Bell Biv DeVoe to Headline ODUNDE Festival 2026

Philadelphia's largest African cultural celebration returns with a week of events and a performance from the iconic trio behind "Poison."

June 3, 2026

Philadelphia's biggest celebration of African culture is returning this June, and this year's headliner is bringing plenty of nostalgia with them.

 

Legendary R&B trio Bell Biv DeVoe will headline the 51st annual ODUNDE Festival on Sunday, June 14, capping off a week of community events, cultural programming, and one of the city's most anticipated summer traditions. Festival organizers announced the group as this year's featured performer during the official kickoff event in May.

 

Founded in 1975 by Lois Fernandez, ODUNDE has grown into the largest African American street festival in North America. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors gather in South Philadelphia to celebrate African heritage through music, food, art, fashion, and cultural traditions. A signature part of the festival is the procession to the Schuylkill River, where participants make offerings to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river.

 

This year's festival runs from June 7 through June 14 and features a full week of events leading up to Festival Day.

 

ODUNDE Festival 2026 Schedule

Sunday, June 7
ODUNDE 365 Fitness
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

Monday, June 8
Listen Learn Connect
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Tuesday, June 9
Convo with the CEO
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Wednesday, June 10
Lois Lunches
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Thursday, June 11
African Caribbean Business Roundtable
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

African Business Roundtable
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

VIP Reception
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Friday, June 12
Bumi Bestie Happy Hour
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Saturday, June 13
Lois Lunches
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Sunday, June 14
ODUNDE Festival
23rd and South Streets, Philadelphia

 

Live entertainment throughout the day, cultural performances, vendors, food, and a headline performance from Bell Biv DeVoe.

 

Bell Biv DeVoe, made up of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe, emerged from New Edition and became one of the defining groups of the 1990s with hits including "Poison" and "Do Me!" Their appearance is expected to draw large crowds to South Street for the festival finale.

 

Need to Know Before You Go

 

• The festival is free and open to the public. Organizers expect large crowds, so arriving early is recommended, especially if you plan to catch Bell Biv DeVoe's performance.

 

• Wear comfortable shoes. The festival spans multiple city blocks around 23rd and South Streets and features more than 100 vendors, cultural exhibits, and entertainment areas.

 

• Bring cash and cards. While many vendors accept electronic payments, having cash on hand can make transactions quicker.

 

• Stay hydrated and dress for the weather. June temperatures in Philadelphia can be warm, and you'll likely spend several hours outdoors.

 

If you're visiting for the first time, don't miss the traditional procession to the Schuylkill River. It's one of the festival's most meaningful traditions and reflects the event's Yoruba roots.

 

For the latest updates, parking information, and event details, visit odundefestival.org.