ODUNDE Festival Returns With a Live Performance by Bell Biv DeVoe and 16 Blocks of Food, Fun, and Activities
ODUNDE Festival Returns With a Live Performance by Bell Biv DeVoe and 16 Blocks of Food, Fun, and Activities
The ODUNDE Festival officially announced its 2026 lineup and weeklong schedule of events taking place from June 7 through June 14.
The festivities will culminate on Sunday, June 14, ODUNDE transforms 16-blocks into a one-of-a-kind festival filled with live entertainment, global cuisine, shopping vendors, cultural experiences, and community programming that annually attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees.
This year’s festival will be headlined by legendary R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe, featuring members of New Edition — Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe — best known for hits like Poison and Do Me!.
Founded in 1975 by the late Lois Fernandez with just a $100 grant and grassroots community support, ODUNDE has grown into one of the largest African American street festivals in the country.
Today, the festival welcomes up to 500,000 attendees annually while generating an estimated:
- $30 million for Pennsylvania’s economy
- $28 million for the City of Philadelphia
The festival’s roots trace back to the Yoruba people of Nigeria and celebrate the coming of a new year for people of African descent around the world.
New for 2026, organizers are bringing back the ODUNDE Sports Zone, a multi-zone sports and media activation happening during the festival in partnership with White Sport Ventures.
The initiative will blend:
- Sports competitions
- Community engagement
- FIFA World Cup-related programming
- Athlete storytelling and media coverage
The expanded sports programming is part of ODUNDE365, the organization’s year-round initiative focused on education, culture, entrepreneurship, and youth engagement.
During the festival press conference, ODUNDE CEO Oshunbumi Fernandez-West also announced an upcoming documentary titled LOIS.
The film will explore the life and legacy of founder Lois Fernandez through archival festival footage, interviews with Philadelphia leaders, and reflections on ODUNDE’s lasting impact on the city and Black culture.
Fernandez-West described the project as:
“A love letter from a daughter to her mother.”
The festival now enters its third generation of leadership with Fernandez-West’s sons, Adeniyi and Abayomi Ogundana, actively involved in operations and programming.
2026 ODUNDE Festival Week Schedule
Sunday, June 7
ODUNDE365 Fitness
A community workout session led by Coach Zha.
Monday, June 8
Learn, Listen, Connect
A networking and mentorship event for young professionals.
Tuesday, June 9
Lois Lunches
A tribute to founder Lois Fernandez supporting small businesses with giveaways.
Wednesday, June 10
Afro Beats and Vibes
An evening celebrating African music, rhythms, and culture.
Thursday, June 11
African Business Roundtables
Networking and collaboration opportunities for African and African American entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Saturday, June 13
A Conversation with the CEO
An intimate discussion with Oshunbumi Fernandez-West about ODUNDE’s future and legacy.
Sunday, June 14
The main event featuring live music, vendors, food, art, culture, and performances across South Philadelphia.
