Celebrating 50 Years of Culture and Unity at the Odunde Festival
As excitement builds in South Philadelphia, preparations are underway for a remarkable celebration: the 50th anniversary of the Odunde Festival, one of North America’s most prominent African American street festivals. Established in 1975 by the visionary Lois Fernandez, this festival started as a modest gathering focused on African heritage, culture, and unity, blossoming over the years into a vibrant weekend attracting over 500,000 people.
A Milestone Event
Scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
the festival will transform 16 city blocks around 23rd and South streets into a cultural showcase filled with excitement. Kicking off the day is a sacred procession at noon, followed by a multitude of activities that include two lively performance stages, featuring a diverse lineup of entertainment. This year, the festival is excited to present legendary hip-hop artists Rakim and Doug E. Fresh as headliners, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Legacy and Leadership
“This is not just an event — it’s a legacy,” remarked Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, the incumbent CEO and daughter of the festival’s founder. For the first time, she is joined by her son, Adeniyi Ogundana, who has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer. Together, they are dedicated to carrying the Odunde Festival into its next chapter with initiatives such as ODUNDE365 and Odunde Sports, aimed at expanding the festival’s influence and programming year-round.
Planning Your Visit
Those planning to attend the festival should be mindful of the street closures and transportation adjustments in place to accommodate the large crowd. Road closures will commence at 6 a.m. on Sunday and will last until approximately 11 p.m. The affected streets include:
| Street | Closure Area |
|---|---|
| South Street | 16th to Bambrey streets |
| 23rd Street | Lombard to South Street |
| 22nd Street | Lombard to Bainbridge |
| Grays Ferry Avenue | South to Carpenter |
Public transportation will also be impacted, with several SEPTA routes (7, 12, 17, and 40) set to be detoured starting at 5 a.m. on Sunday. Admission to the Odunde Festival is free, inviting families to immerse themselves in a full day of live music, delicious global cuisine, artistic displays, and an array of Black-owned businesses.
Stay Connected
For those interested in attending, the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. To stay updated with the schedule and any additional information, visit the official Odunde Festival website.
