Pharrell to hold summer festival in DC on Juneteenth Weekend

Pharrel Williams is bringing his "Something in the Water" festival to the nation's capitol to celebrate Juneteenth. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser approves. They jointly announced the event last Tuesday durin a surprise visit to Ballou High School as the band played the Grammy winner's hit song, "Happy."

In 2020 Williams advocated for then VA Gov. Ralph Northam to make Juneteenth a paid state holiday after his racially offensive yearbook photo resurfaced in 2019. By 2020 the Festival tickets will range from $300-$500 for a three-day pass. Drawing thoholiday was established in the siner's home state.

Williams' summer fest was previously held in Virginia Beach and the artist was shopping around for a new city to host it in after holding off during the Coronavirus pandemic. This year's event will feature performacnes by 50 acts including Jean Batiste, Usher, and the Dave Matthews Band.

Mayor Bowser is expecting to generate a boost in economic recovery. "We have to get people back downtown. We have to get people back in restaurants.," she said.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. Tickets are on sale now online.