What sprouted from humble beginnings — the inaugural edition was funded by a $100 grant — has transformed into a daylong festival spanning 16 city blocks and including more than 100 vendors.
Billed as North America’s largest African American street festival, the Odunde Festival annually brings up to 500,000 visitors to Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood.
The lead up to the festival includes a week of events, culminating with the daylong celebration on Sunday, June 14, featuring an array of foods, arts and crafts, and musical performances.
Best of all, it’s free.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of this year’s festival:
When is the Odunde Festival?
This year’s festival will take place on Sunday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The South Street Stage, at the corner of 23rd and South Streets, will serve as the event’s main stage, with additional performers slated for a stage along Grays Ferry Avenue.
The Odunde procession
The festival includes a spiritual procession that starts at noon at 23rd and South Streets, and moves to the Schuylkill, where participants make traditional offerings — including fruit and flowers — to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river. The ritual, which honors the festival’s West African roots, is open to all and serves as the cultural and spiritual kickoff to the day’s events.
Events and performers at the Odunde Festival
Bel Biv DeVoe — the Boston-based band that formed out of the group New Edition — is slated to headline this year’s festival, and the day will feature a variety of additional acts across two stages.
For a full schedule of events and performances, check the festival’s website, where you can also find a map of the festival grounds.
Arts and crafts vendors
More than 100 vendors will line the streets, offering handmade goods like jewelry, clothing, and artworks. The African marketplace also features authentic wares from Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, making it one of the most vibrant and diverse shopping experiences in the city.
Will there be food and drink?
Yes.
One of the highlights of the festival is its various food offerings, which include African, Caribbean, soul, and Brazilian fare — available on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Road closures
These streets will be closed from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, June 14:
- 1600 – 2400 blocks of South Street, between 16th and S. Bambrey streets.
- 500-600 blocks of 23rd Street, between Lombard and South streets.
- 500-600 blocks of 22nd Street, between Lombard and Bainbridge streets.
- 2200-2500 blocks of Grays Ferry Avenue, between South St. and Washington Ave.
- All affected side streets
No parking will be allowed on these streets during this timeframe, with violators being relocated.
How to get to the Odunde Festival
Crowds and street closures might make parking difficult, but there are various ways to get to the festival via public transit.
SEPTA’s 7, 12, 17, and 40 bus lines will all get you close to the action — though detours will be in place from 5 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, through 1 a.m. on Monday, June 15 — as will the Broad Street Line.
Those looking for additional advice can check out The Inquirer’s guide on parking near Philly’s biggest attractions.
Where does the money go?
Odunde is a nonprofit organization. The funds generated by the festival go toward Odunde 365, a program that provides yoga, dance, fashion, karate, fitness, videography, and other programs for Philadelphia youth.
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