NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)– After a successful inaugural event, the Cousinz Festival is back and is set to take place again on the grounds of the Norfolk Scope.
The Cousinz Festival, powered by the RnB block party is set to take place Saturday August 30 with a star-studded lineup.
The headliners for the festival include Jeezy, T-Pain and Lil’ Kim. Additional acts include Backyard Band and sets from world-renowned DJ and Producer DJ Clue; Power 105.1 The Breakfast Club’s DJ Envy; tour and daytime TV DJ, DJ Boof; and sets from local DJs Izzy The DJ, DJ DC, and Been Blackin.
“For the last year, we’ve been working closely with the City of Norfolk, Norfolk’s Seven Venues, and our seasoned Cousinz team– which is a mix of local industry professionals and national agencies–to broaden the vision of the festival and elevate this year’s experience. From the food selections to the staging and overall experience, we want attendees to feel like they’re ending Summer on a high note,” says Antonio Dowe, Cousinz Festival and RnB Block Party co-founder.
In 2024, Dowe, along with artists Terrence ‘Pusha T’ Thornton and Nathaniel ‘Fam-Lay’ Johnson, created the 1-day festival attracting thousands of friends and family to Norfolk Scope Grounds for music, food and community. Attendees enjoyed national talent Erykah Badu, Larry June, and Lion Babe along with global DJs Jermaine Dupri and DJ Envy.
“We had an idea for our hometown, and it really came to life. Last year set the vibe, tone, and energy for Cousinz, and knowing that each year will bring something different, we wanted a line up that reflected how we feel when we hop in our cars in the Summertime. Having Jeezy do a special performance of his hit TM 101 album – something the fans have been asking for years – is crazy to be happening in Norfolk. Lil’ Kim is a rap legend and T-Pain keeps the energy high all the time,” explains recording artist and Cousinz Festival co-founder Pusha T.
Pusha hopes to double the number of attendees this year.
“We were very intentional on having catalog artists who people would sing along [and] rap along to. That’s a major foundation of Cousinz. I don’t think you can get a better lineup,” said Pusha T.
The hosts of this year’s festival will include comedian and actor Chico Bean and radio host and media personality Domonique Da Diva. DJ Diamond Kuts will keep the music rocking throughout the day as the festival’s house DJ.
New to the festival this year is the “The Stormy Blue Food Truck Experience.” Social media influencer Stormy Blue will be curating Cousinz’s culinary delights, selecting from local, regional and national food trucks for attendees to experience.
“Food is such a huge part of Cousinz culture: for every thing, every event, we eat! I’m thrilled to help curate an experience for festival-goers that’s rooted in taste, culture, and culinary fun. Indulging in good food should be an experience, and that’s what we’re doing to make it just that.” Blue says.
Tickets for Cousinz will begin with a Locals Only On-Site Pre-Sale on Friday, April 25 from
4:30PM-7:30PM at The Waterside District in Norfolk. General Online Pre-Sale for previous Cousinz Festival ticket purchasers begins Monday, April 28 at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m., and they will be available on the festival’s website, www.cousinzfestival.com. General Public Online Sales begin Thursday, May 1 at 10 a.m.