At some point during last weekend’s AfroPunk fest in Brooklyn, I realized that I was in the midst of greatness. It wasn’t the killer food trucks, on-point bands, or fantastic craft vendors that were making my jaw drop, though: it was the crowd. I’ve been to more than my fair share of outdoor summer festivals, and AfroPunk (which bills itself as “a platform for the other Black experience”) had some of the best-dressed, happiest attendees ever. Despite the heat and crowds—and, therefore, the potential for surliness—the festival was full of nothing but good vibes (I’m making a peace sign as I type this) and incredible outfits. Fans rocked out to sets from Big Freedia, Danny Brown, Mykki Blanco, BUST fave Jean Grae, and Chuck D., among countless other acts and DJ sets. I’m already looking forward to next year’s lineup, and, of course, planning what I’ll wear. Check out some of my snaps below.
Big Freedia