Curlfest

I traveled from Texas to attend this festival that is supposed to empower curly women. It would have been great if my personal property wasn't stolen and destroyed by security. At no point did any of the tickets explain that food and drinks would be confiscated and trashed. I spoke with Shariya who claimed she was the organizer and all she could offer was a lame ass apology.
I explained that I have an underlying condition and I needed my belongings. I'm so angry that security literally dumped my tea and soup out. The food lines are extremely long and the food I need to eat for my condition I don't even know if they have it here. What's a colossal waste of money and time.

Just ok. The idea is nice and I wanted to support but you're really paying for a photo op and to hear a dj. Not sure if I would go back.

Good event to see and be seen but the lines. Sooo many lines, for everything and they are everywhere. Long line to get in, long line for food, long line for vendors. If you don't like to be in a very crowded space then this is not for you. I love the idea of curlfest and actually had a cool time but I was worn out by all the standing and waiting. I would suggest coming early so avoid some of the lines and be able to get a good spot on the grass. If you come in with someone you need to stay with them. If you get separated it is likely that you will never see them again. With the sheer volume of people cell service is non existent. You won't receive calls or text messages while you are there. On the fence if I will attend again.

Curlfest was a ton of fun. It's a beautiful celebration of naturally kinky and curly hair with good vibez, good music and a ton of product samples.

My hope is that there can be a better check in process because the lines were crazy long.

But other than that, the park was with curly cuties and it was a great time.

So I just found about this annual festival! I was scrolling through my Instagram the Thursday before its Saturday return and immediately planned to head on to it that following Saturday. July 15, 2017 marked their fourth year (no connection to Jay and Bey - that I know of),* and shows promise to get bigger and better. Here's hoping and here's why-

Curlfest is a festival founded by The Curly Girl Collective, a marketing powerhouse devoted to the natural hair movement. They've teamed up with SheaMoisture to provide hip hop, pop, and soca in the Nethermead section of Prospect Park while many of the top known, most beloved brands for multicultural women set up their stands and sell their products at discounted prices. Lucky curly girls get free samples as well. I got, like, eight. Some vendors even set up games. Mielle Organics had a ice machine that did not quit.

It's ultra kid friendly. The amazing DJ promised to keep it clean while she spinned Beyonce and reggae because, she said, she has kids, too. There were a few people who came with blankets and just enjoyed the music, while other could not resist the urge to boogie down.

I didn't know what to expect. I packed my water bottle and an open mind and went out into the heat. My trip proved to be absolutely worth it. SheaMoisture was a popular draw and had one of the biggest lines. After waiting in the sun for what felt like 30-45 minutes, I got a quick look at their inventory and got my usual conditioner for $8 and change. Yessssss, child, they were selling their products with a 30% discount and I got free samples of their Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner, too. Alikay Naturals had only a 15% discount and I've never used their products, so I kept it moving. Curls and Camille Rose Naturals were also super popular, and they sold out of products before I got a chance to take advantage of their own discounts. I did go crazy at the Mielle Organics stand and made several $10 purchases of their products that I can't wait to try.

Another thing I can't wait to do- go again!! I will say that the lines for all the vendors could have been better managed. Too many people willing to pay for the goods had to wait too long -in the sun!- to do so. They need clear signs and designated lines for all the activities and purchases going on. However, it doesn't deter me from going back next year with friends. I'll know to keep an eye out for the date and go stock up on faves and maybe even find new products to love.

*The music is the only connection I know of

Adding my review years later because I still think about how bad this event was but how great it could've been. The location had shuttle bus service but was confusing and nothing specified "shuttle to Randall's Island/CurlFest." Once there, had to stand in a long entrance line where security to waves us through. This resulted in multiple people without tickets being able to enter. There was literally no purpose in buying tickets for them to not be checked. Once inside, there was clearly not enough vendors for the amount of people. Stood in line 40 minutes for a vendor only to have the long line barely move. There was no place to get water and in the middle of the heat in July, seemed irresponsible. Also no place for shade. Each vendor and stand were completely crowded with people. I couldn't even determine who or what the brand/vendor was. Ultimately left after 2 hours because it was so hot, no access to water or shade, and unwilling to spend hours in line to buy hair products. I vowed to never to go again. Definitely needed to be better organized. I do recall an apology email being sent out.

I went to Curlfest 4th Annual last year and it was AMAZING I met Spike Lee and so many other people.. It was Amazing ... Im a Vlogger on YouTube so I recorded the event on my channel LYFEOFBO ... Great food truck... Great people ...GREAT VIBES... BEAUTIFUL HAIR EVERYWHERE

Amazing curl experience, I love the vibe and the celebration of the 360° natural curl pattern was out of sight. I loved all the venders and the music. See you next year ladies

I will give this event another chance next year, but I did not have a great experience. I bought a ticket for the Silver package and stayed on the line to retrieve my Swag Bag for almost two hours. The lines were blobs of disorganized chaos. I know they tried their best to make this as smooth as possible, but be there early to ensure you will not be waiting after the crowd forms. Next year, I will not buy a ticket and take advantage of the free general admission. Standing in line was not worth the ​disappointment of a great event. Overall great music, vibes, and products.

This event was nothing compared to the two previous events. Location was not easily accessible or people with disabilities. The line to get in was long and confusing and they did not check our tickets. We did not receive our gift bags, the shuttle buses was slow at best, food trucks ran out of food after some of us stood on line for any hour or more. The worst experience this summer by far