Don’t Miss Dreamville’s Last Stand: A Complete Guide to the 2025 Festival

By: Lillian Lewis

If you haven’t heard, J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival is making its final appearance in Raleigh, NC, in 2025. Presale tickets drop on December 11th, and as a North Carolina native, I’ve got to say, I’m pretty bummed it’s coming to an end. This festival brought people from all over and showcased some amazing artists right here in NC. If you haven’t been, this is your chance. And guess what? You might not even need to buy a ticket. Last year, I went for free, and here’s how you can too.

Get In Without a Ticket

Dreamville hands out press passes every year to publications and content creators. Don’t count yourself out if you think your following is too small—they actually seem to prefer smaller creators. Funny enough, the bigger your following, the less likely you are to get a pass.

I snagged a press pass through my college because I was the social media manager for our school paper. Back then, our Instagram had just 400 followers, and our TikTok had 60. If you’ve got a couple hundred followers, cater to their age demographic, and have a brand account, you could totally score a pass and see your favorite artists for free.

Write Your Way In

Another way to get in is by freelancing for a publication. You’ll need a portfolio, but if you’re in school, try going through your school paper. From what I saw in the press room, smaller music-focused publications had the best luck. Send some cold emails with your portfolio and pitch why you’d be a great fit—it’s worth a shot.

Snap Your Shot (with a Camera)

Got a professional camera and a solid portfolio? This might be your way in. Dreamville is pretty picky about photographers, and they seem to favor people with experience shooting concerts. Someone from our school paper with a strong portfolio applied last year and still didn’t get in, but if this is your thing, definitely apply. Worst case, they say no.

Map Out Your Dreamville 2025 Adventure

Once you’ve got your pass or ticket, let’s talk about getting to Raleigh, finding a place to stay, and enjoying your time here.

Fly High or Drive Smart

Flying in? Check out tools like Skyscanner or Student Universe if you’re a student. They’ll help you find cheaper flights. Pro tip: browse in incognito mode—some people swear it gets you better prices.

Driving? Make sure to map out parking ahead of time. Raleigh’s downtown can get busy, and during Dreamville, parking garages often have time limits. Street parking is risky due to towing and break-ins, so it’s better to plan for paid lots or deck parking.

Stay Close, Stress Less

Staying in the city is 100% worth it. Raleigh has a solid bus system, plus e-scooters and bikes for rent, so getting around is easy. Parking, on the other hand, is limited, and rideshare prices during the festival can get wild. One night, my 7-minute Uber ride home cost $50. You would be right if you assumed I canceled the Uber and walked home. Save yourself the hassle and stay close by.

Hotels in the downtown area will be pricier, but you’ll save on transportation costs and stress. If you’re booking late and struggling to find availability, look for Airbnbs or small boutique hotels within walking distance of Dorothea Dix Park, where the festival takes place.

Foodie Hotspots Near the Fest

Dreamville’s got some good food vendors, but they’re not all local, and prices can be steep. If you’re coming in early or want to grab a bite outside the venue, here are some local spots to check out:

• Breakfast:

  • 42 & Lawrence: My go-to coffee spot for their chai and matcha lattes. They also have some great pastries.

  • Bad Cat Coffee: Perfect for a bigger breakfast and awesome coffee. Plus, they focus on inclusivity and supporting minority and LGBTQ+ workers.

  • NOFO @ The Pig: A mix of Southern classics and breakfast staples. Their pulled pork hash is a must-try.

• Lunch:

  • Char Grill: They’ve been grilling burgers over charcoal since 1959—it’s a North Carolina classic.

  • Roast Grill Hot Dogs: A tiny spot serving hot dogs since the 1940s. Just a heads-up, they don’t allow ketchup, so plan accordingly.

• Dinner:

  • Morgan Street Food Hall: Great for late-night eats with tons of food options under one roof.

  • The Raleigh Times: Burgers, tacos, shrimp & grits—all in a historic building that’s over 100 years old.

Explore Raleigh Like a Pro

Got some extra time before or after the festival? Here are a few fun things to check out in Raleigh:

• Escape Room: The Tower of Escapes is super immersive. Last time I went, we started handcuffed to a table, which was such a fun twist.

• Arcade: Boxcar Bar + Arcade is packed with vintage games like Galaga, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart. Perfect for a nostalgic night.

• Walking Tours: Raleigh has free themed walking tours like true crime, ghost, and mural tours. Or you can grab a self-guided audio tour from the city’s website.

If history’s your thing, don’t skip the Raleigh City Museum or the State Capitol Building. Both offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past and are perfect for a laid-back afternoon.

The Final Act

Dreamville isn’t just a festival—it’s been a huge part of North Carolina’s music and culture scene. Whether it’s your first or last time going, make it count. Plan your trip, explore Raleigh, and soak in the amazing energy that Dreamville brings. See you in 2025!