Final preparations are underway for Dreamville Music Festival at Dix Park in Raleigh.

Even though the two-day event kicks off Saturday afternoon, music lovers got a head start with festivities and celebrations Friday evening in downtown Raleigh.

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Thousands from across the country and around the world came together for a pop-up and block party to celebrate hip-hop’s rich culture and deep impact.

Josias Perez flew in from Nashville, Tennessee, opting out of a family vacation to the islands.

“My parents were like ‘you want to go to Puerto Rico?’ I was like ‘ah, I have to go to Dreamville Fest’” Perez said.

Another group traveled 20 hours from England to visit the United States for the first time.

Chelsea Collins said the star-studded event was worth the trek.

“There was no other choice to be honest; J. Cole makes it easy,” Collins said.

Rap superstar and Fayetteville native J. Cole brought back Dreamville Music Fest to Raleigh for a fifth year.

After initially stating 2025 would be the fifth and final year of the annual event, music lovers flocked to Raleigh to make the most of the last few moments.

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City officials and event organizers broke the news Thursday the festival would return under a new installment.

Rapper Bas, who’s signed under J. Cole’s Dreamville Records and set to perform, spoke with WRAL News about the significance of the festival.

“Community, good vibes, it’s never [any] issues; everyone’s here to share love and positivity,” he said.

When asked about any surprise performances, Bas made sure to not share any spoilers, other than saying: “there’s a lot to look forward to; I can’t give it away now.”

Dreamville Music Festival kicks off Saturday, April 4 with festival entrances at noon.

Commuters should be mindful of road closures: part of Centennial Parkway between Oval Drive and Achievement Way will be closed between 8pm-2am

Most roads at Dix Park are closed all weekend.

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