May 26, 2025

Odunde Festival will mark 50 years with performances by Rakim, Doug E. Fresh

The 16-block event, considered the largest African American street fest in America, returns Sunday, June 8.

By Kristin Hunt
PhillyVoice Staff

Provided image/Odunde Festival

Founded in 1975, the Odunde Festival attracts about 500,000 people annually.

A Philly summer staple is turning 50, and half a million people are expected to attend its milestone birthday party.

The Odunde Festival, the annual celebration of African and Caribbean culture, will observe its golden jubilee at a 16-block bash on Sunday, June 8. Leading the party are headlining acts Rakim and Doug E. Fresh, who will take the stage at 23rd and South streets at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively. The festivities start earlier that day at 10 a.m.

MORE: 22 Center City restaurants will offer two meals for $30 as part of midweek lunch special during the summer

Considered the biggest African American street festival in the country, the Odunde Festival began in 1975 with a $100 grant and community support — marshaled by the event's founders Lois Fernandez and Ruth Arthur. Each year, a colorfully dressed procession walks from 23rd and South streets to the Schuylkill to offer fruit and flowers to the Yoruba goddess of the river in a nod to the event's African inspirations. Vendors from African nations, Brazil and the Caribbean sell goods in a sprawling marketplace along the festival's path on South Street between 19th and 24th streets and Grays Ferry Avenue between Kater and Christian streets.

The day's live entertainment typically includes drummers and dancers specializing in West African traditions, along with Black-led bands. Rakim and Doug E. Fresh, two rappers long associated with the golden age of hip-hop, will close out the performances.

While the Sunday block party is the festival's marquee event, its organizers also host panels, classes and mixers in the week leading up to the street fest. All together, the Odunde Festival contributes an estimated $28 million to Philadelphia, and $30 million to the wider state economy, organizers said.

It's remained a family affair throughout its lengthy history. Fernandez's daughter, Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, now oversees the festival.

"Fifty years of ODUNDE is not just a milestone — it’s a movement," Fernandez-West said in a release. "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."