Source: Airiel B. / R1 Digital
Updated June 23, 2025 9:45 A.M.
Baltimore’s 49th annual AFRAM Festival, held June 21–22 at Druid Hill Park, unfolded as a vibrant celebration of Black culture, music, art, and community spirit. Drawing over 150,000 people per day, the festival embraced Juneteenth’s significance with free admission, diverse programming, and a heartwarming atmosphere!
Kicking off Saturday, hitmakers like Vedo, Stefflon Don, JT, and Juvenile & 400 Degreez headlined the Main Stage. 92Q’s own Chey Parker kept the energy high all afternoon. Sunday featured Jonathan Nelson, Amerie, Silk, Teedra Moses, and the incomparable Patti LaBelle closing the show. A Roots & Family Stage complemented with performances by AZ, Joi Carter, Tim Trees, and Davon Fleming added soulful beats and family-friendly flavors.
Local and national vendors filled Community Row, offering Afro-inspired crafts, food, and skincare. Attendees enjoyed educational booths, kid-friendly activities, and shaded “sip & bite” rest areas, good timing given the incoming heatwave.
Temperatures soared into the mid-90s Saturday, with heat index nearing 100°F on Sunday. Organizers responded with shaded tents, AC zones, hydration stations, and roaming medical staff from the Services Command Center.
In just two days, AFRAM 2025 reaffirmed its legacy as one of the East Coast’s premier Black cultural festivals, blending legendary performances, community pride, creative commerce, and pure joy. We already can’t wait until the 50th anniversary.
Check out a bit of what you missed this Juneteenth weekend below!
