The DuRag Festival is a Juneteenth celebration, unapologetically. It’s an opportunity for attendees to come to the Queen City to celebrate CharLit in honor of one of North Carolina’s largest Juneteenth homecoming experiences. DuRag Fest 2025 is set for the first day of summer, a date chosen to symbolize the start of a season of celebration and unity, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 2 pm to 10 pm at the Blackbox Theater, located at 421 East Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28213.
The Durag Festival proudly stands as the most creative Juneteenth festival in the South, a distinction it holds with pride. The festival draws fashion lovers, artists, music lovers, and international travelers in countries, such as Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Netherlands, to join in on the festivities. It’s a vibrant celebration that embodies the heart of Black culture, providing a unique space for guests to connect, socialize, and have a wonderful time. Since its formation in 2018, the Durag festival has established a significant presence in the Carolinas, providing attendees with a cherished space to express their true selves while celebrating together in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
The festival, founded by Charlotte native, Lisa Michelle, is co-organized with the DuGhood Foundation, which serves as the festival’s 501(c)(3) non-profit partner. According to the festival’s website, proceeds from the Durag Festival support DuGhood Foundation programming that empowers underserved and underrepresented youth by fostering creativity, ambition, and innovative thinking to drive equality.
The event will feature great music, dancing, a unique ‘Met Gala’ style Durag fashion experience where festival-goers can showcase their creativity and style, a street fashion show, art exhibits, immersive art installations, food, and vendors in partnership with Black-owned businesses, all of which create a vibe on another level. Some of the many musical lineups include, but are not limited to, TiaCorine, Byron Juane, DJ E. Sudd, Capital Q, See Bird Go, and Eastside Brotha.
This year, the festival will pay tribute to the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which have long been the fabric and blueprint for Black culture. HBCUs are the gateway for African Americans to receive a higher education, advancing their knowledge and skills in the world. They are also a haven and hub for protest on Black rights, as well as a cultural experience through HBCU homecoming and sporting events.
Festival-goers all smiles and carefree at the Durag Festival; Courtesy of the Durag Festival
The festival will also support Black innovators from HBCUs (current students or recent graduates within the past 3 years) who are paving the way with a Pop Out and Pitch. The pitch competition supports these entrepreneurs, in partnership with ByBlack, powered by U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and the DuGhood Foundation, with the lucky winner walking away with $1,000 in cash at the live pitch showcase at the festival. On June 11th, the finalists will be announced prior to the participation in the pitch show.
The festival will bring a grand celebration leading up to the event. Some of the pre-fest events leading to the big festival include five events slated for June 14, which consist of a Durag with Dad in honor of Father’s Day from 10am to 12pm (free admission), B3 Summer Book Swap (free admission) from 12pm to 4pm, Beatz & Crowns Pop Out from 1pm to 4pm, Durag Sip and Style in Dallas, TX from 3pm to 6pm, and Waves of Influence: Creative Entrepreneur Networking Event from 6pm to 9pm. On June 17, the Yard Run with Madmiles will take place from 6pm to 8pm. On the following day, June 18, the Dope People Panel will take place from 6pm to 8pm. The last pre-fest, Auxtells: Aux Battle and Music Experience, prior to the main kick off, is set for June 20, from 9pm to 2am. This is certainly a festival you won’t want to miss.
Click on the highlighted link, for ticket information to the main festival and the pre-celebration event. #DuRagFestival2025
