T-Pain returned home, nearly a year after his last Tallahassee performance, with a reunion that shut down a segment of Tallahassee’s southside.

This time he hosted a block party on his very own, T-Pain Lane, which was named in his honor when Mayor John Dailey also presented him with a key to the city on Nov. 10, 2024.

His last performance was the grand finale for the City of Tallahassee’s bicentennial celebration at the Adderly Amphitheater, capped off with fireworks over Cascades Park.

This time, the block party was a precursor to his big show at the Tucker Civic Center later in the night.

Fans of all ages scored tickets to see their hometown hero perform some of his greatest hits while showing off his slick dance moves and engaging with the crowd.

He didn’t perform block party, but he did rock to music at the DJ booth on stage and mingle with close friends behind a barrier.

Hundreds turned up to enjoy games, food truck cuisine, music and more as part of a celebration of his music career that started in a small Tallahassee bedroom and has spanned over two decades.

The air buzzed with bass, laughter and the smell of barbecue as children ran free playing video games, bouncing around in inflatable houses and dancing to music.

The city of Tallahassee hosted a block party on T-Pain Lane on Oct. 17, 2025, in honor of the famed artist, musician and entrepreneur, who was in town for a FAMU homecoming concert at the Civic Center. The event included food, fun, a performance by members of the Marching 100 and a visit from the celebrity himself.

The city of Tallahassee hosted a block party on T-Pain Lane on Oct. 17, 2025, in honor of the famed artist, musician and entrepreneur, who was in town for a FAMU homecoming concert at the Civic Center. The event included food, fun, a performance by members of the Marching 100 and a visit from the celebrity himself.

Jasmin Traylor, co-owner of C&J Rolling Video Games, said she traveled from Dothan, Alabama, to the event to give back to the community and support T-Pain’s initiative.

“I grew up listening to T-Pain, so I am a fan,” Traylor told the Tallahassee Democrat.

Those attending had the chance to take photos with his pink, self-branded sports car, purchase merchandise and sample his new energy drink, “Good Game.”

Hosted in the midst of Florida A&M’s homecoming festivities up the street, the block party offered a chance for neighbors and FAMU enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of the “Tallahassee Hero.” Members of the Incomparable Marching 100 showed up to perform his famous hit “Bartender.”

“I love T-Pain, he’s just a classic,” Kiana Scott said. She walked to the block party from FAMU’s Set Friday event in hopes of catching the musician. “As a Rattler I love that I can come out and see him on his street.”

Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ABrown1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter/X: @AlaijahBrown3.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: T-Pain returns home to host block party, perform at Civic Center