Join us for Portsmouth’s annual celebration of diversity, unity and African-American culture on the beautiful downtown waterfront.
Festival Schedule
The 2026 Umoja Festival brings together a huge lineup of national acts in jazz, reggae, gospel and rhythm and blues. These events are free and open to the public.
Friday, May 22nd
Saturday, May 23rd
Sunday, May 24th
All Festival Park performances are FREE and OPEN to the public*
Tickets may be purchased at PavilionConcerts.com
Saturday, May 24th
The African American Heritage Tour of Portsmouth
Explore Portsmouth’s rich Black history and cultural heritage on the Umoja Festival Heritage Tour, Saturday May 24th. Enjoy free transportation, self-guided museum visits, and special performances as you travel between key landmarks in the city’s African American story.
LOCATION
PLAN YOUR VISIT
The 2026 Portsmouth Umoja Festival welcomes you to Festival Park on the beautiful Downtown Portsmouth waterfront. The Festival is easily reached by car, or on the Elizabeth River Ferry from Waterside in downtown Norfolk.
Festival Park in Portsmouth, VA
PARKING
Festival Parking
Free parking is available to UMOJA attendees in any of the Parking Garages or Off Street Parking Lots operated by the City. These include:
- Central Garage (at City Hall)
- Water Street Garage
- County Street Lot
- Middle Street Garage
- Columbia Street Lot
- Civic Center Lot
Attendees may park in both visitor and reserved spaces (except for spaces marked 24 Hrs. Reserved) after 6:00 p.m. on Friday and anytime on the weekend. On street metered parking is also free after 6:00 p.m. on Friday as well as on Saturday and Sunday.
During Main Stage events on Saturday evening, Portsmouth Pavilion has parking accessed from WAVY Street, for those holding VIP passes. Special Event Parking Aides will be stationed at key intersections and parking facilities to assist attendees in parking at the City garages and lots during both Friday and Saturday evenings.
