CurlFest is a summer ritual for all girls with curls. Every summer, women with natural hair from all over the world come to show off and celebrate different textures and curls. It’s a safe space for black and brown women to form a sisterhood thanks to performances that convey an energy of freedom, acceptance, and love. Meanwhile, vendors guide and amplify the girls with curls experience and panelists find the words we haven’t yet expressed. In other words, CurlFest is a safe space for women to be heard, seen, and heal.

Before CurlFest became one of the biggest events in New York City, however, it started as an email thread about natural hair. “In 2009, one of our good friends was looking for a community as she began her natural hair journey,” says Charisse Higgins, co-founder of CurlFest and Curly Girl Collective. The email thread grew to seventy natural hair enthusiasts from all over the world. It became clear that a community was needed in the natural hair space.

It wasn’t long before the email thread left the group chat. What was once an online connection evolved into a potluck dinner that spawned something bigger. A few women who enjoyed being in the company of other curly girls decided to form the Curly Girl Collective in 2011. Together, they began organizing small events around the city that quickly sold out. “The line stretched around the block and the RSVP list sold out in seconds,” Higgins says.

As demand grew, the founders moved the event to Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The planned event for 500 people grew to include nearly 2,000 attendees. CurlFest was officially launched in 2014. Every year, women from all over the world come to CurlFest to find exactly what it all started with – community. Higgins says, “When we started, we were just friends who were craving that in-person experience, and there was a demand for it.”

Ten years later, demand is still high. After years of expanding to different locations, the event will take place tomorrow in Prospect Park, where it all began. “The energy in Brooklyn is unparalleled, so we’re excited to be a part of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn,” Higgins said.

Guests can expect food, refreshments, fellowship, music and most importantly, gift bags. This year’s gift bag is expected to include Sacred, Mielle and other beauty favorites. Additionally, Shea Moisture will be supporting the Small Business Village, which was created to support local and small businesses by giving them a platform to showcase their brands.

“This is bigger than us; this is for our community. They come every year and show their best, and that’s what keeps us together,” Higgins mentions.

If you would like to participate CurlFestuse promo code BACKTOBK to get 20% off your purchase.