If You Missed Curlfest 2026, Don’t Make the Same Mistake Next Year

If Curlfest didn’t make it onto your summer calendar this year, consider this your warning for 2027. And now, you have ample time to prepare.

On July 25, the celebration of Black hair, beauty and culture returned to New York City’s Randall’s Island, bringing together thousands of people, along with their best looks and top-notch energy. Beyond the decor and signage, the event was decorated with natural hairstyles that stopped you in your tracks, beauty products to add to your must-buy list, Black-owned businesses to support and the kind of conversations you'd expect to overhear at your favorite barbershop or hair salon.

In other words, if your timeline gave you a little FOMO, it was probably warranted. But don’t fret, all hope isn’t lost.

Curlfest has come quite a way since Curly Girl Collective founders Charisse Higgins, Melody Henderson and Simone Mair launched the festival as a grassroots gathering of roughly 1,000 people. Hair may still be at the center of it all, but what the festival has grown into is so much bigger than wash-and-go routines and curl patterns.

Beauty Row gave attendees a chance to explore activations, receive product samples and take advantage of giveaways, while the Vendor Marketplace and Small Beauty Village put smaller beauty, fashion, wellness and lifestyle brands within reach of festivalgoers. Hair and beauty weren’t the only topics up for discussion, either. The Empowerment Stage tackled everything from the creator economy and Black-owned beauty businesses to identity, entrepreneurship, men’s grooming and more.

And what’s a function without music?

The Main Stage featured performances from NYLA and BK United, alongside sets from Labsounds Jelani, DJ CEO, DJ Active and DJ Young Chow. Mouse Jones even hosted Curlfest Karaoke because just attending the function wasn’t enough. Apparently, it was imperative that your lyrical knowledge be put to the test on the mic.

The Battle of the Caribbean took over the Golden Krust Stage with DJs One Gyal Army and Gabsoul, plus appearances from Macka Diamond, Denise Belfon, Rayvon and Ricky Blaze. Caribbean dancers, Carnival costumes and towering Moko Jumbies from Sesame Flyers International made sure the visuals matched the sounds that permeated Randall’s Island, and likely across the East River. So, yes, there was plenty to keep your camera roll busy.

And somewhere between the beauty hauls, panels, performances and people-watching, Curlfest’s bigger purpose remained at the forefront. What started as a event centered on natural hair has grown into a space where Black beauty, entrepreneurship, music and culture can live under one huge umbrella.

So, yes, you missed Curlfest this year, and we won’t rub it in. We probably don’t need to because, well… look at the material. Just make sure we don’t have to have this conversation again in 2027.