Odunde Turns 50: Philly’s Iconic Festival Rooted in Culture & Community

City Cast Philly · Jun 2, 2025 · 19m

On Sunday, June 8, hundreds of thousands are expected to gather for the milestone celebration of the Odunde Festival. It turns 50 this year – a testament to the years of work from its founder, the late Lois Fernandez. Now, Oshunbumi Fernandez-West spearheads the festival. She tells host Trenae Nuri about how a simple idea morphed into the largest African American street festival in the continent, and how she’s keeping Odunde a family business.

Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly

Learn…