Latest news with #OdundeFestival
CBS News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Philadelphia's Odunde Festival brings a piece of African culture to city streets
The 50th Odunde Festival returned to South Philadelphia this weekend as thousands took part in the event that celebrates African culture. Odunde is one of the largest African street festivals in the country, featuring more than 100 vendors offering African-inspired food, clothing, art and more. "I think it's phenomenal," said Pamela Hailey. CBS Philadelphia Hailey traveled from Charlotte, North Carolina, to attend Odunde for the first time. She said it's amazing to take part in an event that honors African heritage. "It's nice to celebrate that. It's a beautiful energy. It's a beautiful day," she said. "Each vendor has its own characteristics. It's just that one time to get the one thing that no one else has in the world from that one artist. It's just priceless." CBS Philadelphia Kevin Hudson has been a vendor for the past five years. He said it was great to see people from other cultures enjoy the festival. "It's a melting pot. You have people coming to have a good time. Different cultures meshing. It's like a melting pot. It's a nice way to bring people together," he said. Another festivalgoer, Isaiah, who now lives in Philadelphia, is Nigerian and said Odunde is something that brings him great pride. CBS Philadelphia "What it means for me is like heavily just rooted in Blackness and being African. It's great that other people come and enjoy the festival, but I think it's amazing to just have a space for us," he said. "To have something like this, I think, is hugely precious." He says he hopes the festival continues to grow.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Odunde Festival, Philadelphia Pride festivities, Halsey, more things to do this weekend
After a week of hard work, we're moving and grooving right into this weekend, Philly! Pride month festivities continue for the second weekend in a row, plus Sunday marks 50 years of the Odunde Festival – the largest African American street festival in the country! This weekend, country hitmaker Luke Bryan will join a lineup of artists at the annual 92.5 XTU Anniversary Show in South Jersey on Friday, and the crowds will continue Saturday when Halsey takes the stage for the pop star's latest tour. Whether you're looking to get outside and into the action at a street festival or would rather stay inside for a showstopping musical or live performance, we've got you covered. Here's what's happening in the Philadelphia region this weekend. 50 years of Odunde Festival 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 takes place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, between 23rd and South streets with live performances from hip-hop legends Rakim and Doug E. Fresh. The festival is free to the public, and guests can browse beautiful antiques, vibrant gowns and art that touches the soul. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in another cultural celebration in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. 92.5 XTU Anniversary Show with Luke Bryan If this week's warm weather had you craving some country gold, then you've come to the right place. This Friday is the 92.5 XTU Anniversary Show headlined by none other than certified country music hitmaker Luke Bryan, at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey. The "Play It Again" singer and beloved American Idol judge will be joined by country artists like George Birge, Ashland Craft and Adrien Nunez, plus DJ Rock! Tickets to this sure sign of summertime are available online for as low as $217. Showtime is 7 p.m. Halsey's For My Last Trick tour at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Country music isn't your thing? No problem. Halsey is keeping Philadelphia-area fans fed this weekend, and you won't want to miss it. The "Bad At Love" singer is coming to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion this Saturday for a stop on the For My Last Trick tour. Alvvays and Hope Tala are also scheduled to grace the stage during the Saturday night show. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets to see Halsey at Camden's Freedom Mortgage Pavilion start at $40. The Head And The Heart's Aperture Tour at The Met Music fans looking for a more chill vibe will find their fill at The Met Philadelphia on North Broad Street. The Head And The Heart is currently touring for their latest album, "Aperture," which was released in May, and will take the stage Friday night. The indie-folk band known for hits like "Rivers and Roads" and "Honeybee" is set to be joined by Futurebirds and Anna Graves during their show at The Met. The show is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. Ticket prices start at $54. Wayne Brady live at City Winery Musical theater star, actor and producer Wayne Brady will bring his talents to City Winery for two shows this Saturday night. The two-time Emmy Award winner and Grammy-nominated performer is set to bring the laughs, stories, songs and much more to the City of Brotherly Love. Tickets are still available for both shows. Doors to the early show open at 5 p.m. and showtime is 6 p.m. Doors to the late show open at 8:30 p.m. and showtime is 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $50. The Wiz at the Academy of Music Fans of Wayne Brady will also be happy to hear that the Tony Award-winning musical, "The Wiz," is also in town at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. "The Wiz" and its incredible multi-genre score (encompassing sounds ranging from soul, gospel, rock and 1970s funk) will be in town until June 15. Musical theater fans can score tickets to this fan favorite all weekend long. Tickets are available for Friday night, Saturday afternoon and night, and Sunday afternoon and night. Evil Genius hosts Pride block party, rave and drag show Head to Evil Genius Beer Company this Saturday for color, cheer and endless pints of beer! Evil Genius Beer Company is kicking off Pride month with an epic lineup of festivities, including a block party from 12-7 p.m. outside of Fishtown Lab, a Pride Drag Showcase from noon- 2 p.m., and to cap off the night, a Pride Rave from 8 p.m.- midnight! The Pride Block Party will have all the necessary celebratory fixings – live music, photo ops, food and drink stations, and LGBTQ+ vendors to shop from. Evil Genius Beer Company will also have its official Pride month beer, #LoveisLove. A portion of the proceeds from every sale of the strawberry blonde ale will be donated to The Trevor Project. Don't miss out on this jam-packed day of Philly Pride and cheer at Evil Genius Beer Company! Big Wig Brunch at Punch Line Philly Is Big Wig Brunch ever going to miss a Saturday at Punch Line Philly? There's a better chance of the Cowboys winning a Super Bowl in the 21st century. Every Saturday at noon from June 7 to Aug. 30, the Ultimate Drag Experience takes center stage in Fishtown. Guests can enjoy high-energy brunches as these queens perform their favorite numbers. Seating is first come, first served. Tickets start at $25, and there is a two-drink minimum per person. Philly Indie Book & Jazz Festival It's a celebration of creativity, community and culture with the Philly Indie Book & Jazz Festival this weekend. The fifth annual event will be at the Miles Mack Playground in West Philly at 732 North 36th Street on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Excited to bring authors, literacy and community resources to the scene, the Just For Us Girls Foundation's reading program, Read 1000, partnered with Literacy Moments Magazine to celebrate the city's thriving community of authors and talented jazz musicians, as said in a news release about the event. Tickets for the event are free. Highlights of the festival are author readings and panels, live jazz performances, book signings, a kids zone and plenty more. Festivalgoers will be able to meet New York Times Best Seller and Philadelphia Native Omar Tyree, Youth Author John Xavier, local authors Donna King, Tony Wrice, Janella Dobbs and many more. The festival promises a day filled with literary exploration, soulful jazz performances and community connection, according to the release. Eddie Levert at City Winery Eddie Levert, one of the lead singers of the legendary group The O'Jays and father of Gerald and Sean Levert, will be in Philadelphia this weekend as part of his One of a Kind tour. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee will be at the City Winery in Center City on Sunday, June 8. Tickets range from $50 to $75 with mezzanine, rear gallery, gallery, premier and stage premier seats, according to the City Winery website. For the first show, doors open at 4 p.m. and the show is expected to start at 5 p.m. For the second show that night, doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show is expected to start at 8:30 p.m. "This tour is just what it's called – One of a Kind – and I look forward to bringing some of my best sounds to the stage—old and new," said Eddie Levert in a news release about the event. "Music is a labor of love for me, and I'm so grateful for the years of support from my fans. They are the reason my journey is still going strong."
CBS News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
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.
