Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon M. Scott, along with the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, has exciting news: the 50th Annual AFRAM Festival has been scheduled to return in June 2026.
The festival will take place at Druid Hill Park from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, running daily from 12 PM to 9 PM.
“For half a century, AFRAM has not only been a homecoming event but also an economic catalyst for our local artists and businesses. Most importantly, it serves as a grand celebration of Black excellence,” Scott shared in a statement. “This Juneteenth weekend, we invite everyone from Charm City and beyond to join us in commemorating five decades of culture, art, and community right here in Baltimore.”
This year’s lineup features an array of talented performers including Paula Campbell; Ultra Naté; Brandon Woody; J. Brown; Lil’ Mo; six-time Grammy winner PJ Morton; Tamia; The Lox; Mario; and Charlie Wilson, who is not only a founding member of The Gap Band but also boasts 11 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay Chart.
AFRAM is a family-friendly event celebrating Baltimore’s African American heritage, featuring live music, cultural performances, children’s activities, African drumming, carnival mask-making, art showcases, and much more.
Local vendors will have the opportunity to display their creations, providing them a platform to connect with thousands of attendees. As one of the largest African American cultural arts festivals in the East Coast, AFRAM has become a cherished summer tradition in Baltimore. Mayor Scott likens it to a “family reunion” for many who gather at Druid Hill Park but emphasizes it is primarily a “celebration of Black excellence.”
“In a time when there are significant challenges facing the Black community, the 50th AFRAM Festival is set to be bigger, better, and, most importantly, more representative than ever,” Scott declared. “We are honoring five decades of culture, community, music, and art in Baltimore, and we warmly invite everyone to join us in this celebration.”
The Mayor even extended a warm invitation to neighbors from the East Coast to attend. (This author might reluctantly forgive him for mentioning “all the Yankee-hat-wearing folks from New York” in that invitation, assuming it was a momentary lapse.)
In honor of its milestone 50th anniversary, AFRAM will reintroduce the Podcast Patio in collaboration with DTLR. This area will host live podcast recordings, engaging community discussions, and dialogues focused on culture and entrepreneurship.
This year will also see an expanded KidZone, complete with interactive games, creative arts activities, and programs designed to entertain and educate young festival-goers, leaving them with lasting memories.
Additionally, the festival will feature an enhanced Health & Wellness Village dedicated to promoting the well-being of Baltimore’s residents. In line with wellness initiatives, the City of Baltimore has announced the return of the Run-Up-To Juneteenth 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk, organized in partnership with the SEED School of Maryland. This event encourages residents to unite in a spirit of celebration, reflection, and community ahead of the Juneteenth weekend events.
“This Juneteenth, we anticipate that over 300,000 individuals will gather at Druid Hill Park for AFRAM 50, unifying residents of the city, the region, and the East Coast,” remarked Linzy Jackson III, director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment. “It’s a celebration of five decades of Black culture and a tribute to the individuals and organizations that have contributed to AFRAM’s legacy. I’d like to express my gratitude to Mayor Scott for his unwavering commitment to maintaining this cherished tradition for generations to come.”
Vendor and talent applications will officially open on April 1, 2026. For additional details about programming, parking, and festival updates, please visit AFRAM’s official website.
