Broccoli City Festival

Over the weekend I was able to cover the Broccoli Cory Festival held in Washington, DC. This music festival featured artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Party Next Door, Victoria Monet and more. This was another first so of course I will break down what to know before you go and more.

What to Expect at Broccoli City Festival?

This is a two day music festival with pr-celebrations that take place on the day before. It is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets before the event. The event sold out a little over half of day one. They have many no credit check ways to purchase your tickets in time. However, what ticket you get will be dependent on your level of experience.

In full transparency I had several tickets since I was covering it for Live Nation Urban. This allowed me to gain access to the seated area as well as the field for a closer experience.

Which tickets to get?

If you’re looking to save money and being close isn’t your goal general tickets are for you. You will have an assigned seat and although you won’t be far from the artists you won’t have an intimate seat either. Some of these tickets were selling for a little over $200 as you got closer to the event. The general field tickets took you behind the VIP field members. As far as spacing I would suggest the Field General Admission.

The advantage of having General Admission is that you have space to move about more on the field while also getting a closer view. VIP is great but be prepared to be in close proximity to others. For those with a big crew, you can elect to get a VIP section with a minimum $1500 menu spend. Once you have your bracelets for the festival do NOT remove until you are done. People left theirs at home/hotel and tried to get new ones and were turned away since they ran out.

Other Logistics to Consider

At this venue of the Audi Field they limit the size of your handbags. Certain things like book-bags are not prohibited. If you travel with no bag your entrance to the festival will be cut short and easier to maneuver. Although not required are the clear stadium bags but I would highly suggest it. With the clear bags security was faster since they could see all the way inside of it.

Uber/Lyft Pick up and Drop Off Point

Do not use it. Like with any other concert facility using this drop off and pick up spot is useless. Most of the Ubers and Lyft couldn’t get to it due to the police closing off the main road. It took me 4 Uber requests before I finally got one and then I also had to walk almost a block up to find them. Walk away from the venue before ordering an Uber.

Cashless Systems at Broccoli City Festival

I love the idea of not having to have cash on me. The use of my debit card or Apple Pay made it easier to manage. One you know what you’re buying and can easily turn your card on and off. I do this when I travel the most. Honestly, I may do that now that I’m back at home. This in my opinion helps to curtail fraudulent transactions. It also made for faster lines.

Hotel accommodations for Broccoli Festival

Cambria was one of their sponsors. Although my hotel was about 5 min away I should have went with the sponsored hotel. The biggest reason was it was a hot skip away from the venue. If you stayed you know how incredibly close it was. Like I’ve said comfort for me is key. I chose Homewood Suites by Hilton and loved it. Sometimes with getting the sponsored hotel it could be more expensive but the benefit of being close to the action outweighs it. In addition, you cut things like Uber etc. down too. I paid about 40 total for round trip including tip the whole time I was there.

My hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton passed the clean test. I take Clorox wipes and Lysol with me when I travel. The first thing I did was cleaned everything up. I’m happy to report no dirt was found on any of the wipes I used. I was impressed with the level of clean on the surfaces. Taking the Lysol helped to ensure clean on all other soft surfaces too. I would highly recommend the location that I was in. My suite had a separated living room and kitchen and then bedroom. Under normal circumstances I would have gotten one bed but just in case any of my friends could come last minute I elected for 2 queen beds.

The only things I didn’t like about my hotel was the breakfast which I thought was basic. The valet in and out was testing my patience and my room wasn’t ready. Another reason I went so hard on the clean test. Had that room been dirty on top of me waiting longer for it to be ready I would have been ready to go back and forth with front desk or corporate.

Black and Forth Buying Experience

I loved shopping the black owned businesses. There was quite a lot of them. I enjoyed how much of an extensive experience it was. From hats to jewelry to art there was something for everyone including informational booths like Plantbased and more. If you’re able you should consider adding money into your travel budget to support these businesses.

In addition there were several places to get free items like stopping at Shea Moisture Summer Camp to get your hair styled. Or at NPR where black voices were on display. Not to mention, Issa Rae’s wine, Viarae which is a Prosecco was represented and she herself was there.

Concert Vibes at Broccoli Festival

The vibes were immaculate. I didn’t witness an issue amongst patrons. Where I sat people were talking, meeting new people, and enjoying themselves. Even when I went down to the field there were no issues. The best way to tell was even Megan thee Stallion came out no one shoved or pushed others out of the way. Everyone calmly just moved up. That was refreshing to me because when I cover outside events in general that is one of the things I come to expect. I’ve had that done at business/conferences and even recent at the Roots Picnic.

Personal Fails

I as a content creator left my charging cord but had all of my charging bases. It wasn’t until I was in the Uber that I realized. At first I just shrugged it off and got through more than half and needed a charge. Everyone I asked didn’t know where to buy one in the stadium. It wasn’t until I almost left to go back to the hotel that I realized there was a suite and inside of that was a charging station. So for $5 an hour I was able to charge. They only charged me a total of $15. It’s a fast charger and when the power went out it stopped charging me but I had 100% so it was a win!

Eateries near the Hotel

I usually research the area before I go places. What I’m looking for is a large selection of coffee shops, food, and entertainment. I had it all at the Homewood Suites by Hilton. The Nationals Park was within a quick walking distance. It wasn’t even a whole block away. There was entertainment and food options. I ate at Duke’s Grocery. The name sounds like a store but it’s an amazing restaurant with extensive beer and cocktail selections.

Duke’s Grocery

I had the impossible burger with fries and 2 glasses of Rosè. Everything was good. The service was even better. I sat at the bar and the bar staff went above and beyond. Will I be back?? Absolutely!

Compass Coffee

Again coffee is important but by the time I elected to get some I was full from Duke’s Grocery. I did however get a strawberry dragon fruit with peach mango at Compass Coffee. The location was bright and inviting. All of the staff were helpful. Definitely coming back.

Music and Culture at Broccoli City Festival

Again you come for the music and stars. They didn’t disappoint. Like with many outdoor concerts although they had fans blowing and free water stations people were hot and some (a very small number of people) were experiencing health issues if someone was in distress they stopped the music. This happened during Party Next Door’s and Megan thee Stallion’s set. They quickly ensured patrons were okay.

Broccoli City Festival was prepared by having emergency staff stationed inside of the field and strategically placed throughout the venue. They were quick to identify people who needed help. The music was all that I or anyone could have wanted. You know you’re having a good time when you break out in a good swag surf and electric slide.

What is in my Bag?!

I am the one that is always prepared. Think of it in terms of a Girl Scout. This is generally how I live my life due to being a mom. So inside of my clear concert bag had Loops. Loops is a soft device like an ear plug but more sleek and undetectable that cuts sound down. It’s perfect for outdoor or indoor concerts. I was able to hear the music without it rattling my ear drum. I also had my fast charger, tissues, sunblock, digital camera and much more. All of which I got from my Amazon Store.

Will I go back to Broccoli City Festival?? Yes. Using all of the information I now know, I’m booking again but booking smarter. Definitely get field tickets, make sure you get the sponsored hotel or one like mine close by. Eat and drink well and bring good vibes in as you take them out. DC was so good.

Thank you to Live Nation Urban and Broccoli City Festival for having me. What an experience!