J. Cole released "Carolina on my Mind" on his debut mixtape in 2007, and now the famed rapper leads one of NC's most anticipated annual events: Dreamville Festival at Dorothea Dix Park.

Keep reading to navigate this outdoor weekend music celebration, featuring a star-studded lineup, Saturday, April 6 + Sunday, April 7.

Lineup

Chris Brown will no longer headline with SZA on Saturday — 50 Cent will fill the rapper's shoes alongside the "Good Days" R&B artist. Saturday performers also include JID of Dreamville Records, Lil Yachty, ScHoolboy Q, and more.

The weekend will come to a close with headliners Nicki Minaj and J. Cole on Sunday — but during the day, performers like Rema, Jeezy, and Monica will light up the stage.

J. Cole is featured in "The Mount Rapmore of the 2010s" mural. | Photo by RALtoday

Food, bev + art

With an emphasis on community, this festival has attractions, carnival rides, and immersive art installations for all to enjoy. Five muralists were selected by Artsplosure to create large-scale masterpieces to be installed in the park. Plus, there will be more than 50 restaurants, food trucks, and other food vendors to dig into like HotBox Pizza and Buoy Bowls.

FAQs

Festival gates will open at noon on both days — make sure to familiarize yourself with what is and is not allowed inside the park. Park reentry will not be permitted, and the only official event parking is available at NC State's Centennial Campus for $50 per day. We recommend finding free parking then scooting, biking, or walking, if possible.

Closures

Closed until Saturday, April 13 | NC State's Kendall Circle + Bender Street
Closed until Friday, April 12 | The Big Field at Dix Park; and Biggs Drive from Blair Drive to Goode Street
Closed from Friday, April 5 at 10 p.m. until Monday, April 8 at 6 p.m. | All of Dix Park