The multi-city Dear Summer Festival kicks off in Brooklyn on June 21, headlined by Meek Mill.
The “Dreams and Nightmares” hitmaker’s headlining performance displays the HBCU-Grads built festival’s growing success. Co-headlining the festival is dancehall star Valiant.
Dear Summer Festival has evolved from a backyard reunion into a nationwide celebration rooted in the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. What began with Virginia State and Delaware State alumni now spans cities across the country, uniting thousands through shared pride, culture, and purpose.
More than a music event, Dear Summer Festival is a tribute to Black excellence and community. It draws HBCU graduates, artists, and professionals to cities where culture moves the needle.
Each stop blends sound, flavor, and fellowship—connecting people through a deep sense of belonging. DJs spin, local chefs serve up favorites, and conversations spark between generations shaped by the HBCU experience.
Each city brings its own voice to the mix, enhancing the festival’s power as a cultural beacon. Yet Dear Summer doesn’t just celebrate—its roots run deeper. It’s a space built with purpose.
Led by HBCU alumni and men of color, the festival integrates civic engagement into every stop. Through partnerships with the Eagle Academy Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, and Almighty Force Family Inc., organizers support young people, especially boys and young men of color, offering mentorship, resources, and long-term investment in their futures.
Essence called it “The Cookout That Became a Cultural Movement,” and the label fits. Dear Summer doesn’t merely entertain—it embodies the legacy of Black resilience and the promise of what’s next. It is both memory and momentum.
As it grows, the festival stays grounded in its mission: to honor the culture, uplift the community, and create a space where Black joy isn’t just seen—it’s the reason for gathering.
Tickets for the Dear Summer Festival are available now.
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