Over 50 years after the last Harlem Cultural Festival, which was immortalized in Questlove’s Academy Award-winning documentary Summer Of Soul, the event is being reborn as the Harlem Festival Of Culture this weekend. Described as “a cultural celebration reimagined,” the Harlem Festival Of Culture 2023 will light up NYC Friday, July 28th through Sunday, July 30th and promises to be a vibrant addition to the music festival landscape with a lineup as rich and diverse as Harlem itself.
The inaugural HFC kicks things off this Friday with hip-hop taking centerstage as Harlem’s own FERG headlines. Leading up to his performance will be a load of legends, including Bell Biv DeVoe, Doug E. Fresh, Cam’ron and Ma$e. Dancehall and reggae will also be on tap, with The Link Up curated by Estelle during which there’ll be performances by Nadine Sutherland, Wayne Wonder, Mr. Killa, Serani, Rupee, Max Glazer, Nina Sky and Lumidee.
Saturday’s lineup will be an R&B lover’s dream with Teyana Taylor, also a Harlem native, headlining. Prior to her set, festivalgoers can look forward to Muni Long, MAJOR., Tink, Jozzy and more artists taking the stage.
The closing night lineup on Sunday will showcase an eclectic lineup headlined by Wyclef Jean. Attendees will spend the day witnessing performances by Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Adam Blackstone, Coco Jones, Ro James, Eric Bellinger and a few surprises.
In addition to all of these performances, the Harlem Festival Of Culture 2023 will pay homage to the world-famous Apollo Theatre and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop; feature DJ Aktive, DJ PZB and DJ Dade moving the crowd; showcase local restaurants and food vendors; highlight Harlem-based businesses at the Mart 125 Marketplace and have numerous sponsor activations throughout the weekend.
When the Harlem Festival Of Culture 2023 was first announced last year, it was scheduled to happen at Marcus Garvey Park, which was previously named Mount Morris Park and was where the original Harlem Cultural Festival occurred back in the day. However, the event has since been moved to Randall’s Island, which will provide the festival with a more expansive setting.
Tickets for the first annual Harlem Festival Of Culture are still available and on sale now. For more information and to purchase general admission or VIP tickets while you still can, visit the HFC website.
