Over the weekend, Washington, D.C. was host to the annual Broccoli City Music Festival. This year was the first time the festival took place at a soccer stadium; Audi Field to be exact. Gunna, Megan thee Stallion, Victoria Monét, PartyNextDoor, and Lil Yachty headlined a long list of talented performers. Respect my Region had the chance to catch all the sights and sounds of the event.
Headliners Ignite Broccoli City
PartyNextDoor came through to D.C. to deliver a moment of what real R&B music should feel like. His set featured his smash hits Break From Toronto, Believe It, Persian Rugs, Recognize and Come and See Me.
Megan Thee Stallion had the stadium filled to capacity for night one. Her fiery performance had all the ladies in attendance feeling good. Her setlist included songs like Hiss, Freak Nasty, WAP, Kitty Kat, and her smash hit Savage. The D.C. crowd left night one knowing what a hot girl summer feels like.
Victoria Monét had the most complete set of the weekend. The wardrobe, choreography, set design, and most definitely the vocals had us all in an uproar. The crowd was trying to keep up with her dance movements as she performed Cadillac, Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt), and On My Mama. Victoria also surprised the audience doing covers of TGIF by GloRilla, and Stop! In the Name of Love. Her feel good music is exactly what the D.C. crowd needed.
Gunna did not disappoint with the final headlining set, delivering the last moments of the festival with a surprise guest; platinum-recording artist Offset. The two would perform a medley of songs, including their hit Prada Dem. The set felt like a karaoke night as the crowd was singing songs like Top Off, Fukumean, and Banking on Me word for word. Fans left the stadium full of joy after a weekend of such memorable performances.
Family and Culture
The festival felt like a big reunion for the culture. Everyone in attendance made sure the next person enjoyed themselves, whether it was from dancing, laughter, or compliments of one’s festival attire choice. It was easy for us all to talk with one another, as we could easily relate on at least one topic in our everyday lives.
Networking at Broccoli City felt inevitable with all the talented individuals in attendance. You could be a fan attending and stand next to the likes of comedian Funny Marco or talk show host Mal Burke. The festival allowed you to immerse in spaces with individuals you normally wouldn’t have the chance to be around. My most memorable moment was day two, when there was a huge dance off near the beatbox activation setup. It felt like a block party as we danced and cheered on everyone participating. Something that stood out this weekend was the uniqueness only this festival provides.
Converse gave VIP ticket holders and media customizable Broccoli City sneakers. In their setup, they allowed you to fully customize a pair with patches and designs that only broccoli city festival has. Everything about the this past weekend felt exclusive but inclusive to all that attended.
The only way you could truly understand what Broccoli City Festival feels like is by attending. All the moments, performances, and people you’ll meet will not be duplicated in any other fashion at a music festival. Broccoli City Festival will be back again next year, and we all should as well. For more information on Broccoli City and other music festivals, stay tapped in with Respect My Region.
