UrbanFest 360° Orlando 2026

Where Film, Fashion, Music, Food, Culture, & Community Connect
About this Event

WELCOME TO URBANFEST 360° ORLANDO 2026

Where Film, Fashion, Music, Food, Culture, & Community Connect

Welcome to UrbanFest 360° Orlando 2026, a three day celebration of creativity, storytelling, and culture that brings together filmmakers, actors, musicians, fashion designers, artists, entrepreneurs, students, educators, and communities from around the world.

UrbanFest 360° isn't just an event, it's a celebration of creativity, culture, and community where stories inspire, connections flourish, and strangers become family.

Whether you're an award-winning filmmaker, an aspiring artist, a student exploring creative careers, or attending your very first festival, you'll find a welcoming environment that celebrates creativity, encourages collaboration, and creates lasting connections.

Throughout the weekend, discover award winning films, engaging panel discussions, inspiring community forums, live entertainment, networking opportunities, and unforgettable cultural experiences designed to celebrate artistic excellence, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of creative leaders.

Whether you come for the films, the conversations, the music, the fashion, the food, or simply the experience, you'll discover why so many people leave UrbanFest feeling like family.

SIGNATURE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES

Every Story. Every Voice. Every Culture. Every Generation. One Festival. 360 Degrees.

Every UrbanFest 360° experience is thoughtfully curated to entertain, educate, inspire, and create meaningful connections between artists, audiences, students, families, industry professionals, and the community.

Opening Night Conversation & Audience Q&A

Celebrate inspiring storytelling.

Launch the festival with an exclusive Opening Night conversation featuring acclaimed writer, director, and producer David A. Fortune. Tribeca $1M winner, SXSW winner and Varities top 10 list of new directors to watch.

Enjoy a special screening of one of David's acclaimed projects, followed by an engaging conversation about his creative journey, the art of independent filmmaking, and the future of storytelling, along with a live audience Q&A.

Love, Patrick

Celebrating fashion, creativity, and cultural legacy.

Experience the acclaimed documentary honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of the visionary black american fashion designer Patrick Kelly who changed the fashion world.

Following the screening, join members of the filmmaking team and friends of Patrick for an audience conversation exploring Patrick Kelly's lasting influence on fashion, creativity, and culture.

UrbanFest Fashion 360°

Fashion as art. Fashion as culture.

After the documentary experience UrbanFest Fashion 360°, the festival's signature runway showcase celebrating fashion as storytelling, identity, and artistic expression.

Inspired by Patrick Kelly's enduring legacy, this one-night event features emerging and established designers whose collections reflect innovation, creativity, and cultural influence through an unforgettable celebration of fashion, music, and community.

Chadwick Boseman Tribute

Honoring a legacy that continues to inspire.

Celebrate the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of Chadwick Boseman, recognizing his remarkable contributions to film, culture, leadership, and social impact.

Official Film Selections

Discover voices from around the world.

Experience an inspiring collection of feature films, documentaries, short films, student films, music videos, and international cinema.

Each official selection has been chosen for its ability to entertain, educate, and spark meaningful conversations while showcasing the diverse voices shaping today's storytelling landscape.

Spotlight Conversation with James Pickens Jr.

Stories from one of television's most respected actors.

Spend an unforgettable evening with acclaimed actor James Pickens Jr. as he reflects on an extraordinary career in film and television. There will be a screening of his Award Winning Short film ALBERT'S FLOWER

Hear personal stories, career insights, and lessons on perseverance, leadership, and longevity in the entertainment industry.

Music, Movement & Global Culture

Experience the global influence of Black culture.

Explore a compelling collection of documentaries and short films celebrating the worldwide influence of Black music, dance, and culture.

Journey from the birthplace of hip hop and breaking to South Africa's vibrant house music movement, and discover the remarkable story of how Black American hip hop inspired a community in England known as Compton.

These films demonstrate how music, movement, and culture transcend borders, inspire generations, and connect communities around the world.

Compton Cowboys Youth Engagement Experience

Where film inspires the next generation.

One of UrbanFest 360°'s signature experiences, the Compton Cowboys Youth Engagement Experience blends film, education, culture, and community into an inspiring celebration of leadership, mentorship, and resilience.

