In an exciting development for music lovers, J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival is poised to evolve beyond its current iteration, continuing under a different brand name. Originally launched in 2018, the festival has become a staple in the North Carolina music scene, but Cole announced that the festival would end in 2025. However, at a press conference held on April 3, 2025, Sascha Stone Guttfreund from Dreamville and Roc Nation revealed plans for the festival to persist in a new form.
While the exact name of the new festival has yet to be disclosed, Guttfreund expressed enthusiasm about the multi-year deal to bring large-scale music events to Raleigh. “We’re going to be here for years to come. This is a multi-year deal, and we’re so excited to be working with the city of Raleigh together on something new and exciting, and to continue to build on this incredible thing that we’ve done over the years,” he stated, emphasizing the commitment to the local community.
Raleigh City Manager Marchell Adams-David added that the Dreamville brand would still be utilized to some extent, noting Cole’s involvement in the festival’s future. While it’s uncertain whether he will headline the events, his dedication to the Raleigh community and the festival remains strong.
J. Cole’s longtime manager and business partner, Ib Hamad, shared insights into the festival’s spirit, describing it as a “family reunion” for fans and artists alike. “We wanted to keep the feeling of just the community. A lot of people from all over the world and from all 50 states come in, and it’s good to be able to do it here in North Carolina,” he remarked, highlighting the festival’s significance as a gathering place for music lovers.
The new festival will take place at Dorothea Dix Park for at least the next four years, providing a beautiful backdrop for the anticipated events. The final iteration of the Dreamville Festival, set to occur this weekend, will feature an impressive lineup, headlined by J. Cole himself, alongside legendary artists including Lil Wayne (with the Hot Boys and Big Tymers), Erykah Badu, and 21 Savage.
Other notable performers include GloRilla, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Ludacris, Tems, Chief Keef, Wale, Ab-Soul, Young Nudy, Coco Jones, Keyshia Cole, and BigXthaPlug, ensuring a diverse and star-studded experience for attendees. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to see beloved artists from the Dreamville label, such as JID, Ari Lennox, Bas, EarthGang, Cozz, Lute, and Omen.
As the Dreamville Festival transitions to a new chapter, it reflects J. Cole’s and the festival’s ongoing commitment to celebrating music, community, and culture. The evolution of the festival promises to keep the spirit of Dreamville alive while ushering in fresh opportunities for artists and fans alike. As the final Dreamville Festival approaches, excitement is palpable, and the future of music in Raleigh looks bright.
