For the first time in five years, a popular Raleigh-exclusive music festival is not happening this weekend.
Dreamville, the annual music festival started by rapper J. Cole, first launched in 2019 and was held at Dix park on the first weekend of April.
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Until last year, when the final festival was held.
Locals are feeling that absence.
The Big Easy in downtown Raleigh said they're expected a big decline in foot traffic and sales.
“I can at least guarantee there’s going to be a 30% deficit,” said Courtney McGlone, who manages The Big Easy.
Since the departure of the event that would bring in thousands of visitors from across the world, the City of Raleigh announced a new music concept would take its place.
“It would really benefit the city, every small business, every bar,” said Vivie Aravidis, who owns Pallbearer, a vintage clothing shop in downtown Raleigh.
WRAL obtained documents that showed the City of Raleigh could still hold a music festival at Dix park during the month of April until 2029.
No announcement of a festival this year have been made, but the city does say they're working with Dreamville organizers.