I anticipated this weekend so long I almost became fearful of actually experiencing it believing my mountains of expectations would send me down a landslide of disappointment. An almost minute point when you consider the hands involved in planning this grandiose weekend. Leading up to the festival I had the time to connect with Laila, one of the festival founders, and discuss all the hard work and community push that went into making this event possible. You can read more on that here. Rather I hunch in front of my too-bright laptop screen on my flight to Los Angeles just a day after the festival ended because not an ounce of me can contain the excitement I feel reflecting on BIG 2026. If it weren’t for this blog entry, trust my diary would be teeming with the same level of excitement as I recall the weekend full of community, music, and art. As Sunday act, Akai Solo, exclaimed on his story just hours before the festival began:

It’s up

and I can not alter the trajectory

It is amazing what can be executed off just an idea. Raj, Quincy, and I walked past the unassuming blocks just 24 hours prior to the festival's start. Unfamiliar with the Gainesville area I was unaware we were stepping on the same grounds we would be spending our entire weekend. By the time morning came the area had been transformed into a new world that was BIG: Culture and Arts Festival.

Looking back, my biggest regret was not dividing my time equally across all the stages and activities. I truly underestimated how much there was to experience at this festival. a line up so specifically curated so you can get lost in exploration. Admittedly, I don’t think I ever walked into the Atlantic Stage or found THE LOFT. Knowing what I saw on each other stage I know I missed out on some good sh*t. Night 1 when I waited for Mavikast to begin I checked out Signal stage and Cigar City Records were putting on one of my favorite sets of Friday. Harnessing the feeling I felt as CCR brought out guests, covered my favorite songs, and brought original pieces to life I realized early on it would be tough to pick through every set, yet this was a challenge I was willing to accept. I have so much regret for the sets I was unable to see. Although this feeling mainly resides as a deep inspiration to be back for the BIG 2027 vision- this time I will know what to do.

And that's just the music mind you. BIG stretched far beyond its stages. Live artists like Jae Ling, AMOS, and Upful Creations Studios created in real time, while installations such as the Human Training Program from UNPLSNT Studio crews turned the blocks into a living funhouse you could wander through. Artisan vendors lined the streets with vintage finds, handmade jewelry, and pieces you wouldn't see anywhere else, and food vendors like Tanuki Boba, Frenchmen Street Food, and Baba's Halal kept us fueled through the long days. The Subtropic Film Festival rounded it all out with screenings on the 10th and 12th, yet another layer in a festival that somehow made space for all of it.

This festival proved to be a lot of different things. A reverent example of community-oriented world building. A festival of respect, discovery, and joy. A space where good music could transcend genre and art could defy boundaries. But most importantly it proved to be deeply, truly, and most importantly, fun.

Thank you BIG: Culture and Arts Festival 2026, see you next year ;)