PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia released road closure information for the 2023 ODUNDE Festival taking place on Sunday, June 11. This year’s event marks the 48th year ODUNDE will take place at its traditional South Philadelphia location near 23rd and South Street.

Festival Activities & Information: The ODUNDE Festival takes place around a 15-block radius centered on the intersection of 23rd and South Streets from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and features over 100 craft vendors, traditional African food, and live music and dancing.

ODUNDE is a “rain or shine” event. Traffic delays can be expected during the course of the event. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes. Road closures, parking restrictions, and details for ODUNDE can be found below.

Road Closures

The following streets will be closed starting at 6 a.m. until approximately 11 p.m. on Sunday, June 11:

  • 1700 – 2400 blocks of South Street, between 17th St. and S. Bambrey St.
  • 500-600 blocks of 23rd Street, between Lombard St. and South St.
  • 500-600 blocks of 22nd Street, between Lombard St. and Bainbridge St.
  • 2200-2500 blocks of Grays Ferry Avenue, between South St. and Carpenter St.

Parking Restrictions

The above-listed streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, June 11. Motorists must adhere to “Temporary No Parking” signs. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated. If you believe your car has been relocated, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.

Public Transportation

SEPTA Bus Routes 7, 12, 17, 40 will be detoured from their normal routes beginning at 5 a.m. on Sunday, June 11 through approximately 12 a.m. on Monday, June 12. Detours will be posted, and specific route changes are available on the System Status Page at septa.org.

Public Safety Information

Throughout the event, the City will provide law-enforcement support, traffic control, and emergency medical services for the event and in the surrounding vicinity.

Attendees should never leave bags or other items unattended. In the event of an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity, or item (backpack, package, container, etc.), notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.

In addition, the public should expect congestion in the area. If you are attending the event, make a plan regarding driving, public transit, parking, and supervision of children. It is recommended that attendees wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire.

For tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide before you attend.

For more information about ODUNDE Festival, visit odundefestival.org.

Trash Removal

At the conclusion of the event, all trash collection and street cleaning will be managed and handled by the Sanitation Division of the Streets Department. If you need to report any excess trash in the area, post-event, residents can call 3-1-1 or 215-686-8686.

Event Alerts

Sign up for free text alerts from the City to get weather, transit, event details, and public safety updates. Text ReadyPhila (one word, no space) to 888-777.

Additional Information for Media

General media inquiries about ODUNDE Festival should be directed to Oshunbumi Fernandez-West at odundefestival@gmail.com or at 267-808-8510.

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