This Thanksgiving weekend, hip-hop is returning to its roots in the tri-state area. Rock The Bells Festival will return to Newark’s Prudential Center on Sunday, November 29, 2026, bringing generations of fans together to close out Hip-Hop History Month with a massive celebration of the music, artists, and culture that continue to shape the globe.
Founded by hip-hop icon LL COOL J and produced in partnership with the Black Promoters Collective (BPC)—the nation’s premier Black-owned live entertainment company—the Home for the Holidays edition celebrates the music that raised generations while honoring the community that carries the culture forward.
A Star-Studded Lineup Representing Hip-Hop Royalty
Leading this year’s roster, LL COOL J returns to the festival stage alongside multi-platinum R&B legends SWV, hip-hop’s definitive duo Method Man & Redman, and rap icon Lil’ Kim.
The evening will also feature a specially curated set by D-Nice, bringing out LeToya Luckett, David Banner, and Yonkers legends The LOX (Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch). Organizers promise additional artist announcements and special unannounced surprise guests in the coming weeks.
“Hip-Hop has shaped the world for more than five decades, and Rock The Bells exists to honor the people who made that history and keep the culture moving upward,” said LL COOL J, Founder of Rock The Bells. “Bringing that energy back to Newark over Thanksgiving weekend feels right. We’re going to celebrate music, show love to the community, and close out Hip-Hop History Month together.”
Giving Back and Honoring Legacy
Beyond the stage, this year’s Home for the Holidays gathering will feature community initiative activations across Newark throughout the holiday season.
Following last year’s event, Okayplayer declared that the festival “shook the Prudential Center to its foundations,” praising its seamless connection between pioneering legends and new-era performers.
“The Black Promoters Collective was built to produce world-class live experiences that celebrate Black culture at the highest level,” said Shelby Joyner, President of the Black Promoters Collective. “Rock The Bells Festival embodies that mission.”
Ticket & Presale Information
Tickets for the Rock The Bells Festival at Prudential Center will be released across several presale windows before opening to the general public:
- Exclusive Presale: Tuesday, August 18, at 10:00 a.m. ET – Thursday, August 20, at 10:00 a.m. ET.
- Local, Venue & Promoter Presale: Thursday, August 20, at 10:00 a.m. ET – Thursday, August 20, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
- General Public On-Sale: Friday, August 21, at 10:00 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.
- Official Website: rockthebellsfestival.com
