What began as a hometown thought is now a full-blown motion. Cousinz Competition is again in Norfolk this 12 months, bringing nationwide expertise, native taste, and a robust sense of goal to the 757 on August thirtieth, 2025.
Clipse member and Grammy-nominated artist Pusha T, one of many competition’s founders, summed it up: “We had an thought for our hometown, and it actually got here to life.” Final 12 months’s inaugural occasion set the tone, however this 12 months’s lineup and programming show that Cousinz isn’t simply right here to social gathering—it’s right here to remain.
Star-studded lineup
This 12 months’s headliners carry the warmth. Jeezy will carry out his iconic TM 101 album stay, which is one thing followers have been hoping to see for years. Rap legend Lil’ Kim and the all the time high-energy T-Ache will set the stage for an evening filled with unforgettable throwbacks and crowd favorites.
The lineup doesn’t cease there. Yard Band will carry the go-go, and DJs like Boof, Diamond Kuts, Izzy the DJ, DJ DC, and Been Blackin will preserve the power going all day lengthy. Internet hosting duties shall be dealt with by comic Chico Bean and radio character Dominique Da Diva, bringing humor, power, and a hometown really feel to the stage.
Greater than music
Whereas the music attracts the crowds, the mission is what makes Cousinz totally different. Co-founder Fam-Lay made it clear: “Cousinz is greater than music—it’s about neighborhood engagement.”
Final 12 months, the competition partnered with native companies to make a tangible distinction, together with awarding scholarships to 5 Norfolk State College college students and dealing with Dominion Power to renovate an area resident’s residence.
This 12 months, that dedication continues with a collection of community-focused occasions and initiatives.
A full expertise
Festivalgoers may even be consuming effectively. The Stormy Blue Meals Truck Expertise affords quite a lot of scrumptious choices from native distributors.
From top-tier performances to actual neighborhood affect, Cousinz Competition is shaping as much as be one of many summer time’s most significant occasions. It’s a celebration of Norfolk, of music, of tradition—and of the concept that when household and neighborhood come collectively, large issues occur.
What to know earlier than you go
Able to be a part of the Cousinz expertise? Tickets can be found now on the official Cousinz Competition web site and at choose native venues round Norfolk. You possibly can go for common admission or go all out with VIP tickets, which embrace perks reminiscent of early entry, unique merchandise, and entry to a personal lounge.
The primary occasion goes down at Scope Enviornment, proper in the midst of downtown Norfolk. Doorways open within the afternoon, and the social gathering retains rolling late into the evening. If you happen to’re driving, you’ll discover parking garages shut by, however catching a rideshare may prevent some stress. Belief us —getting there early is your finest wager if you wish to soak all of it in.
Cousinz Competition in Norfolk, VA 2025
With neighborhood occasions, pop-ups, and an insane meals truck lineup, so much is occurring past the stage. If you happen to’re coming from out of city, Norfolk’s bought you coated with nice lodges, eating places, and many to see and do.
Author at Wander Worthy
Chelsea DeAngio is a contract author and Wander Worthy contributor based mostly in Greensboro, NC. Impressed by a rootless childhood as a Navy brat, she enjoys touring each likelihood she will get. Popular culture typically drives her journeys. Whether or not channeling her internal Woman Mary at Highclere Citadel within the UK or noshing on nachos at Showgirls filming areas in Vegas, Chelsea is all the time searching for slightly silver display glitz.