34th Annual Portsmouth Umoja Festival

Festival Park

Join us as we come together for a weekend of unity, culture and celebration at the 34th Annual Umoja Festival – a beloved tradition on the Portsmouth Waterfront! “Umoja” means unity in Kiswahili, and that spirit shines bright throughout this family-friendly festival honoring African-American culture and heritage.

We’ll kick off the weekend with an opening ceremony rooted in African tradition, and wrap up with a soul-stirring Gospel Jubilee featuring top musical talent from across Hampton Roads.

Bring the whole family to enjoy:

• Live musical performances
• Delicious international cuisine
• A bustling marketplace with handcrafted art & jewelry
• African-American heritage tours
• Workshops, arts & crafts
• Activities for the kids
• A joyful, welcoming space for all
• And so much more!

2026 Festival Lineup

Friday, May 22

• 5:30pm | Opening Ceremony 
• 6:15pm | RaJazz
• 8:00pm | Groove Crew Band
• 9:45pm | Tobias Cortez and the Quest Band

Saturday, May 23

• 1:00pm | The Jukebox Band VA
• 2:15pm | Point of Vue
• 3:30pm | Brandon Roberts
• 4:45pm | TFC Band
• 6:00pm | Revelation
• 8:00pm | Denim & Diamonds Southern Soul All-White Spring Fest with guests King George & Marcellus the Singer with Fat Daddy, and special guests K. Morris, D’Vito, Money Train, and DJ Truck

Sunday, May 24

• 2:00pm | Demetri Chester and Company
• 2:45pm | Ricky White & Believers Kamp
• 3:30pm | Kimala M. Brady and Proclaim
• 4:20pm | Joe Baker & Refuge Nation Church Choir
• 5:10pm | St. Pauls Baptist Celebration Choir
• 5:35pm | Chi and Company

The festival and all performances are free and open to the public, with the exception of Denim & Diamonds Southern Soul All-White Spring Fest, a ticketed event at the adjacent Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion. Tickets for this performance may be purchased at PavilionConcerts.com.

Learn more about this year’s Umoja Festival: https://www.umojafestportsmouth.com/