The third annual Big: Culture & Arts Festival is set to take over Gainesville from April 11-12, offering a vibrant fusion of live music, art, fashion, and circus performances that promise to captivate all the senses.
Presented by Dion Dia and How Bazar, the festival will span the Porters Quarters Community to South Main Street, with the support of Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, as part of the county’s yearlong Discover 200 Bicentennial Celebration.
This year’s event is bigger, bolder, and more diverse than ever. It will deliver a dynamic mix of music from both local and national artists, immersive performances, and interactive installations. From fire breathers and stilt walkers to aerial artists soaring through silks, attendees will be immersed in a carnival-like atmosphere that blends street culture, music and circus artistry.
It will showcase an eclectic lineup of musicians that spans a wide array of genres, including punk, hip-hop, dream pop, and R&B.
"We want to create an experience where people can discover new music and engage in something they've never seen before," said Laila Fakhoury, co-founder of Dion Dia and How Bazar. “Big is all about celebrating creativity across every medium -- whether it’s music, fashion, or performance art.”
A vision born in Gainesville
The origins of Big trace back to 2018, when Fakhoury, Jahi Khalfani, and Khary Khalfani, students at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College at the time, founded their record label Dion Dia.
Each grew up outside Gainesville and noticed their hometowns lacked spaces where people could freely express themselves and experience diverse cultures. They were determined to focus on these elements in Alachua County.
As they envisioned the future of Gainesville’s cultural landscape, the idea for a festival began to take shape, one that was an inclusive and community-focused festival that amplified Florida's creative talent. In just a few short years, they’ve organized over 200 events and earned recognition from the City of Gainesville, which declared March 17, 2022, “Dion Dia Day.”
By 2023, the festival, formerly known as The Big Sho, had evolved into a groundbreaking circus-themed event, becoming Gainesville’s first hip-hop festival and one of its largest cultural celebrations. Through their work, Dion Dia helped forge connections between local talent and nationally recognized artists, expanding the creative community and giving emerging musicians a platform to grow.
"When we started organizing these DIY events, we noticed how they brought together all kinds of people who normally wouldn’t meet, let alone go out together,” Fakhoury said. “We realized that Gainesville needed more events that offered an alternative to the typical college scene, and that’s when we decided to create something that could unite people over shared experiences.”
Big 2025: What to expect
The festival kicks off on the evening of April 11 with a lively downtown block party, featuring a car show, skateboard jam, and open mic performances. The festivities will include live music and DJ sets at How Bazar, Café Voltaire, and Loosey’s, with performances by Kaelin Ellis, Mr. Floyd Larry, They Hate Change, and Rugh, among others.
On the second night, attendees can look forward to headlining acts, including The Alchemist -- one of the most influential producers in rap who has worked with Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, J. Cole, Nas, and Lil Wayne. Other notable performances include MIKE, Navy Blue, Annabelle Kline, Elijah Fox, Pink Siifu, and Pearl & the Oysters.
This year’s festival will feature seven indoor and outdoor stages, including the community stage sponsored by West Law Firm, which will highlight Florida-based talent. Additionally, attendees will have access to a range of activities, such as an indoor skatepark, a streetwear fashion show, a cabaret, and a drive-in movie theater showcasing films by local creators.
New for Big 2025 is an experiential installation by Swiss sculptural artist Annabelle Schneider. Her work will invite festival-goers to experience acupuncture and massage in a womb-like, tranquil environment. For food lovers, local vendors will offer culinary delights, further showcasing the diversity of Florida’s food scene.
“This event is for everyone, of all ages,” Fakhoury said. “We want to bring as many sectors of Alachua County together, creating a festival that’s as diverse as the community itself, while also attracting visitors from outside the area.”
VIP experience and special perks
For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP passes provide access to an exclusive lounge at The Alchemy Club. VIPs can enjoy air-conditioned comfort, special performances, a dedicated bar, private bathrooms, and access to exclusive DJ sets throughout the weekend.
For those traveling from out of town, discounted hotel rates are available at Best Western Gateway Grand and TownePlace Suites Gainesville Northwest. The festival will wrap up on April 13 with "The Last Big Day" at How Bazar, offering brunch by FeedTheVille, drinks, and open decks for those who want to try their hand at DJing.
“If anyone ever feels alone or like they don’t belong, they can rest assured—the circus is coming to town to rescue them and give them a space to be their authentic self,” Fakhoury concluded.
Tickets for Big 2025 are now available. General admission is $45, and VIP passes are $100. Kids ages 8 and under are free. Visit bigcaf.com for more information, including schedules and to purchase tickets.