CURLFEST Returns to NYC This July

One of New York City's largest celebrations of natural hair, Black beauty and culture will return to Randall's Island on Saturday, July 25, bringing together beauty brands, entrepreneurs and community members for the annual CURLFEST festival. 

Founded by Curly Girl Collective, the Brooklyn-born, Black women-owned festival has grown from a grassroots gathering of about 1,000 attendees into an event that has attracted more than 30,000 people at its peak.

This year's event will feature Beauty Row with interactive brand activations, product sampling, giveaways and immersive installations, along with an Empowerment Stage hosting discussions on wellness, entrepreneurship, career development, financial literacy and culture.

"CURLFEST honors the glory of textured crowns, the richness of our skin and the boundless joy of our culture," said Charisse Higgins, CURLFEST and Curly Girl Collective co-founder.

DJ Young Chow is scheduled to perform, while Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter, Broderick Hunter and Courtney Adeleye will make appearances.

The annual event has become a gathering place for New Yorkers celebrating Black beauty, creativity and entrepreneurship while creating opportunities for small businesses and emerging beauty brands to reach new audiences.

Expanded youth programming will also connect young attendees with Black-owned beauty founders, wellness professionals and financial educators.

Additional attractions include the Vendor Marketplace, featuring beauty, fashion, wellness, lifestyle and artisan businesses, and the Small Beauty Village, which highlights emerging beauty brands. Food and beverage vendors representing flavors from across the African diaspora and beyond will also participate throughout the day.

Leading up to the festival, Curly Girl Collective is launching Road to CURLFEST, a series of virtual and in-person community events designed to build excitement through collaborations and community engagement.

Additional details about the programming will be announced ahead of the festival. Tickets for CURLFEST are available through Eventbrite.