NORFOLK, VA — One of Hampton Roads’ biggest celebrations of hip-hop, R&B and 757 culture is coming back. The Cousinz Festival returns to Norfolk for its third year on Saturday, September 5, 2026, bringing a major lineup to the Norfolk Scope Grounds.
This year’s headliners include T.I., Keyshia Cole, The-Dream and Plies, giving fans a mix of Southern hip-hop classics, R&B favorites and hit records spanning more than two decades. The event is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
The lineup goes beyond the four headliners. Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox & Friendswill also be part of the event, along with DJ sets from DJ Envy, DJ Boof, DJ Aktive, DJ Quicksilva and Jae Murphy.
Comedy and entertainment will also be part of the experience. Chico Bean returns as a host alongside radio and media personality Dominique Da Diva, with programming planned across the festival’s indoor and outdoor stages.
The 2026 festival follows a successful 2025 edition that sold out and featured performances from Jeezy, T-Pain, Lil’ Kim and Backyard Band, along with a variety of DJs. Organizers are looking to build on that momentum as Cousinz continues to establish itself as an annual Hampton Roads event.
Cousinz was created in 2024 by Pusha T, FAMLAY and Global Music Touring CEO Antonio Dowe. The one-day festival was designed as a homegrown celebration of Hampton Roads, combining national entertainment with food, community programming and experiences that reflect the culture of the 757.
Music is only part of the festival’s mission. Cousinz has also incorporated community initiatives including college scholarships, neighborhood revitalization projects, panel discussions and other community activations, creating an experience that extends beyond the concert stage.
The festival is also continuing Cousinz Radio through a partnership with Norfolk State University’s WNSB Hot 91.1. The weekly two-hour program features a combination of guests, DJs and conversation designed to keep the Cousinz experience connected to the community beyond festival day.
2026 Cousinz Festival Details
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Norfolk Scope Grounds / Scope Arena
Address: 201 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510
Headliners: T.I. • Keyshia Cole • The-Dream • Plies
Also Featuring: Bryan-Michael Cox & Friends • DJ Envy • DJ Boof • DJ Aktive • DJ Quicksilva • Jae Murphy
Hosted By: Chico Bean and Dominique Da Diva
Tickets for the 2026 Cousinz Festival are on sale now, giving Hampton Roads fans another opportunity to come together for a day built around music, food, entertainment and community.
With major artists, DJs and local connections all coming together, this year’s Cousinz Festival is shaping up to be another major end-of-summer celebration for Norfolk and the entire 757.
(Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)
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