Philadelphia's Odunde Festival, one of the largest African American street fests, turns 50 years old in 2025
The energy is building in South Philadelphia as organizers prepare to celebrate a golden milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Odunde Festival — one of the largest and longest-running African American street festivals in North America.
Founded in 1975 by the late Lois Fernandez, the Odunde Festival began as a one-block celebration of African culture, tradition, and unity. Today, it spans 16 city blocks, welcomes over 500,000 attendees, and features more than 150 vendors from around the world.
This year's festival officially takes place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., centered around 23rd and South streets. A sacred procession kicks off at noon, followed by two live performance stages, a variety of cultural activities, and headlining performances from hip-hop legends Rakim and Doug E. Fresh.
"This is not just an event—it's a legacy," said Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, the current CEO and daughter of the founder.
For the first time, Fernandez-West is joined in leading the festival by her son, Adeniyi Ogundana, who has stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer. Together, they're ushering Odunde into its next 50 years, expanding programming year-round through initiatives like ODUNDE365 and Odunde Sports.
Street closures as Odunde Festival 2025 begins June 8
Beyond the festivities, attendees are encouraged to plan ahead. Road closures will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday and include:
South Street from 15th to 25th Streets
23rd Street from Lombard to Grays Ferry Avenue
22nd Street from Lombard to Bainbridge
Grays Ferry Avenue from South to Fitzwater
Several SEPTA routes (7, 12, 17, and 40) will also be detoured.
Admission is free, and families are welcome to enjoy a full day of live music, global cuisine, dance, art, and Black-owned businesses.
For the full schedule and updates, visit the Odunde Festival's website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
20 minutes ago
- CBS News
New Massachusetts playground is so popular city sets up parking reservations, time limits
Turning off of Trapelo Road in Waltham, Massachusetts, it's immediately clear why everyone's talking about the city's new playground. "The floor is kind of cushioned which is nice, and the more you walk around the more you see hidden little things the kids love. It's just great!" said local mom Ariel Brito. Splash pad, mini golf The universal playground, featuring fun for all ages and abilities, as well as a splash pad and mini golf, has exploded in popularity across social media. Playground on Trapelo Road in Waltham features mini golf, splash pad. CBS Boston "I've driven by and been like absolutely not. It was wild. I wouldn't even bother coming in on the weekend," another mom of a toddler said. New Waltham playground rules And because of all the interest and excitement, the city is rolling out some new rules this weekend to keep things safe and under control. Guests are asked to limit their visits to two hours. And weekend parking in the lots will be by reservation only. Neighbors appreciate the city's efforts. "I think the new rules are fair. Everybody needs a chance to play at the playground," said Gina McClary. Entrance to playground on Trapelo Road in Waltham. CBS Boston And they love showing off this new treasure in town to families from elsewhere. "People have been like coming here and people have been making friends," said 6-year-old Natalie. "Once school's out, once the spray deck is then opened, which looks amazing, I think we might still have the same problem during the week," one neighbor said. The reserved parking is going to be strictly enforced by rangers who will be checking for permits, available here.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Miley Cyrus premieres pop opera
"Something Beautiful," a pop opera featuring a visual collection of songs from the artist's ninth studio album of the same name, premiered at the Tribeca Festival on Friday. Miley Cyrus says, "My life is just unfolding in such a magical, beautiful way."(June 6)
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Dakota has a secret Prince-themed dessert that's not on the menu
The Dakota has a secret Prince-themed dessert that's not on the menu originally appeared on Bring Me The News. There aren't really weeks where Prince isn't celebrated in the Twin Cities, but he's being celebrated with extra vigor this week between Celebration 2025, the new Purple Path, and other Prince-related events. While taking in a concert or watching Purple Rain, The Dakota has added an off-menu, Prince-themed treat. The concert venue where Prince often caught shows and played six back-to-back concerts in 2013 is serving Prince's Favorite Cookie (aka The PFC). However, you'll have to be in the know to order it, since it's not listed on the menu. The cookie was reputedly a treat Prince often ordered when catching live music at the Dakota. It's described as a "crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside" cookie with white chocolate and macadamia nuts, finished with a bit of lime and sea salt. Throughout 2025, the PFC will be baked up in a limited quantity by Executive Chef Asher Zulkosky, reviving the original treat created by former pastry chef Katie Elsing from 2012 to 2015. "Prince was always coming in with his entourage," Elsing recalls. "As soon as word came down he was expected, I knew to have a batch of these cookies ready for him and his guests just in case he had a craving for something sweet." The PFC's return is well-timed with Prince's June 7 birthday and the Celebration 2025 events in Downtown Minneapolis, but it's also part of the venue's 40th anniversary celebration. Throughout the Dakota's 40th anniversary year, the culinary team will revive dishes from the Dakota's history as a nod to past chefs such as Ken Goff and Jack Riebel, reminding concertgoers that the Nicollet Mall venue isn't just known for what's happening on the story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
