A new festival is uniting some of the country’s top Black chefs, beverage professionals, artists, and musicians for a two-day celebration of food, drinks, art, and music. The Honeyland Festival will take place November 11-12, 2023.
Held at Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Honeyland is being produced by top talent agency IMG and event production company Live Nation Entertainment. The two entertainment giants have recruited superstar chef Marcus Samuelson, Uncle Nearest Whiskey CEO Fawn Weaver, and Houston artist Tobe Nwigwe to serve the event as the food curator, beverage curator, and Houston ambassador, respectively.
Headliners for the music festival include Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, along with Miguel, Jazmine Sullivan, Tems, and more. Houston will be well represented by performers including DJ Mr. Rogers, Dende, Lenora, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Tobe Nwigwe, and others. See the full lineup below.
On the culinary side, headliners include Lucille’s Hospitality Group founder chef and James Beard Award finalist Chris Williams, Top Chef finalist Dawn Burrell, Houston hip hop legend and Trill Burgers co-founder Bun B, Top Chef star Tiffany Derry, and Serigne Mbaye, the New Orleans chef who earned a 2023 James Beard Award finalist nomination for his restaurant Dakar NOLA. See the full lineup below.
“Trill Burgers and I are proud to be a part of Honeyland,” Bun B said in a statement. “It’s so important that we take the time to celebrate Black food, drink, and music, and acknowledge the impact we’ve had on American culture. To do this in the city that I reside in and call home makes it that much more special.”
Pre-sale tickets are on sale now. Prices start at $150 (plus a $30 fee) for general admission. VIP passes are priced at $525 (plus a $101 fee) and come with perks such as parking, lounges, viewing areas, and a merchandise credit. Those who want the ultimate experience may opt for the platinum package, which is priced at $975 (plus a $187 fee). General on-sale begins Friday, July 21.
“Whether you’re looking to taste a sample from one of your favorite rising chefs, or looking to have a conversation about breaking into the food and beverage industry as a Black entrepreneur, there will be something for every Honeylander to enjoy,” IMG vice president Staci Hallmon added. “Through food, music, and local partnerships, Honeyland will build a cultural movement that will inspire many.”
Musicians
- Chlöe
- Coco Jones
- DJ Mr. Rogers
- Spinall
- Dende
- Houston All-Stars (Scarface, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, and Lil Keke)
- Inayah
- Jae Murphy
- Jazmine Sullivan
- Kiotti & Keisha Nicole
- Lenora
- Lucky Daye
- Mary J. Blige
- Miguel
- Tay Powers
- Tems
- Tobe Nwigwe
Chefs and Culinary Personalities
- Amaris Jones
- Angela Yee
- Brandon “Big B The Chef” Tiffith
- Bun B’s Trill Burgers
- Chris Williams
- Dawn Burrell
- Earn Your Leisure
- Ghetto Gastro
- Indy Officinalis
- Kardea Brown
- Kavachi Ukegbu
- Keisha Griggs
- Prince Lobo
- Serigne Mbaye
- Shawn Osbey
- Steve Rogers
- Tabitha Brown
- Tiffany Derry
Beverage Specialists
- Andra AJ Johnson
- Drink Champs
- Ian Burrell
- Jackie Summers
- Jermaine Stone
- Josh Davis
- Keyatta Mincey Parker
- Marcus Baskerville
- McBride Sisters
- Saeed "Hawk" House
- Tiffanie Barriere
Mary J. Blige will headline the Honeyland Festival
A vintage picture of chefs EJ Miller and Ryan Lachaine. Photo by