Odunde Turns 50: Philly’s Iconic Festival Rooted in Culture & Community
On Saturday, 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 more about the sponsors of this episode:
Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Tuesday’s Election: A Noisy Congressional Race & a Quiet Mystery Contest
The 2026 Pennsylvania primary is next week, on May 19. Do you know what’s on your ballot? Host Trenae Nuri runs through what you’re votin...

What's in Philly's Smoke Shop Drugs?
Chocolate bars like Polka Dot Mushroom Magic Blend and tablets like Ms. Molli Cule’s have a few things in common: You can get these over...

Golf is Changing: Here's How to Experience the Sport in Philly
After over 60 years, the PGA Championship ー basically the Super Bowl of golf ー is back in the Philly area. The professional men's champio...

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment
It's a big year for Philly! This summer, the city is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games...

Mayor Parker Signs Anti-ICE Bills, Congressional Candidate Under Fire & Knicks Fans Attempt Takeover
It's the Friday news roundup. Catch up on the controversial 'no' vote that State Representative Chris Rabb, a 3rd Congressional District...

Why These Philly Parks Got 1-Star Reviews
Philly is giving its neighborhood parks some TLC this weekend with the start of Love Your Park Week. Running from May 9 through 17, this...

'Why Are We Closing Schools That Work?' Councilmember Critiques District Schools Plan
A heated Philadelphia School Board meeting ended in a 6-3 vote, which approved a $3 billion facilities plan that would close 17 schools a...

Why Philly's Sidewalks Suck
It seems like a crack in the sidewalk or broken curb should be an easy fix. However, in Philly these issues get complicated because it is...

School Board Prez Defends School Closures, Despite ‘Problematic’ Rollout
Despite an extraordinary and emotional confrontation with City Council last week, the Philadelphia School Board voted 6-3 to approve a $3...

Congressional Candidate No-Show, Car-Free Idea for Passyunk Avenue & Eating off the Please Touch Museum’s Floor
It’s the Friday news roundup. We’re talking about this week’s congressional debate – and which candidate was a no-show. Plus, the strange...

