If you’re still on the lookout for Labor Day weekend plans, we’ve got the solution. Wrap up the final days of summer with Made in America's star-studded blowout as the Philly-based music festival makes a triumphant post-COVID return this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4 and 5.
The lineup often features artists from various genres, including hip hop heroes, Latin stars, EDM DJs, R&B singers and more. Each year, the Made in America Festival presents a long and spicy list of celebrity appearances, so it won’t disappoint.
Before you jump in to buy tickets (because we know how exciting it sounds and how much you're aching to invite all your friends), here are five things you should know about the festival to get your adrenaline pumping.
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Justin Bieber, Megan Thee Stallion, A$ap Ferg and Doja Cat. What do all of these names have in common? These artists will perform center stage at this year’s festival! The list goes on and on, including sets from Bobby Shmurda, Roddy Ricch, Freddie Fibbs, Tinashe, Morray and even more. If you see at least one artists you listen to on the daily, it'll be worth it, and you might even discover new favorites.
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The legendary rapper, producer and businessman founded the Made in America concert in 2012 in order to bring multiple genres together and blend music with culture. It actually named after his song "Made in America" with Kanye West, which appeared on the 2011 album Watch the Throne. During the first year, more than 80,000 people showed up and made the city of Philadelphia $10 million toward the local economy. One year in 2014, Jay-Z even expanded the Made in America Festival to simultaneously occur in Grand Park, Los Angeles.
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Stressed about stepping out into a crowd? All individuals will need to submit proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of entry, so you can be sure you're staying safe and have the best time possible. To make life easier, the festival is using a mobile service called Health Pass on the CLEAR mobile app. This allows for you to present these documents without having any personal information leaked. Complete the health screening on the app in advance and skip the line. Once you submit the required documentation, the app will screen and verify within an hour or two to update your status. The app can be downloaded online before arriving at the gates.
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Not only has the Made in America Festival helped Philadelphia generate significant economic growth, it partners with an organization or charity each year for a good cause. This year, a part of the proceeds raised from the ticket sales will support the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania. Some proceeds will also support the REFORM Alliance, an organization that aims to transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing. Want to do more? Made in America’s on-site Cause Village represents various causes including female empowerment, gun violence prevention and more.
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This weekend, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be transformed into a completely different space for the festival. Enjoy amusement park rides and fair-style games between sets. Most importantly, to you foodies out there, the festival will boast a variety of gourmet food trucks to satisfy cravings for any sort of cuisine or dish, although more information on the foods will be available closer to the festival date.
Made in America comes to Philladelphia's Banjamin Franklin Parkway Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4 and 5. Tickets for Made in America are currently on sale for $89.50. Learn more at madeinamericafest.com.
Photography by: Zachary Mazur / Getty
