NORFOLK, Va. — Pharrell Williams is bringing his SOMETHING IN THE WATER FESTIVAL back to Virginia Beach in 2023.
The 13-time Grammy winner broke the news Wednesday during his Mighty Dream Forum in Norfolk.
Passes for the festival, which will take place Friday, April 28 through Sunday, April 30, 2023, will go on sale this Saturday at noon, according to a post on Instagram.
"The VA Locals Only sale for Virginia residents takes place 10 AM - 5 PM ET," the post reads.
Williams said the demand for the festival to take place in Virginia Beach "has never wavered" and "has only intensified."
“College Beach Weekend continues every year and the city of Virginia Beach leaders have been eager to reconcile and move forward," Williams wrote. "The environment is finally optimized for return and the announcement will delight everyone - from HBCU students across the eastern USA to the hundreds of small businesses who will play a role in the festival to the cities within the region and neighborhoods that will serve as hosts. I need to come back home. There is a pervasive feeling by almost everyone that the festival belongs in Virginia Beach, and the time is right to bring it back.”
Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer thanked Williams for "his willingness to bring this marquee event back home."
“It is exciting to be so close to the return of SOMETHING IN THE WATER in Virginia Beach,” Dyer said.
Pharrell opens Mighty Dream Forum in Norfolk
The Virginia Beach native created theforum to bring people of color together to learn from some of the biggest business leaders and even spark ideas to create a more equitable community.
Williams reflected on the strengths of Hampton Roads and how he feels the area can improve in an interview at the forum.
"We have an abundance of people. There’s an abundance of talent. But everyone needs to be seen as that way," Williams explained. "Seen as, you know, this looming opportunity that’s just waiting to be tapped into, like untapped potential. You know, there’s so much here. There’s more than just athletes and musicians here. There’s a lot of talent."
The music mogul also talked about how he shouldn't be the only one hosting events to talk about diversity, equity and inclusion.
Participants in the Mighty Dream Forum will have the opportunity to network with business professionals, engage in workshops, and enjoy plenty of entertainment.
The three-day forum continues through Thursday at 400 Granby Street in Norfolk.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
