The Zeitgeist: Summer’s Big Pop Culture Moments
From a bikercore drama and a girl-boss fashion documentary, to new music and city-wide Pride events, Rivet has rounded up the pop culture moments bound to make summer 2024 a memorable one.
Movies
Bad Boys: Ride or Die: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return to the screen as Detective Mike Lowrey and Detective Marcus Miles Burnett for the highly anticipated “Bad Boys 4.” In theaters on June 7, the duo finds themselves in Miami and on the opposite side of the law. It is the fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise, which began in 1995.
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The Bikeriders: Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, “The Bikeriders” transports viewers to the 1960s Midwestern biker scene. The film follows Benny (Austin Butler), a member of the motorcycle club the Vandals, as the group is lured into organized crime.
Deadpool and Wolverine: Hugh Jackman returns to his iconic X-Men role, Wolverine, for the first time in seven years in “Deadpool and Wolverine.” In theaters July 26, the action film finds Wolverine recovering from his past injuries when he’s recruited by Ryan Reynold’s sarcastic Deadpool character to save the world.
Inside Out 2: Movie goers will be in their feelings when Disney releases “Inside Out 2” on June 14. A sequel to the 2015 hit that introduced Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness to the children and Disney adults alike, Inside Out 2 will feature new characters that are bound to resonate with audiences in 2024, including Anxiety voiced by Maya Hawke.
Music
Charli XCX, “Brat”: Charli XCX is back with a fresh set of club bangers. On June 7, the 31-year-old British avant-pop and electronic star will release her sixth studio album, “Brat.” The album follows up her 2022 album “Crash,” which was her most successful to date. The new 15-track album features her hit Y2K-inspired single “Von Dutch” with influencer Addison Rae, along with “Brb,” “Sympathy is a Knife,” “360” and “Club Classics.” Charli XCX is taking the songs on the road in June starting a global tour that will take her across Europe and the U.S. It will conclude in Glasgow in December.
Normani, “Dopamine”: Since parting ways with girl group Fifth Harmony in 2018, fans have been vocal about waiting six years for Normani’s solo debut album. The 27-year-old “Motivation” singer is in on the joke too—the website for her highly anticipated debut album is whereisthedamnalbum.com. Fans won’t have to wait any longer when “Dopamine” drops on June 14. Said to represent “liberation and freedom,” the album will show a new side of Normani. The first single is the R&B-infused track “1:59” featuring rapper Gunna.
Tyde Levi, “A Thousand Ways to Say Nothing at All”: From YouTube sensation to pop star in the making, 24-year-old Australian singer and songwriter Tyde Levi is gearing up for the release of his debut album this month. Titled “A Thousand Ways to Say Nothing at All,” Levi said the album was born from the “rollercoaster of emotions” following a breakup and subsequent fling. The 8-track album was a way for Levi to navigate through the chaos and reflect on the love he’d lost and found along the way.
“In my past [relationship], I don’t think I was being completely honest with myself and the people around me. I might have been saying one thing but thinking another,” Levi told Rivet. “Making this album was like being alone in my bedroom, allowing myself to express these thoughts and feelings, putting them on paper and into melody. It helped me gain clarity and be honest with myself, something I wasn’t doing with others.”
Streaming
The Bachelorette: Get ready for another wild journey to find love when “The Bachelorette” returns on July 8 on ABC. Season 21 of this guilty pleasure will center on 25-year-old Floridian and the first Asian-American lead, Jenn Tran. Known for her charming and bubbly personality, Tran first caught viewers’ attention on Joey Graziadei’s season of “The Bachelor” and has now been brought back for her own quest for love.
Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge: Diane von Furstenberg is the latest designer to get the documentary treatment. The trailblazing designer reflects on her life and work in the Hulu documentary out June 25. The film looks at how von Furstenberg challenged industry norms while being at the center of New York’s cultural scene.
Emily in Paris: The Netflix’s hit series “Emily in Paris” returns in two parts, with the first installment premiering Aug. 15 and the second dropping on Sept. 12. While details about the plot remain tightly under wraps, it’s anticipated that viewers will witness the long-awaited romantic sparks between Emily (Lily Collins) and Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), especially now that Camille (Camille Razat) has called off the wedding.
Pride
Chicago: The 23rd annual Chicago Pride Fest, a two-day street festival, will take place June 22-23. With three stages of live music, a youth pride space for teens, a best-of-Chicago drag performance, dance exhibitions, guest speakers, over 150 food and merchandise vendors and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The city’s annual Chicago Pride Parade will take place on June 30.
Los Angeles: Ricky Martin will soon have LA livin’ la vida loca. On June 8 at the LA State Historic Park, the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and actor will headline LA Pride in the Park 2024. Jojo Siwa is also scheduled to perform. The next day, the annual LA Pride Parade will roll down Hollywood Blvd and conclude with a block party featuring live performances, food trucks and more surprises.
New York City: The Big Apple will be home to wave of electrifying Pride events on June 30. In Greenwich Village, the annual LGBTQIA+ street fair, PrideFest, will return, offering a vibrant mix of exhibitors, food and activities, all in the spirit of celebrating equality. Meanwhile, the NYC Pride March will commence at 25th Street and 5th Avenue, serving as both a commemoration and a call to action. This annual event has transformed into a powerful civil rights demonstration, shedding light on the ongoing fight against AIDS and paying tribute to those lost to illness, violence and neglect.
Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C. is gearing up for a star-studded Pride month. On June 9, Capitol Stage will be lit up by performances from Ava Max, Billy Porter, Exposé, Sapphira Cristál and Keke Palmer, showcasing their hits. This celebration comes right after the Capital Pride Parade on June 8.
This article appears in Rivet’s summer issue. Click here to read more.
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