South Philadelphia will be filled with music, culture and community this June.
The ODUNDE Festival is returning for a weeklong celebration, once again inviting locals and visitors alike to take part in one of the city’s largest and most vibrant street festivals.
Founded in 1975 by the late Lois Fernandez with just a $100 grant and strong grassroots community support, ODUNDE has grown from a neighborhood celebration into an internationally recognized cultural event that draws as many as 500,000 attendees each year.
The festival’s origins are rooted in the Yoruba traditions of Nigeria, which mark the beginning of a new year for people of African descent across the globe. Today, it continues to carry that legacy forward with a mission to serve as a global model for African American festivals grounded in tradition, culture and community.
Now led by CEO Oshunbumi Fernandez-West (who took over leadership in 1996), Oshunbumi has carried her mother’s traditions forward while also broadening its reach through initiatives like ODUNDE365, a year-round cultural programming effort focused on dance, music, entrepreneurship and education.
The work has also become deeply personal: During a recent press conference, she announced an upcoming documentary titled “LOIS,” described as a love letter to her mother that will explore the festival’s history, feature archival footage, interviews with city leaders both past and present, and highlight ODUNDE’s lasting impact on Philadelphia.
That legacy now stretches into a third generation, with Fernandez-West’s sons, Adeniyi and Abayomi Ogundana, actively involved in festival operations.
“As America approaches its 250th birthday, it’s more important than ever to celebrate and uplift African and African American culture as an essential part of our nation’s story,” says Fernandez-West. “ODUNDE represents the heartbeat of that culture in America, and honors our ancestors, educates our communities, and creates space for joy, expression, and connection. We are proud to welcome everybody to our festival this June.”
Festivities begin Sunday, June 7, with ODUNDE365 Fitness, a community workout session led by Coach Zha, followed by “Learn, Listen, Connect” on Monday, June 8, a networking and mentorship event focused on supporting rising young professionals.
Midweek events continue with “Lois Lunches” on Tuesday, June 9, a tribute to festival founder Lois Fernandez that also highlights and supports local small businesses through giveaways, and “Afro Beats and Vibes” on Wednesday, June 10, an evening dedicated to celebrating African music, rhythm and culture. On Thursday, June 11, African Business Roundtables will bring together African and African American business leaders for networking and collaboration.
“A Conversation with the CEO” will take place on Saturday, June 13, offering an intimate discussion with Fernandez-West about the organization’s vision and future. The celebration culminates on Sunday, June 14, when South Street will once again transform into a global street festival honoring African American joy, art and culture.
This year’s ODUNDE Festival will also feature a headline performance from R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe, who are set to take the stage on Sunday, June 14.
The 2026 festival also marks the return of the ODUNDE Sports Zone, an interactive, multi-zone experience focused on athletics, community engagement and live media coverage tied to FIFA 2026.
To find a full schedule and more information on the 2026 ODUNDE Festival, visit odundefestival.org. Guests can also RSVP for individual events online.
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