The Largest African American Street Festival, ODUNDE Festival Is Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary This June

A cultural legacy of 50 years returns this summer: the ODUNDE Festival, the largest African American street festival in North America, will celebrate its historic 50th anniversary from June 1 through June 8, 2025. The week-long festival will feature events from June 1st to June 7th and the celebration will culminate on Sunday, June 8, with an unforgettable street festival spanning 16 city blocks, featuring two stages of live entertainment, global cuisine, and over 150 vendors from around the world.

Founded in 1975 by the late Lois Fernandez and Ruth Arthur with just a $100 grant and grassroots community support, ODUNDE has grown into an internationally recognized cultural institution. Today, it draws over 500,000 attendees annually, contributes an estimated $30 million to the Pennsylvania economy and $28 million to the City of Philadelphia, and continues to serve as a global model for African American festivals.

“Fifty years of ODUNDE is not just a milestone—it’s a movement,” said Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, CEO of ODUNDE and daughter of the festival’s founder. “This festival represents the heartbeat of African and African American culture in Philadelphia and beyond. It’s about honoring our ancestors, educating our communities, and creating space for joy, expression, and legacy. We are proud to welcome the world to our streets this June.”

Today, the ODUNDE Festival continues to thrive under the leadership of Oshunbumi “Bumi” Fernandez-West, the daughter of co-founder Lois Fernandez, who has carried her mother’s vision forward with passion and purpose. As CEO of the ODUNDE Festival, Bumi has expanded its reach and impact while preserving the rich cultural traditions at its core. The legacy now extends to a third generation, with Bumi’s son, Adeniyi Ogundana, actively involved in the festival’s operations—marking a powerful family tradition of cultural stewardship and community celebration. Together, they continue to honor the past while shaping the future of this iconic Philadelphia event.

ODUNDE’s roots trace back to the Yoruba people of Nigeria and mark the coming of a new year for people of African descent across the globe. In 1996, Fernandez-West assumed leadership of the organization and later launched ODUNDE365, a year-round cultural programming initiative that now impacts thousands through dance, music, entrepreneurship, and education.

ODUNDE 50: A Week of Signature Events

• Sunday, June 1 – ODUNDE365 Yoga: A community yoga session in a Philadelphia park
• Monday, June 2 – Convo with the CEO: The Trailblazer Edition: A powerful panel with radio legends Lady B, Patty Jackson, and Mimi Brown
• Tuesday, June 3 – Learn, Listen, Connect: A networking and mentorship event for rising young professionals
• Wednesday, June 4 – Networking Happy Hour: A lively mixer presented by BUMI Productions & Kabila Events
• Thursday, June 5 – ODUNDE in the City: A dynamic African dance performance in Center City
• Friday, June 6 – African and Caribbean Business Roundtables: Two powerhouse sessions featuring ambassadors and dignitaries
• Saturday, June 7 – Lois Lunches: A tribute to founder Lois Fernandez, spotlighting small business innovation
• Sunday, June 8 – The ODUNDE Festival: The grand finale—South Street transformed into a global celebration of Black joy, art, and culture

All events are open to the public. Schedule subject to change. For the latest updates, visit www.odundefestival.org.