Baltimore's 50th AFRAM Festival Announces Star-Studded Lineup

Mario, Charlie Wilson, and The Lox to headline the iconic Black cultural celebration

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has unveiled the lineup for the 50th annual AFRAM Festival, one of the largest Black cultural festivals on the East Coast. The free, three-day event will take place June 19-21 at Druid Hill Park and feature performances by R&B artists Mario, Charlie Wilson, and hip-hop group The Lox, along with a host of other musical acts.

Why it matters

AFRAM has been a beloved summer tradition in Baltimore for 50 years, celebrating the city's African American heritage and providing a major economic boost through its large attendance. This milestone 50th anniversary is an important moment to recognize the festival's longstanding role in the community.

The details

In addition to the headliners, the AFRAM 50 lineup includes Tamia, Paula Campbell, Ultra Naté, Brandon Woody, J. Brown, PJ Morton, and Lil' Mo. The festival will feature live music, cultural entertainers, children's activities, African drumming, carnival mask-making, art showcases, and local vendors. Last year, the festival welcomed over 300,000 attendees, and organizers expect an even larger crowd for the 50th anniversary celebration.

  • AFRAM 50 will take place June 19-21, 2026.
  • The festival runs from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

The players

Brandon Scott

The Mayor of Baltimore, who announced the AFRAM 50 lineup.

Linzy Jackson III

The Director of the Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, who commented on the significance of the 50th anniversary celebration.

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What they’re saying

“For 50 years, AFRAM has been a homecoming, an economic engine for our local businesses and artists, and most importantly: a celebration of Black excellence. This Juneteenth weekend, as we celebrate five decades of culture, community, music, and art right here in Baltimore, we want folks across Charm City, and beyond, to come out and celebrate with us.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore (cbsnews.com)

“This Juneteenth, we estimate more than 300,000 people will come together in Druid Hill Park for AFRAM 50, uniting the city, the region, and the East Coast. It's a celebration of five decades of Black culture and a tribute to the people and organizations who made AFRAM what it is today. I want to thank Mayor Scott for his continued leadership and commitment to keeping this beloved tradition strong for generations to come.”

— Linzy Jackson III, Director of the Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Tickets for AFRAM 50 will go on sale to the public on April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Baltimore's AFRAM Festival has become an iconic celebration of Black culture, community, and excellence over its 50-year history. The star-studded lineup for the milestone 50th anniversary event underscores the festival's enduring significance and its ability to bring together hundreds of thousands of attendees from across the region.