THE SOUTHERN DIPLOMATS PRESENT
SOUTHERN VIBES ONLY IX
The DMV's signature celebration of culture, community and Southern hospitality returns.
More than a cookout, Southern Vibes Only is where thousands across the DMV come together for music, food, fellowship, local entrepreneurship and an unforgettable celebration of community.
Tickets, vendor opportunities and partnership options are available now.
THIS IS MORE THAN A COOKOUT
Southern Vibes Only is the flagship cultural experience of Southern Diplomats. What began as a gathering among friends has grown into one of the DMV's most anticipated end-of-summer celebrations—welcoming more than 2,500 professionals, families, creatives, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
It is a day rooted in professional excellence, connection, joy and the unmistakable warmth of Southern hospitality.
By the Numbers
2,500+
Community Members
DMV-Wide
Cultural Reach
IX
Years of Southern Vibes
One Day
One Community. One Vibe.
COME FOR THE VIBES. LEAVE WITH THE MEMORIES.
Southern Vibes Only brings together the music, flavors, people and energy that make the DMV special. Every part of the experience is designed to celebrate culture, create meaningful connection and leave guests with memories that last beyond the event.
LIVE MUSIC
A high-energy soundtrack featuring DJs and sounds that move the culture.
FOOD + SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
A cookout experience centered on great food, generosity and community.
COMMUNITY
Reconnect with familiar faces and build meaningful new relationships.
LOCAL VENDORS
Discover entrepreneurs, creatives and businesses from across the DMV.
CULTURE
Celebrate Black excellence, self-expression and the spirit of the South.
IMPACT
Support an experience that helps power Southern Diplomats' year-round community work.
SAVE THE DATE
Gather your people and prepare for an unforgettable day of music, food, culture and community.
Date
September 19, 2026
Time
1pm - 8pm
Location
Washington, DC
Address
1900 Anacostia Dr SE Washington, DC
Attire
Elevated cookout style. Come comfortable, confident and ready for the vibes.
Age & Entry
All Ages Welcome
Parking & Transit
Transit instructions will be emailed to ticket holders
Weather Policy
Rain or Shine the cookout will happen
BRING YOUR BRAND TO THE VIBES
Southern Vibes Only gives local businesses, makers, food entrepreneurs, artists and community-centered brands an opportunity to connect with thousands of culturally engaged guests from across the DMV.
- Showcase your products or services to a large, engaged audience.
- Build awareness among professionals, families and community leaders.
- Join one of the region's most anticipated cultural celebrations.
- Become part of an experience that intentionally uplifts local entrepreneurship.
Vendor space is limited and subject to approval.
Vendor Opportunity
Connect your brand with thousands of culturally engaged DMV guests at one of the region's most anticipated celebrations.
PARTNER WITH PURPOSE
Align your organization with one of the DMV's most dynamic cultural experiences. Southern Vibes Only offers partners a meaningful way to connect with a culturally engaged audience while supporting programs that strengthen community, health, service and economic opportunity.
- Meaningful engagement with more than 2,500 attendees.
- Brand visibility before, during and after the event.
- Opportunities for customized activations and community engagement.
- Alignment with Southern Diplomats' year-round mission and service.
- Connection with professionals, entrepreneurs, families and local leaders.
Partnership Opportunities
Community sponsors, corporate partners and mission-aligned organizations are welcome to explore how we can build together.
THE VIBES CREATE LASTING IMPACT
Southern Vibes Only helps introduce thousands of guests to the broader mission of Southern Diplomats. Support generated through our signature events strengthens community-centered programming throughout the year.
FOOD ACCESS
Monthly food distributions supporting Ward 7 families in partnership with Ward Memorial AME Church and the Capital Area Food Bank.
HEALTH + WELLNESS
Wellness experiences, movement events and access to community health education and testing.
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Platforms that increase exposure and opportunity for local vendors, entrepreneurs and small businesses.
CULTURE + CONNECTION
Inclusive experiences that create belonging, strengthen relationships and celebrate the people who make the DMV vibrant.
ABOUT SOUTHERN DIPLOMATS
Southern Diplomats is a collective of community builders, fathers, brothers, entrepreneurs and mentors dedicated to strengthening the Washington, DC region through transformative experiences and service.
From our signature Southern Vibes Only celebration to food distributions, wellness events, health programming and community partnerships, we create spaces where culture, connection and impact come together.
Culture. Community. Impact.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
THE DMV'S FAVORITE END-OF-SUMMER VIBE IS BACK.
Gather your people, secure your spot and get ready for Southern Vibes Only IX.