NEW ALBANY, OHIO – Multi-platinum selling artist and philanthropist Post Malone is set to headline “The Challenge,” Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s (NYSE: ANF) 23rd annual music festival and fundraiser, the company announced today. The highly anticipated event, a cornerstone of the retailer’s philanthropic efforts focused on mental health and the well-being of future generations, is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 19, 2025.
Event Details and Location
The festival will be held at Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Global Home Office, located in New Albany, Ohio. This site has historically served as the venue for The Challenge, bringing together music enthusiasts and advocates for charitable causes.
Post Malone, a nine-time diamond-certified and GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist known for his genre-bending music and public acts of philanthropy, will serve as the main attraction. His participation is expected to draw significant attention to the event and its beneficiaries.
Supporting Musical Acts
The lineup for the 2025 festival includes a diverse array of talent beyond the headliner. Opening acts confirmed for the event are alternative rock band Young the Giant and singer-songwriter Mark Ambor. Additionally, supporting performances are slated from artists Max McNown, Natalie Jane, Adrien Nunez, Jessica Baio, and DJ Axcess, ensuring a full day of music across various styles.
Focusing on Mental Health Advocacy
The central theme and purpose of The Challenge revolve around promoting mental health and supporting the health and well-being of future generations. This focus aligns with growing societal awareness of the importance of mental wellness among young people. The funds raised through the festival directly benefit non-profit organizations dedicated to providing resources, support, and advocacy in this critical area.
Beneficiary Organizations
A total of six key philanthropic partners will receive support from the proceeds of the 23rd annual Challenge. These organizations are leaders in their respective fields within the mental health and youth support sectors:
* GLSEN: Works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
* The Jed Foundation: Protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults.
* The Kids Mental Health Foundation: Dedicated to addressing children’s mental health needs.
* SeriousFun Children’s Network: Provides life-changing experiences to children living with serious illnesses and their families, free of charge.
* The Steve Fund: Supports the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
* The Trevor Project: The world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people.
All funds raised from the 2025 event will be distributed among these six non-profit partners, enabling them to continue their vital work.
A Storied History of Philanthropy
The Challenge has a long-standing history of significant charitable impact. Since its inception in 2001, the annual festival and fundraiser has collectively raised over $53 million. This substantial sum underscores Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s sustained commitment to philanthropy and its capacity to mobilize support for important causes through large-scale events. The 2025 event is poised to add to this impressive legacy, contributing further to the financial health and programmatic reach of its chosen non-profit partners. The decision to benefit all six partners with the funds raised this year highlights an inclusive approach to supporting a broad spectrum of mental health and youth-focused initiatives.
Corporate Commitment
The continuation of The Challenge for its 23rd year, coupled with the securement of a high-profile headliner like Post Malone and a robust lineup of supporting artists, signals Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s deep-seated commitment to corporate social responsibility. By focusing the event squarely on mental health, particularly as it affects young people, the company aligns its philanthropic efforts with pressing contemporary issues. The event not only serves as a significant fundraising mechanism but also as a platform to raise awareness for the critical services provided by organizations like GLSEN, The Jed Foundation, The Kids Mental Health Foundation, SeriousFun Children’s Network, The Steve Fund, and The Trevor Project. The 2025 festival is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in continuing this tradition of musical celebration and charitable giving, reinforcing the company’s role as a supporter of mental wellness for future generations.
