Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is gearing up for its annual music festival and fundraiser—The Challenge—set to take place on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the company’s Global Home Office in New Albany, Ohio.
The Challenge will feature two stages, food and drink from local partners, including a beer garden by Rhinegeist Brewery, custom DIY apparel, axe throwing, hot air balloon rides, and more one-of-a-kind experiences.
What started as a fun company event has evolved into a signature philanthropic celebration. Crossing the $1 million mark for the first time years ago, The Challenge has since doubled, tripled, and even quadrupled that fundraising record in recent years. To date, The Challenge has generated over $53 million in support of mental health initiatives.
The event will be headlined by nine-time diamond-certified GRAMMY® Award-nominated phenomenon and philanthropist, Post Malone {Recent CleveRock coverage}. The singer-songwriter has broken records with multiple diamond-certified singles (“Circles,” “Sunflower,” “Better Now,” among others) and has sold over 80 million records globally, earning awards across Billboard, MTV, and American Music Award platforms. n recent years, he’s successfully ventured into country music—his 2024 album F‑1 Trillion debuted at No. 1 and featured collaborations with stars like Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, and Dolly Parton, while the single “I Had Some Help” topped both pop and country charts,
As if one of the most popular touring acts on the market isn’t enough (which, c’mon, it is):
Post will be joined by others, including Indie/Alt-rock outfit Young the Giant, who broke into the mainstream with their 2010–2011 hits “My Body” and “Cough Syrup,” which helped propel them up the charts and led to a performance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Songs like “Superposition,” released in 2018, have earned widespread praise for their lyrical depth and atmospheric production, even reaching #2 on Billboard’s Alternative chart. With a blend of thoughtful songwriting and electrifying performances, Young the Giant remains a standout presence in modern rock.
Over on the second stage, CleveRock favorite Natalie Jane will be wowing fans. {Recent CleveRock coverage} A 20-year-old pop sensation has amassed over half a billion streams across popular music platforms before even releasing an LP, on the strength of her popular songs “Ava” and “Sick To My Stomach.”
Mental health challenges continue to rise among young people. Abercrombie & Fitch has positioned The Challenge as more than just an annual celebration—it’s a vehicle for change, funding counseling, crisis lines, school programs, and inclusive support systems.
This year’s festival will support six strategic nonprofit partners, all dedicated to youth mental health and wellbeing.
- GLSEN
- The Jed Foundation
- The Kids Mental Health Foundation
- SeriousFun Children’s Network
- The Steve Fund
- The Trevor Project
The Challenge promises more than an evening of music and fun—it represents a collective investment in youth mental health. Abercrombie & Fitch is transforming its platform into a force for lasting, positive change.
For attendees and supporters alike, this event is a chance to enjoy great live music, connect with the community, and help pave the way for healthier futures for young people everywhere.
tickets are sold out!
For those celebrating virtually, tickets are $30, and a virtual VIP experience kit is available for $100.
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