Lowell Hip-Hop Festival
October 10–18, 2026
Nine days of shows, workshops, battles and cyphers across the Mill City. Jungle Brothers and Termanology headline the Kick-off Concert on October 10.
Year 1
Hip-hop is part of Lowell's story
For 200 years, Lowell has been a place where cultures meet and new generations make something of their own.
Hip-hop carries that same spirit. Born from many cultures and truly American, it has become a global culture of creativity and community.
The Lowell Hip-Hop Festival is proud to celebrate Lowell's Bicentennial by bringing those stories together: honoring where we come from, celebrating who we are, and creating something lasting for future generations.
Kick-off Concert · October 10
Jungle Brothers · Termanology
90s Hip-Hop Legends
Jungle Brothers
Mike Gee and Afrika Baby Bam pioneered the fusion of jazz, house, and hip-hop, and their 1988 debut Straight Out the Jungle is an all-time classic. The JBeez co-founded the Native Tongues, the collective that includes De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah and Black Sheep. Nearly forty years in, they still tour on the strength of a live show built on the culture's actual roots, which is exactly why they open a festival built around the four elements for every generation.
Local 978 Legend
Termanology
Termanology is a rapper and producer from Lawrence whose 2008 album Politics as Usual featured production from DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor and the Alchemist, and he's followed it up with collaborative albums alongside Paul Wall, Statik Selektah, Myster DL, and more. He now has more than 60 projects out and counting. He currently resides in Lowell and regularly records at Lowell's own Wonka Sound. He is the proof the 978 has been and is continuing to produce world-class MCs.
Upcoming Events
All events →Oct 10 · 6:00 PM
Kick-off Concert
Taffeta Music Hall
Oct 13 · 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Learn to Dance Workshop
GEN Studio
Oct 14 · 7:00 PM
Hip-Hop Trivia
Warp & Weft
Oct 15 · 8:00 PM
DJ Myth
Warp & Weft
About
A multicultural, family-friendly festival that welcomes a diverse audience into Lowell, featuring music, dance, and public art that highlights local artists & reflects the city's cultural diversity.
Rooted in Lowell's hip-hop and creative scenes, the festival celebrates and inspires through the four elements of hip-hop:
- MCing (rapping)
- DJing (turntablism)
- Breaking (dance)
- Graffiti (public art/murals)