Following inaugural success and $10 million in economic impact, the world’s largest Afro-Caribbean hip-hop festival is back by popular demand — and this year is bigger than before.
Afro Plus Fest makes its sophomore return to the DMV this Labor Day weekend, promising an immersive experience of music and culture, with Black excellence at center stage.
As for what’s new in 2026: more days, more artists, and a new home at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
“This partnership represents more than entertainment; it is about economic growth, cultural pride, tourism, and creating opportunities for local businesses, artists, and residents to benefit from an international-scale event hosted right here in our county,” said Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy in a press release. “We are proud to welcome thousands of visitors from across the nation and around the world to experience the energy, excellence, and cultural richness that define Prince George’s County.”
With creative and economic opportunity fueling the mission, Northwest Stadium is set to transform into a cultural celebration Sept. 4-6, bringing the sounds of the diaspora to a projected 120,000 fans — six times the estimated 20,000 who sold out last year’s inaugural experience.
Founded by DMV-area creatives and community leaders, the multiday festival features immersive cultural activities and cuisines, high-fashion activations, and a marketplace spotlighting Black-owned brands and local creators. Plus, fans can dance to the likes of Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, R&B, amapiano, soca, and other global sounds.
“With the support of the Prince George’s County Executive Office and Northwest Stadium, Afro Plus Fest is bringing the full diaspora home to Prince George’s County,” said founder and executive producer Michael Awosanya in a press release. “We were raised in this county. This year is bigger because the community demanded it be bigger. This one’s for the people who raised us.”
It’s safe to say anticipation is high across the board, as the Wave 1 announcement sold out GA+ (general admission) and VIP tickets within 24 hours of its release on May 20.
In addition to 16 new festival-week events, the fiery lineup topping the stage in September includes: rappers Lil Baby, Latto, Sexyy Red, and Chief Keef; global icons like Adekunle Gold, Spice, Odeal, and more; as well as this year’s headliners, Davido, Alkaline, and returning for the second time, Wizkid. Meanwhile, DMV pride is set to take over with performances from Mannywellz, Foggie Raw, New Impressionz Band, Yung Manny, and Flow & Friends.
Among last year’s attendees, Tanzania native Riziki Ndayavugwa said the multicultural festival is just as celebratory as it is timely.
“Right now, we have a crisis where Trump wants to deport [undocumented immigrants], but the way I see it, [Afro Plus Fest] is a way of understanding [foreign culture], within the community,” Ndayavugwa told The Informer during the debut. “I want Americans to experience foreigners. You don’t get to understand the overall [culture when] you’re too high up.”
Now in its sophomore year, and with the 2026 stadium increasing threefold in physical capacity, global Black influence will scale at the benefit of tourists as well as local residents and entrepreneurs.
“It’s more about strategy, it’s more about supporting each other, it’s more about being intentional,” said 2025 vendor Thea Browne-Dennis, who owns Asli Pure Natural Body Care in Mount Rainier, Maryland. “If we don’t create businesses, if we’re not putting ourselves out there, if we don’t create festivals….we just need to start creating.”
As music lovers and businesses anticipate the Labor Day weekend extravaganza, Afro Plus Fest 2026 is promising nothing short of community, fun and a celebration of diasporic pride.
“I’m excited about this festival, I’m excited that they came here,” Browne-Dennis told The Informer. “I hope it continues for many, many more.”
Vendors — including food trucks, restaurants, jewelers, artists and fashion designers — can apply now at theafroplus.com/vendors. Tickets for the forthcoming Waves 2 and 3 can be found at theafroplus.com.
