Gainesville, FL – In a city known for its deep-rooted artistic and entrepreneurial spirit, Big: Culture & Arts Festival returns for its third year, bringing together a diverse mix of musicians, artists, and innovators. More than just a festival, Big is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Gainesville’s creative community, a full-circle moment that reflects the evolution of a movement that began years ago with the independent record label Dion Dia.

From Dion Dia to How Bazar: A Creative Ecosystem Takes Shape

To truly understand the significance of Big: Culture & Arts Festival, one must go back to the foundation laid by Dion Dia, an independent record label, management, and consultation company based in Gainesville and Miami. Unlike traditional labels, Dion Dia was built with a mission beyond music—it aimed to create opportunities for artists of all backgrounds, regardless of platform size, offering them a space to produce and share their work.

However, like many businesses, Dion Dia faced challenges when COVID-19 disrupted the industry. The live music scene slowed, in-person collaboration became difficult, and the label needed to evolve. Out of this need for reinvention, How Bazar was born—a concept that blended music, fashion, community events, coworking space, and culture into one dynamic experience.

Founded by Laila Fakhoury, Khary Khalfani, and Jose Peruyero, How Bazar quickly became a cultural hub for artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. The team realized that Gainesville’s creative pulse extended beyond music—fashion, visual arts, and skate culture were equally integral to the city’s identity. They curated a space where all of these elements could coexist, setting the stage for what would eventually become Big: Culture & Arts Festival.

Fakhoury said, “We want to introduce audiences to artists they haven’t yet heard of and experiences they’ve maybe only dreamt of. This festival is a major one for the year, bringing people together and curating a community. It celebrates people for who they are, which is reflected in the culture and experiences that they have.”

Big: Culture & Arts Festival—A Reflection of Gainesville’s Creative Identity

Since its inception, Big: Culture & Arts Festival has grown into one of Florida’s most immersive cultural experiences. Taking place in downtown Gainesville on April 11-12, 2025, the festival transforms an off-the-beaten-path venue between Porters Quarters Community and South Main Street into a vibrant, multisensory spectacle.

With support from Visit Gainesville, Alachua County’s Discover 200 Bicentennial Celebration, and local businesses, Big: Culture & Arts Festival blends the city’s underground arts scene with nationally recognized talent. This year’s lineup includes The Alchemist, MIKE, Navy Blue, Annabelle Kline, Elijah Fox, Pink Siifu, and Pearl & the Oysters alongside fire breathers, stilt walkers, and aerial performers.

The festival’s business model is as unique as its artistic approach. Rather than relying solely on mainstream commercial sponsorships, Big: Culture & Arts Festival thrives on community partnerships, independent artists, and a DIY ethos. It is a direct reflection of Gainesville’s dual nature—a city that supports both cutting-edge entrepreneurship by day and boundary-pushing artistic expression by night.

What Makes Big 2025 Different?

Every year, Big: Culture & Arts Festival reinvents itself, and 2025 is no exception. This year’s festival promises an even more immersive experience, including:

• Three Stages of Music – Showcasing everything from hip-hop to dream pop, punk to R&B, with performances from both Florida-based and national artists.
• The Rhythm Room – A high-energy dance space featuring DJ sets that rival Miami’s underground club scene.
• The Circus House – A cabaret and burlesque experience with aerial artists, contortionists, and live fire performances.
• An Indoor Skatepark – Bringing together Gainesville’s vibrant skate culture with custom-built ramps and obstacles suitable for intermediate to advanced skaters.
• A Pop-Up Streetwear Fashion Show – Featuring handmade designs from local and regional artists.
• Immersive Installations – Including a relaxation and wellness experience by Swiss sculptural artist Annabelle Schneider, who created a sculpture serving as the environment for the wellness experience. 
• A Drive-In Movie Theater – Showcasing films from local creators in a nostalgic, car-hopping environment.

On April 11, Big: Culture & Arts Festival kicks off with a downtown block party, transforming How Bazar and Café Voltaire into a late-night cultural hotspot with performances from Kaelin Ellis, Mr. Floyd Larry, They Hate Change, Rugh, DAY/DEM, and Kill Zach.

The Festival’s Impact on Gainesville

The return of Big: Culture & Arts Festival for its third year is more than just a celebration—it’s proof that Gainesville’s creative ecosystem is thriving. The festival supports local businesses, gives emerging artists a platform, and brings visitors from all over the country to experience the unique cultural energy that the city has to offer.

By bridging the worlds of business and art, Big: Culture & Arts Festival demonstrates how culture can drive economic growth. The festival’s model encourages collaboration among entrepreneurs, musicians, visual artists, and event curators, creating a sustainable framework for creative industries to flourish.

As Gainesville continues to evolve, festivals like Big: Culture & Arts Festival serve as a reminder that art and commerce are not separate forces but interconnected elements of a thriving city. What started as a record label’s vision has transformed into a movement—one that ensures Gainesville remains a beacon for artistic innovation and cultural entrepreneurship.

Get Your Tickets

Tickets for Big: Culture & Arts Festival are now on sale. General admission is $45, while VIP tickets are $100, offering exclusive access to a private lounge, refreshments, massage therapists, and performances.

For more information, hotel accommodations, and ticket purchases, visit bigcaf.com