Broccoli City. This festival is a little different from most, it is only one day with very few artists. It happens every year at the end of April, and for this upcoming year it will be on the 28th. The festival is hosted in RFK Festival Grounds in Washington D.C. The artists don't perform in the stadium but rather around it. It is almost like one big musical tailgate with two stages that are within close proximity to one another.
There is a lot more meaning to the phrase, Broccoli City, than just a music festival. It is originally an organization that hosts different events that include a festival. The general goal of Broccoli City is to educate the next generations in "higher standard of sustainable living, environmental education, economic opportunity, and access to high quality food and shelter." They want to make bettering the environment and living practically something millennials and future generations find 'cool' to participate in and practice. The festival was first started in 2013 to promote Earth Day but it grew so large that over 30,000 people are now attending.
The festival is small and is more like one day full of multiple concerts, but there are may events that precede the final day that make up what is called 'Broccoli City Week'. On the Saturday prior to the festival a 5k run is held. Then on Thursday and Friday during the day there is a broccoli conference as well as a social. The conference is very interesting and discusses a lot of topics concerning sustainability, minority gaps and next generation concerns. But on both nights there are events, dinners, games and places to hangout. On the final night, Saturday, is when the artists perform.
This upcoming year's lineup consists of: Migos, Miguel, Cardi B, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Nipsey Hussle, Rich the Kid, Lightshow, Grits & Biscuits, and Hoodcelebrityy. In addition to these well known artists, the festival also hires some local bands to entertain everyone during the day. These local artists and a special guest are unannounced up until the schedule is released to surprise the attendees. The main stage is where all the headliners and well known artists perform. But the other stage is open and grassy which a lot of people reported that they liked due to the relaxation feel that came with it.
The gates open at noon everyday and close around 10 pm. In between those times there are plenty of things to do like admiring art, going to conferences or trying out all the food that's available. The festival grounds contain many forms of art but one popular form is spray-painting, allowing viewers to watch live and in action art. There are handfuls of food trucks/stands that supply American, Mexican, Asian and even vegan/vegetarian cuisine. The festival created "the broccoli challenge," this challenges each food vendor to create some sort of broccoli inspired plate which will be judged at the end of the festival. There is also henna available (temporary tattoos) and small shops selling anything from t-shirts to handmade jewelry.
The fashion doesn't differ too greatly from a normal festival style but due to the festival being in late April, people are required to wear a lot more clothes. Most people who attend are African American which also makes the trends differ. Some people dress in clothes that are representative of their native countries while others sport brands like Gucci or Supreme. The 405 provided their opinions on "the coolest looks and greatest energy."
Festival tip: It is recommended to take the metro as there is very limited parking.
This is a highlight video from last year's festival (2017) made by Sidney Stewart.
 |
| From Zumic |
There is a lot more meaning to the phrase, Broccoli City, than just a music festival. It is originally an organization that hosts different events that include a festival. The general goal of Broccoli City is to educate the next generations in "higher standard of sustainable living, environmental education, economic opportunity, and access to high quality food and shelter." They want to make bettering the environment and living practically something millennials and future generations find 'cool' to participate in and practice. The festival was first started in 2013 to promote Earth Day but it grew so large that over 30,000 people are now attending.
The festival is small and is more like one day full of multiple concerts, but there are may events that precede the final day that make up what is called 'Broccoli City Week'. On the Saturday prior to the festival a 5k run is held. Then on Thursday and Friday during the day there is a broccoli conference as well as a social. The conference is very interesting and discusses a lot of topics concerning sustainability, minority gaps and next generation concerns. But on both nights there are events, dinners, games and places to hangout. On the final night, Saturday, is when the artists perform.
 |
| From Flavio Montiel |
This upcoming year's lineup consists of: Migos, Miguel, Cardi B, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Nipsey Hussle, Rich the Kid, Lightshow, Grits & Biscuits, and Hoodcelebrityy. In addition to these well known artists, the festival also hires some local bands to entertain everyone during the day. These local artists and a special guest are unannounced up until the schedule is released to surprise the attendees. The main stage is where all the headliners and well known artists perform. But the other stage is open and grassy which a lot of people reported that they liked due to the relaxation feel that came with it.
 |
| From DC Music Download |
The gates open at noon everyday and close around 10 pm. In between those times there are plenty of things to do like admiring art, going to conferences or trying out all the food that's available. The festival grounds contain many forms of art but one popular form is spray-painting, allowing viewers to watch live and in action art. There are handfuls of food trucks/stands that supply American, Mexican, Asian and even vegan/vegetarian cuisine. The festival created "the broccoli challenge," this challenges each food vendor to create some sort of broccoli inspired plate which will be judged at the end of the festival. There is also henna available (temporary tattoos) and small shops selling anything from t-shirts to handmade jewelry.
 |
| From YouTube |
The fashion doesn't differ too greatly from a normal festival style but due to the festival being in late April, people are required to wear a lot more clothes. Most people who attend are African American which also makes the trends differ. Some people dress in clothes that are representative of their native countries while others sport brands like Gucci or Supreme. The 405 provided their opinions on "the coolest looks and greatest energy."
Festival tip: It is recommended to take the metro as there is very limited parking.
This is a highlight video from last year's festival (2017) made by Sidney Stewart.
Comments
Post a Comment