D.C.
If you haven’t snagged your ticket, you can still earn one by giving back to the community.
“We have a mobile app, ChipN, that allows people to earn coins by giving back to the community. Whether it’s picking up trash or helping to paint a mural, people can get rewarded for helping others,” Brandon tells us.
“You can exchange the coins that you earn for tickets to events like BC Fest and AfroPunk. We want to promote getting active in the community.”
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