Garfield's 502 R&B Festival returns to bring community together

Photos by Yvonne Kemp

Garfield’s 502 R&B Music Festival returned to Garfield Avenue for another year of music, food, and fun on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

“This is one of the events that attracts a more mature crowd, and it has become one of the best and most anticipated events and festivals in this particular area,” said Board Chair and Organizer Melissa Buford.

With dozens of local vendors, artists, and music this event is all about bringing the community together. “We are the city of festivals, so this weekend actually helps economic development and growth because we have almost 140 vendors,” said Buford.

Vendors spread out on Garfield Avenue from N. Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive to N. 7th Street. Garfield’s 502 owner Brandon Currie said the legacy of the festival continues to grow. “It’s just another opportunity to come out, have fun, connect with other people, listen to great music artists from the city and just connect,” he said.

Supporting this festival means supporting small hometown businesses. The entrepreneurs said they appreciate the support from festival attendees. The event returned last year to after a four-year hiatus and organizers plan to keep growing it for years to come.