A First-Timer’s Guide to Attending CURLFEST 2024

If you’ve been part of the natural hair movement for a while, CURLFEST NYC, one of the major events we’ve been waiting for, is back! CURLFEST is an annual Natural Beauty Festival by Curly Girl Collective. If you’re a known product junkie, CURLFEST NYC is the place to get the best deals and samples from some of your favorite brands.

The first CURLFEST was held in 2014 at Prospect Park, Brooklyn, with 1000 people in attendance. The annual festival has since grown to be the world’s largest natural beauty festival, with over 75,000 attendees from around the world. It is beautiful to see Black people of all shades embrace their natural Black hair. In 2019, CURLFEST moved to Randall’s Island Park, but in 2024, it is back to its roots in Brooklyn.

This year’s theme for curl fest is ‘The Bounce Back,’ which represents Black women’s ability to overcome increasing challenges in the corporate space, including race-based hairstyle discrimination, and in other parts of their lives.

This vibrant celebration of natural hair, beauty, and culture is an event you don’t want to miss. If you’re thinking about attending CURLFEST NYC for the first time, here are some tips and insider information to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Purchase Tickets EARLY

CURLFEST New York City tickets sell out FAST! To participate in CURLFEST activities, you need to buy tickets. Follow Curly Girl Collective for “save the date” and purchase ticket information. 

CURLFEST 2024 Ticket Tiers

A general admission ticket at CURLFEST has three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Children under 6 are free with a paying adult. Below are the various ticket tiers and what’s included.

SILVER – GENERAL ADMISSION

Includes access to the CURLFEST beauty row, CURLFEST marketplace, main stage & dance party, empowerment stage, festival merchandise shop, food, and drinks for purchase from vendors.

GOLD – GENERAL ADMISSION + GIFT BAG

Includes a CURLFEST® Gift Bag with beauty products from official sponsors, access to the CURLFEST Beauty Row, Vendor Marketplace, Main Stage & dance party, Empowerment Stage, Festival Merchandise Shop, Food and Drinks for purchase from vendors.

PLATINUM – VIP ADMISSION + GIFT BAG

Includes VIP Admission to CURLFEST, access to the CURLFEST VIP area, CURLFEST Gift Bag with beauty products from sponsors, access to CURLFEST Beauty Row, Vendor Marketplace, Main Stage & dance party, Empowerment Stage, Festival Merchandise Shop, Food and Drinks for purchase.

Attending Curlfest NYC is better With Friends and Family

With the sun shining, live music blasting, and a display of Black joy on every side, attending CURLFEST is better with friends.

Not sure what to bring to CURLFEST? Bring a blanket or field chairs, snacks, footballs, frisbees, games, kites, bicycles, your best friends, and the preparation to have a good time. Camera equipment is permitted, but no drones are allowed.

If you don’t want to bring food or drinks, there are plenty of food vendors on site to get something to eat at a reasonable price. Most food and beverage vendors accept credit cards and other cashless forms of payment.

Dress to Impress & Rock Your Natural Hair Proudly

CURLFEST is the ultimate expression of beauty and celebration of Black culture. Come out rocking your best kinks, coils, Bantu knots locs, corn rows, curls, braids, and fro! You’re bound to capture an infinite amount of styles as inspiration by just walking through the crowd. You might even get featured in a photo opp or two. 

Flower crowns, protective styles, and headwraps are also popular. Wondering what to wear to CURLFEST? Wear your best African (or African-inspired) attire, branded clothing to showcase your business, rompers, shorts sets, or festival wear. 

Come Ready to Spend Money

Not only does attending CURLFEST provide hair and style inspiration for men and women but there are also opportunities to support the cause and shop from new and established Black-Owned  Businesses. Vendors sell products within the natural hair, beauty, food, fashion, and jewelry businesses.

Be Prepared for the Large Crowds

If you’re attending CURLFEST for the first time with friends or children be prepared for large crowds. Large crowds can be overwhelming, and cell service can be spotty. Create a meeting place with your group if someone gets lost. 

Stay Hydrated & Wear Sunscreen

CURLFEST is in an open field with large crowds and lots of action. There will be times of waiting in long lines, searching for friends, dancing, and lots of energy. Remember to take breaks when necessary. 

If you do bring [alcoholic] drinks to the party, make sure to have enough water to keep yourself hydrated. Even if you bring an umbrella shade, it is important to wear sunscreen. Make sure to apply and reapply throughout the day to prevent sunburn. 

I hope this guide sharing tips on attending CURLFEST 2024 for the first time was a solid foundation for an amazing experience. Embrace the celebration of natural hair, beauty, and culture, and let the positive energy of the event uplift and empower you. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and support women-owned vendors. Most importantly, have fun, connect with fellow attendees, and embrace the joyous spirit of Curlfest.

Read More Natural Hair Tips and Reviews

CURLFEST 2017: Floral Romper + Fulani Braids

Wearing Crochet Braids as a Protective Style

Faux Bun with Pompadour on Natural Hair

Any other tips for attending CURLFEST NYC for the first time?