One Musicfest 2025: A Cultural Homecoming in Atlanta

By: Staff

This fall, Atlanta once again cements its place as the heartbeat of Black music and culture with the return of One Musicfest, one of the South’s most influential and anticipated festivals. Since its inception in 2010, the event has grown into more than just a music showcase—it has become a cultural gathering, a stage where legends, innovators, and rising stars share space in celebration of artistry and community.

On Monday morning, festival organizers revealed this year’s headliners, and the lineup is nothing short of historic: Future, Doechii, The Roots with Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, and a Dungeon Family reunion that promises to honor the legacy of the late producer Rico Wade. The two-day celebration is set for October 25–26 at Piedmont Park, marking a symbolic return to the space after last year’s venue shift to Central Park.

What sets One Musicfest apart is its reverence for history. The inclusion of the Dungeon Family Reunion is more than just a performance—it’s a homecoming, a chance for Atlanta to collectively pay tribute to the pioneering sounds of Organized Noize and the foundation they laid for Southern hip-hop. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to relive the era of Outkast, Goodie Mob, and the early Future; for new fans, it’s an education in the DNA of Atlanta music.

Another standout moment will be the pairing of The Roots and Mary J. Blige. The Roots, who last played OMF a decade ago, return with the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul herself, creating a generational bridge that ties hip-hop’s rhythmic storytelling to R&B’s emotional resonance. Meanwhile, hometown hero Ludacris is celebrating 25 years since his debut album—a milestone that promises a set filled with both nostalgia and surprises.

While the festival reveres its icons, it also amplifies the next wave of talent. Doechii, one of today’s most dynamic young voices and a Grammy-nominated artist, brings fresh energy to the lineup. Her presence at OMF underscores the festival’s commitment to not just celebrating the past, but also shaping the future of Black creativity.

And then there’s Future—a global superstar and one of Atlanta’s most influential voices of the last decade. His headlining set represents more than music; it symbolizes Atlanta’s continued dominance as a cultural epicenter and the city’s ability to produce artists who reshape the 

Last year, OMF organizers faced challenges that many festivals nationwide have wrestled with: logistical hurdles, rising costs, and even sudden lineup changes. Cardi B’s last-minute medical withdrawal in 2024 forced a shake-up, with Atlanta’s own Latto stepping up to headline alongside Gunna and Earth, Wind & Fire. Yet even through uncertainty, the festival delivered, proving its resilience and the loyalty of its fan base.

This year’s return to Piedmont Park feels symbolic—a reclaiming of space, a nod to continuity, and a reminder that Atlanta is not just hosting a festival, but nurturing a cultural institution.

Beyond the star-studded sets, One Musicfest is a powerful economic and cultural driver. More than 50,000 attendees are expected, generating tens of millions in economic impact while spotlighting hundreds of local and Black-owned businesses. The festival has become a hub for food, fashion, art, and entrepreneurship—proof that its influence extends far beyond the stage.

As October approaches, anticipation builds for a weekend that promises not only unforgettable performances but also moments of cultural reflection and unity. One Musicfest 2025 is more thana concert—it’s a celebration of Atlanta, of Black music, and of the community that continues to shape the future of culture worldwide.

This fall, when the lights go up and the bass drops in Piedmont Park, it won’t just be another festival. It will be a homecoming.