Tower Grove Park transformed into a radiant sea of curls, coils, and community as Frizz Fest 2025 returned for its 8th annual celebration. The Frizzy By Nature production on Saturday, September 20 once again served as a joyful, affirming space for Black women and all people with natural and textured hair.
“Frizz Fest is all about family, community, love, Black joy, and entrepreneurship,” said Valerie Hughes, co-founder and executive director of Frizzy By Nature. “It is a place of all things.”
Hughes and her sister Leslie Hughes, co-founder and CEO of Frizzy By Nature, launched Frizz Fest in 2017 to uplift the community by honoring the beauty and versatility of natural hair. Now in its eighth year, the festival continues to grow in scope and impact.
“Year eight means that we completed the mission,” Leslie said. “It’s a testament that we can stand through any and everything.”
Frizz Fest doesn’t just celebrate hair — it celebrates identity, culture, and community resilience. It is a service to the community. It is also a reminder to Black women and all individuals with textured-hair that they are seen, valued, supported and powerful.
With the sun shining and music booming, the park was filled with families, creatives, entrepreneurs, and curl enthusiasts of all ages. Frizz Fest goes beyond the traditional festival experience. It is a safe space to be one’s authentic self. Attendees can wear their respective “crown” proudly. They can also connect with a community that truly sees and appreciates them.
Frizz Fest 2025 featured a dynamic and diverse lineup of vendors. They offered everything from hair and skin care to books, candles, jewelry and cigars. There was even a plant vendor. Black Girl Vitamins, a major sponsor, provided samples. They also made a meaningful impact by awarding two scholarships to Black women studying in the health field. The gesture was especially celebrated amid growing concerns around DEI defunding and the current political climate.
The vendor area was a one-stop shop. Whether it was oils for a twist-out, vintage clothes for a photoshoot or night on the town or a new children’s book.
Like in previous years, the festival was punctuated by live music performances and a high-energy hair show. Models walked the stage with intricately braided styles and sculpted afros presented by Healthy Hair Solutions. Guests were also treated to an impromptu performance by fan favorite Golliday. He made a special trip from Atlanta to surprise the crowd with his hit single “Dallas.”
Festival host Tee Parks, backed by DJ Nico Marie, had the crowd dancing from start to finish. They led a sing along to Usher’s “Seduction.” They had the crowd vibing to Jasmine Sullivan’s “Need U Bad” and Beyoncé’s “II HANDS II HEAVEN.” The energy was electric and full of joy.
The festival was capped with a powerful performance by Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Melanie Fiona. She had the crowd on their feet, and singing at the top of their lungs.
She took the stage with grace and undeniable presence. Fiona opened her set with music from her new album, “Say Yes,” which was released in April after a 13-year hiatus. She performed the album’s title track along with “Monna Lisa Smile,” a song she dedicated to Black women nationwide.
“I truly feel that Black women are works of art,” Fiona shared with the crowd. “And I feel like through all the heaviness and loads we have to carry in this life, we still manage to show up as beautiful works of art.”
Fiona’s pure and soulful vocals flowed effortlessly through the crowd, and reminded fans that she did not lose a bit of talent during her time away from the limelight.
The crowd erupted when she began performing her beloved hits “It Kills Me,” “Wrong Side of a Love Song” and “Fool for You,” a duet with CeeLo Green. Then she brought the crowd to its knees with her performance of “4 AM.” Fans rushed to the front of the stage, with phones in hand, eager to sing every word.
As they sang in unison with Fiona, the audience became part of the performance — a sea of voices lifted by shared memory, emotion, and joy. Fiona, radiant and energized, delivered each note with passion. The deep connection with the crowd resulted in a permanent smile on Fiona’s face.
Her set was a fitting finale for a festival rooted in love, affirmation, and celebration.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
