Broccoli City, a celebrated beacon of community and culture, has long captivated music enthusiasts across the DMV (if you know, you know). Known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic lineup, the festival has become a must-attend event for those seeking a unique musical experience. This year marked a bold new chapter as their festival moved from the now-closed RFK Stadium to the dynamic Audi Field in Washington, DC.
Reflecting on my experience at Broccoli City’s festival in 2016—when Future’s hits ruled the radio and The Internet was still performing—the festival signaled DC’s arrival on the national music stage, creating lasting memories and a strong sense of community. However, recent years have seen growing skepticism, with last year’s 10th-anniversary festival facing criticism for issues like attendee health problems, technical glitches, headliner cancellations, and long will-call lines. With ticket prices now over $200, the pressure was on for Broccoli City to address these concerns and restore its reputation.
The 2024 event boldly highlighted Black women, featuring powerhouse artists like Amaarae, Tanner Adell, Baby Tate, Victoria Monét, Sexyy Red, and Megan Thee Stallion. Each performer captivated thousands, filling the arena with powerful, joyful energy. The festival went beyond music, embodying Broccoli City’s mission to amplify Black voices and support Black women, and reinforcing its commitment to celebrating and empowering Black culture.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, sporting a t-shirt with her viral quote, delivered a poignant message, urging awareness of the unlawful killing of Black women and highlighting Sonya Massey’s case. She emphasized the importance of voting in the upcoming election, particularly for Kamala Harris, warning that without young voters’ engagement, Black women would continue to face mistreatment, putting the entire community at risk. Victoria Monét echoed this sentiment in her set, reminding the audience, “Stop everything you’re doing right now and make sure y’all registered to vote, or y’all can’t say nothing!”
Kicking off the festival, Amaarae’s 20-minute set was a standout, featuring hits like “Princess Going Digital” and “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY.” She made it special by inviting fans on stage, creating an intimate, slumber party-like atmosphere as the crowd sang along. Tanner Adell brought a touch of country to the festival, captivating concertgoers with dance steps and a fun, lighthearted vibe that offered a refreshing contrast.
Closing the show on Saturday night, Megan Thee Stallion—emphasis on THEE—performed the final leg of her Hot Girl Summer Tour. Dressed in a dazzling blue, bedazzled ensemble with a cowboy hat and boots, she captivated the crowd with a high-energy set featuring tracks like “Mamasushi” and “Hiss,” along with fan favorites such as “Freak Nasty,” “Big Ole Freak,” and “Cognac Queen.” Her vibrant performance left the arena buzzing with excitement long after the final note.
Among the crowd, I found solace in women reveling in the festival with their friends. There was dancing, twerking, and celebration, all while embracing the moments and the vibrant community spirit we were now a part of. I would glance around and spot several people wearing the same jersey as me. Rather than shy away, we’d excitedly shout, “TWIN, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?” I even ended up making a fun TikTok video with one of them in the girls’ bathroom.
Day two brought a fresh wave of energy with an unforgettable set from Baby Tate. Although I hadn’t listened to her before, she quickly became a staple in my rotation. Her stage presence was magnetic, as if she was born to perform. Despite the peak heat of 90 degrees, concertgoers initially sought refuge in the shade, but gradually emerged to join the vibrant crowd. From start to finish, people danced and sang along, and Baby Tate’s mic was on point throughout. She ran her vocals up and down with flawless precision, never missing a beat and truly commanding the stage.
Sexyy Red’s performance was mesmerizing, not in the act itself, but in how she seemed genuinely happy to be there and having fun on stage. It felt more like a high-energy dance party than a typical set. Some concertgoers turned to me and said, “This is very tame compared to what she did at her BET performance,” but nevertheless, they danced the entire time. She brought the crowd back to life during her hits “Shake Dat A$$,” “Pound Town,” and “SkeeYee.” As she twerked off the stage, she kept the energy high even after she was gone.
Finally, Victoria Monét took the stage. Despite some irritation among concertgoers due to delays, her entrance in a stunning bedazzled brown suit and top hat quickly set the tone for an unforgettable performance. Starting with “Alright,” which fans wanted as a duet with KAYTRANADA before his set was cut short, Monét delivered a standout show. Fresh off of her Grammy and BET wins, she did not come to play! Her set featured a mix of classics and a Caribbean-inspired rendition of “Party Girls,” closing with “On My Mama.” As the performance ended, the crowd’s enthusiasm left a palpable sense that the set had finished too soon—everyone was having such a great time that they wished for more.
Black women were at the forefront of Broccoli City, in a truly powerful way. Where the festival may have lacked in communication, technical difficulties, and performance delays, they delivered in adoration and appreciation for US unlike anything I’ve seen at a festival in a while. For the festival planners next year, my one suggestion would be to truly dig into the DC roots. The region is rich with potential and untapped talent that could have highlighted the local culture even more. While the festival primarily focused on R&B and rap, it overlooked other genres like jazz, pop, and alternative. Given Broccoli City’s mission to bring communities together, expanding the musical lineup could certainly attract a broader audience.
For natives to the region, the festival missed an opportunity to fully showcase our city’s unique musical heritage. GoGo, the distinctive sound of DC, deserved more prominence. An entire segment dedicated to GoGo on the main stage would have highlighted its significance in the local culture and beyond. Nonetheless, this star-studded roster not only highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing top-tier talent, and reinforces Broccoli City’s role in amplifying Black women and the culture that’s been created as a result.
What can be learned from Broccoli City’s journey is the importance of responsiveness and adaptability in the face of challenges. By embracing feedback and committing to continuous improvement, Broccoli City has the potential to not only overcome its recent hurdles but also to set a new standard for excellence in the festival scene. As the festival embarks on future chapters, it carries with it the hopes and expectations of a dedicated fanbase eager to celebrate the best of the music scene and community in DC.
