On August 21, 2025, the city of Indianapolis marked a cultural milestone as Chreece, the city’s iconic homegrown hip-hop festival, celebrated its 10th anniversary. Held once again in the eclectic Fountain Square neighborhood, this year’s edition was more than a music event—it was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity that have defined the festival and its community for the past decade.
Launched in 2015 by local rapper and arts advocate Sean “Oreo” Jones, Chreece started as a modest effort to raise money for the nonprofit Musical Family Tree. What began as a grassroots endeavor quickly blossomed into one of the most anticipated cultural events in the Midwest. Over the years, the festival has become a beacon for regional hip-hop artists and fans, providing a platform that spotlights Black artistry and bridges generational and cultural divides through music, art, and storytelling.
This year’s anniversary event delivered on all fronts, bringing over 70 performers across seven stages in what transformed Fountain Square into a living, breathing celebration of hip-hop culture. Nationally recognized artists such as Smino, Audrey Nuna, and MAVI shared stages with local heavyweights, including 81355, a trio that includes Oreo Jones himself. Each performance pulsed with energy, creating a dynamic block-party atmosphere where every corner of the neighborhood became part of the experience. Side streets were filled with food trucks, art installations, live graffiti walls, and a vendor village packed with small businesses and local creators. The immersive setup was a reflection of the festival’s ethos—hip-hop as not just a genre, but a lifestyle rooted in expression, identity, and solidarity.
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In addition to the music, this year’s Chreece held deep emotional resonance. The event paid tribute to the late DJ Indiana Jones, also known as Ron Miner, a revered figure in Indianapolis’s music scene. Following his passing during the pandemic, Chreece organizers established the DJ Indiana Jones Scholarship to honor his legacy and support the next generation of DJs and music professionals. This year marked the scholarship’s continued recognition, with organizers and community members acknowledging its impact in fostering musical talent and providing young people with access to creative opportunities.
Local leaders, including Congressman André Carson, praised the festival’s contributions not only to the city’s artistic landscape but to its broader social fabric. In public remarks, Carson commended Chreece for lifting up Black voices and reinforcing the importance of cultural visibility in shaping a more equitable and vibrant Indianapolis. His sentiments echoed a widespread sense of pride and gratitude among attendees, many of whom have supported the festival from its early days.
The 10th edition also saw a surge in attendance, with ticket options ranging from general admission starting at $45 to more exclusive VIP experiences. The event’s enduring popularity highlighted its role as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar and as a gathering that transcends music to foster a sense of collective identity. For many in attendance, Chreece wasn’t just about beats and bars—it was about returning to a space where community, creativity, and celebration intertwine.
As Indianapolis continues to evolve, Chreece remains a powerful reminder of the role local art plays in driving civic pride, challenging social norms, and shaping public discourse. In a landscape where large-scale festivals are often driven by commercial interests, Chreece has stayed grounded in its community roots. Its growth over the past ten years reflects not just the rising prominence of hip-hop in Indiana, but a broader movement toward cultural ownership and self-definition.
Looking ahead, festival organizers hope to build on this foundation by expanding educational outreach, creating year-round programming, and continuing to elevate underrepresented voices in music and the arts. If the past decade is any indication, Chreece will remain a vital force in Indianapolis’s cultural life—amplifying the rhythms, stories, and soul of a city that continues to make its own beat.
