Afro Plus Fest Is Turning the DMV Into a Festival Economy Powerhouse

“We were raised in this county. This one’s for the people who raised us.”

For Michael Awosanya, the founder and executive producer of Afro Plus Fest–widely known in the industry as “Legendary Mike“–that sentiment drives the strategic expansion of the festival’s sophomore return. Following a 2025 debut that drew 20,000 attendees and generated $10 million for the local economy in a single day, the event is scaling up significantly.

From Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6, 2026, the festival will take over Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, expanding to a three-day Labor Day weekend format. Organizers project 120,000 entries over the weekend, anchored by global headliners Davido, Wizkid, and Alkaline alongside the return of regional favorites like Ricky Platinum. Tickets start at $199.

The expansion reflects an intentional effort to establish a sustainable festival economy within Prince George’s County and the broader DMV area. While major festivals routinely focus resources strictly on mainstage talent, Afro Plus Fest integrates local commerce into its core design.

The festival’s central marketplace places local entrepreneurs alongside Black-owned brands and global creators directly ahead of the expected 40,000 daily attendees. Similarly, the “DMV” stage provides local artists like Mannywellz and Foggie Raw with visibility alongside international acts—a structural choice designed to yield tangible career momentum, bookings, and sponsorships.

Shots from Afro Plus Fest 2025 Marketplace (Photo Credit: @Nayab.Jade)

“I founded Afro Plus to bridge culture and commerce the right way,” Awosanya said. “Afro Plus exists to create jobs, elevate talent, and give brands authentic access to one of the most engaged and culturally influential consumer bases in the market.”

To accommodate the increased scale, organizers have coordinated regional transit infrastructure. The venue features direct Metro access via the Morgan Boulevard Station, dedicated rideshare logistics and official parking, including a $100 three-day parking pass. The event also features all-ages admission and full ADA accessibility to ensure broad community participation.

Local leadership is actively backing the expansion. “This partnership represents more than entertainment,” Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy said in a statement. “It is about economic growth, cultural pride, tourism, and creating opportunities for local businesses, artists, and residents.”

As preparations continue, the festival is welcoming new participants to secure a spot on-site. Applications for culinary vendors, retailers, and interactive activations are open through Friday, June 12 at theafroplus.com.