West-Coast-born OUTLOUD Music Festival stopped by The Stage At Suffolk Downs for the first time on June 21. Its Boston debut left fans counting down the days until next June. Acts like Trixie Mattel, Rebecca Black, Frankie Grande, and Kim Petras wowed audiences with an array of spectacles and exclusives.

Boston's own Big Body Kweeng kicked off the afternoon with a performance that made everyone want to enroll in Big Body Kweeng University. She strutted out in a bright pink marching band outfit, leading the charge for a gaggle of backup dancers in matching pink bodysuits. Tracks like "LINE IT UP" displayed her sharp lyricism and brought the energy despite the sweltering heat. It was a special show for the rapper, whose son, mom, aunts, and more drove out from as far as New York to show their support. She shared how proud she was to be an advocate for the New England queer community and was honored to kick off the first OUTLOUD Festival in Massachusetts. Catch her at the Boston Black Pride Music & Arts Festival on July 6.

Hannah Rad, a seasoned DJ at LA's OUTLOUD Festival, flew out to keep Boston dancing. Songs like "Gnarly" by KATSEYE, "Alter Ego" by Doechii, and "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga hyped up the crowd and kept the festivities going all day. Her indescribable energy prepared fans for the slew of talented acts. One of whom was Oompa, another Massachusetts native who brought her passionate and melodic rap to the main stage.

Next up was Frankie Grande, who wowed audiences with then unreleased tracks from his debut album Hotel Rock Bottom, which was released on Friday, June 27. His set was a tender celebration of life, family, and music. The singer took a moment to honor his late grandmother, Marjorie "Nonna" Grande, whom he credits for inspiring him to spread joy and live his truth. His unfiltered expression in songs like "Boys" and "Rhythm of Love" empowered fans to express themselves and built a bond between everyone present. He shouted out his mother, Joan Grande, for supporting him. Fans could spot her in the crowd recording his entire set. He had a choreography-intensive performance, effortlessly jumping along with his crew of four backup dancers. Outfit changes from studded black leather pieces to strappy blue accessories added to his range and unique identity as an artist.

Fans flocked to the McDonald's activation complete with glowing circle swings, a merch tent, and a truck giving out free fries all day. Their 'livin' my truth' fans were the must-have item of the day, helping everyone stay cool in style.

Australian singer-songwriter and drummer G Flip held the energy during the hottest part of the day. They ran out in snakeskin-patterned pants and a black tank top holding a pride flag. Their powerful vocals, cheeky songs, and uptempo drumming kept everyone's eyes glued to the stage. They performed a grungy cover of Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer" and invited everyone to wave their bandanas and pieces of fabric to the hit single "Big Ol’ Hammer."

Did everyone come for OUTLOUD Festival or to celebrate Rebecca Black's birthday? The singer, who just performed at The Sinclair in March and is set to open for Katy Perry at TD Garden on August 8, had one of the biggest crowds of the day. She paused to reveal it was her first birthday show, saying, "I'm so incredibly grateful. It's beautiful to look out into a crowd and see all of you looking gorgeous, being loud, [and] jumping when I tell you to jump." She adapted her tour production to an even larger spectacle made for the festival's main stage. Tongue-in-cheek signs with messages like "STR8? Seek Rebecca Black" and "Time To Repent Salvation is coming" lined the stage as two dancers in disco hats walked out carrying Black in a large tapestry. Black appeared in a stunning royal blue and black polka-dotted ruffle dress complete with a "Miss Salvation" purple sash. A playful prescription side effect message played before the hit single "Sugar Water Cyanide," and soon after, the festival surprised her with the message "HAPPY BIRTHDAY REBECCA!!!!!" on the big screen as fans sang happy birthday.

After a few hours, it was safe to say that Saturday was the most colorful show of the year. Neon mesh, rainbow feathers, metallic shoes, tinsel hair pieces, tie-dye shirts, and more frolicked across the fields.

Alabama-born rapper Flo Milli conquered the stage in a light blue mini skirt, white leg warmers, and a striped mockneck sweater. She showcased her mesmerizing cadences and beloved sassy vocal delivery. Songs like "Never Lose Me," "Conceited," and "Beef Flomix" reminded the crowd about her iconic discography of hits. The blend of bubbly and trap-influenced beats had everyone bouncing along.

Drag queen and DJ Trixie Mattel had the longest set of the day. She arrived on stage a few minutes early, accompanied by drag queens and kings, who sported Trixie's shade of pink. They delivered the best vibes as the sun set and a much-needed breeze moved in. Various-sized beach balls were tossed into the crowd as 3D-rendered visuals, such as a silver strutting disco avatar of Trixie, swirled around the screen. She effortlessly weaved between genres and songs like "I Feel Love" by Donna Summer, "Taste" by Sabrina Carpenter, and "Formation" by Beyoncé. She infused her set with her signature humor and charm, saying, "I’m taking my high heel off your neck so you can breathe for five seconds...be careful with the balls in Boston, you will get chlamydia." She used a bedazzled Trixie Cosmetics mirror as a prop to powder her face and do makeup touch-ups. Planes flying over the grounds could be seen in the distance as Trixie played "Apple" by Charli XCX, and shouted out "Logan airport...[and] Boston's president, Katya."

The dancing only picked up as the night continued and daylight faded. Fans with fans stayed cool while others posed for selfies. Time flew by, and soon enough, it was time for the night's headliner.

The stage crew began tossing pink light sticks into the crowd, hyping them up for the headliner, Kim Petras. A box labeled "MAIL ORDER BRIDE" was wheeled to the center of the stage as airport-themed graphics flashed on the screen A spotlight brought the drama as the box lid dropped to the ground, revealing Petras inside. She sported a matching grey polo set, sunglasses, and a large bag adorned with Boston-specific charms, such as a miniature model sailboat and a baseball. She performed a perfect mix of unreleased tracks and fan favorites, such as "Gag On It." Her rhinestone-encrusted boot revealed she not only performed with a medical issue, but also cleverly incorporated it into her look.

It is clear Boston's OUTLOUD Festival will become a staple of the city's summer itinerary. The event was founded by Jeff Consoletti at JJLA, a Massachusetts native, making its homecoming extra meaningful. We'll see you next year!

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