Much Better Studios Launches DreamFest: Trenton's Week-Long Festival
- Akeya Fortson-Brown
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Founded by CEO Quayshaun Williams alongside three fellow young Black entrepreneurs, the week-long celebration of culture, community, and commerce turns Trenton into the venue from July 13–19.
TRENTON, NEW JERSEY, June 24, 2026 — Trenton, New Jersey is home to a thriving generation of artists and entrepreneurs whose creativity has long outpaced the opportunities available to them. Despite its status as a creative hub and innovation engine, the city’s narrative has too often been overshadowed by disconnection, disinvestment, and the erosion of the deep community bonds that once defined it.
That is the problem four young entrepreneurs decided to solve.
Quayshaun Williams, Akeya Fortson-Brown, Craig Burnett Jr., and Dante Alston , three Trenton natives and one Ewing native, pooled their minds, networks, and resources to create DreamFest: a week-long, citywide festival running July 13–19, 2026, designed to activate multiple areas of Trenton through a series of experiences that celebrate creation, collaboration, and connection.
Rather than waiting for outside investment or permission, the four founders built a programming infrastructure that invites the city’s business owners, public servants, artists, community leaders, and everyday residents to a shared stage. “We believe the baton has been passed to our generation,” said Williams. “So, we stopped just talking about what could work and started becoming the change we seek.”
To get the idea off the ground, these entrepreneurs understood that the vision would require more than ambition. It would require real collaboration and strategic partnerships to produce programming that goes beyond nightlife and gives residents meaningful ways to connect, create, and celebrate. The result is a festival that models what the creator economy and collaborative efforts can look like in the city of Trenton: community-owned, locally-rooted, and built to last.
Committed to accessibility and inclusion, the festival’s founders have made a deliberate decision to keep participation free or low-cost, ensuring that community members from all backgrounds can experience the event’s attractions, build meaningful connections, and engage with the inspiring individuals and organizations participating in the festival.
ABOUT DREAMFEST
DreamFest is an annual festival featuring a variety of activities and events to engage Trenton’s community in a positive, safe, and meaningful way. Built on the belief that “The City Is The Venue”, the festival is set to activate several cornerstone locations in the city, including Downtown Trenton, Cadwalader Park, and the Capital City Sports Complex. “Our goal is to activate Trenton’s cultural, athletic, entrepreneurial, and community spaces to create immersive, collaborative experiences for residents, business owners, and visitors from across the region”, said Williams.
The festival will span the full week of July 13–19, bringing unique experiences that will attract tourists’ attention, call natives who have left the city to make a trip back home, and provide residents with vibrant third spaces to enjoy. Each unique experience is called an “DreamFest Attraction” and serves the purpose of engaging, energizing, and/or entertaining the city.
DreamFest Attractions include the following:
Every Thursday, 6/11–7/9 | 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
A weekly networking series at Much Better Studios. Partners, participants, and community members gather to connect, create content, and build relationships ahead of event week.
July 13–19
Celebrating Trenton’s local food scene in partnership with the Trenton Urban Enterprise Zone. Participating restaurants create exclusive “DreamFest Special” menus served throughout the week.
July 13–19
A citywide fitness challenge encouraging residents to get healthy, healed, and active together through free daily fitness classes, meetups, and wellness experiences.
July 13–16 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A four-night business education series teaching entrepreneurship and pitching skills to emerging business owners and aspiring creators.
July 18 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A signature sporting event featuring Trenton’s local brands, businesses, and organizations competing on the field at Capital City Sports Complex. Accompanied by 50+ vendors, food trucks, and special appearances.
DreamFest Community Day & Dodgeball Showdown
July 19 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A free community celebration at Cadwalader Park featuring a creator vs. creator Dodgeball Tournament, vendors and food trucks, kids’ activities, and community giveaways. Open to all.
Tickets and event information are available at muchbetterworld.com/dreamfest.
DREAMFEST PARTNERS
Since its public launch, DreamFest 2026 has assembled a coalition of civic and community partners. Official partners include:
Civic & Government Partners:
Trenton Fire & Emergency Services
Trenton Police Department
Founding Organizations:
Much Better Studios — Quayshaun Williams, Founder
The Hustle Lab LLC — Akeya Fortson-Brown, Founder
We Built This City LLC — Craig Burnett Jr., Founder
Just Black Productions — Dante Alston, Founder
Community Business Partners:
Moja Life
3rd Shift
Simply Pure Trenton
Razor Sharp
Dreams To Reality
Warren MultiServices
Skillet Cafe
1911 Smokehouse
Big Easy
Arlee’s Raw Blends
M&K Bistro
Trenton UEZ
Let’s Go Entertainment
Reflections Salon
Tracey’s Kitchen
Jean’s Kitchen
For a comprehensive list of partners, please visit www.muchbetterworld.com/dreamfest
ABOUT DREAMFEST 2026
DreamFest 2026 is a week-long citywide festival taking place July 13–19, 2026 throughout Trenton, New Jersey. More information is available at muchbetterworld.com/dreamfest.
ABOUT MUCH BETTER STUDIOS
Much Better Studios is a Trenton-based creative studio and event space founded by Quayshaun Williams. The studio serves as a gathering space for creators, entrepreneurs, and community members to build, collaborate, and produce. Learn more at muchbetterworld.com
ABOUT THE HUSTLE LAB LLC
The Hustle Lab LLC is a community engagement and experience event marketing agency specializing in sports, entertainment, and culture brands. Founded by Akeya Fortson-Brown, The Hustle Lab helps organizations build and own their community through in-person experiences and digital marketing. Learn more at thehustlelabllc.com.
ABOUT WE BUILT THIS CITY LLC
We Built This City LLC is a Trenton-based community development organization founded by Craig Burnett Jr., entrepreneur and City of Trenton firefighter, dedicated to activating civic pride and economic empowerment throughout the city. Learn more at criagburnettjr.com
ABOUT JUST BLACK PRODUCTIONS
Just Black Productions is a creative production company founded by Dante Alston and based in the greater Trenton area. The company specializes in producing experiences, content, and events that amplify Black culture and community. Learn more at justblackproductions.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Akeya Fortson-Brown
609-583-0761
Comments