Experience special screenings on the history of the Compton Cowboys followed by an engaging panel featuring filmmakers, special guests, and community leaders exploring youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and the enduring legacy of the modern Black cowboy.

Featured Guests, Honorees & Industry Leaders

Meet an extraordinary lineup of award-winning actors, filmmakers, producers, directors, writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, educators, and cultural leaders.

Visit the Lineup section below for featured guests, honorees, filmmakers, panelists, and additional announcements.

Industry Panels & Conversations

Learn from today's creative leaders.

Go behind the scenes with actors, producers, directors, writers, casting professionals, talent representatives, distributors, musicians, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders as they share practical insights, creative journeys, and advice for the next generation.

Community Forums

Conversations that inspire change.

UrbanFest 360° believes great stories can inspire meaningful conversations.

Join filmmakers, educators, advocates, public officials, and community leaders as they explore issues affecting our communities while encouraging dialogue, understanding, and positive change.

Creative Futures Initiative

Empowering tomorrow's creative leaders.

Investing in the next generation is central to the UrbanFest 360° mission.

Through the Creative Futures Initiative, students and emerging creatives gain mentorship, educational workshops, hands on experiences, career exploration opportunities, and direct access to accomplished professionals across film, television, music, fashion, and the arts.

Festival Food & Flavor

Great food. Great conversations. Great community.

Take a break between screenings, panels, and special events to enjoy delicious offerings from local food vendors, including our featured BBQ truck.

Whether you're networking over lunch, meeting fellow filmmakers, or simply relaxing with family and friends, great food helps create the welcoming atmosphere that makes UrbanFest feel like home.

Live Music Celebration

Celebrating the soundtrack of our community.

Before the Awards Show, enjoy an exciting live music showcase featuring outstanding local artists representing the vibrant talent of Central Florida.

Celebrate emerging performers while gathering with fellow festival guests for an unforgettable evening of music and community.

UrbanFest 360° Signature Awards Show

Honoring excellence. Celebrating impact.

Celebrate the festival's grand finale at the UrbanFest 360° Signature Awards Show, recognizing extraordinary individuals whose achievements have made a lasting impact on film, television, music, fashion, arts, culture, and community.

Join us for an inspiring evening honoring visionary artists, creative leaders, and changemakers whose work continues to shape the future of our communities and creative industries.

Networking Opportunities

Where connections become collaborations.

Some of the festival's most meaningful moments happen between events.

Meet filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, musicians, entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit leaders, students, and industry professionals in a welcoming environment where conversations become collaborations and new connections often become lasting friendships.

Be Part of the Experience

Whether you're joining us for a single event or spending the entire weekend with us, UrbanFest 360° invites you to discover award-winning films, inspiring conversations, live music, fashion, delicious food, meaningful connections, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Come celebrate creativity. Discover new voices. Build lasting relationships. Experience a festival where stories inspire, cultures connect, and strangers become family.

Reserve your tickets today and join us for UrbanFest 360° Orlando 2026—Where Film, Fashion, Music, Food, Culture & Community Connect.

Guest appearances, film programming, schedules, and festival experiences are subject to change based on professional commitments and availability.

Follow @UrbanFest360 on Instagram for exclusive guest announcements, schedule updates, behind-the-scenes moments, giveaways, and everything leading up to UrbanFest 360° Orlando 2026.

Questions? We're here to help.

Call or Text: (323) 974-7170
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @UrbanFest360
Website: www.UrbanFest360.com

Fri, September 18th, 2026

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
UrbanFest 360° Opening Celebration
Host: Timothy Starks

Info: HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CONFERENCE ROOM
Kick off UrbanFest 360° Orlando 2026 at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando – International Drive, the Official Hotel of UrbanFest 360°, with festival registration, a welcome reception, champagne toast, official cake cutting, sponsor recognition, opening remarks, and the opportunity to connect with filmmakers, special guests, community leaders, and fellow festival attendees before walking together to AFRO TV Studios for the Official Opening Night Red Carpet.

🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Opening Night Red Carpet
Host: UrbanFest 360°

Info: AFRO TV STUDIOS Join filmmakers, special guests, sponsors, community leaders, honorees, and fellow attendees on the Official Opening Night Red Carpet at AFRO TV Studios as UrbanFest 360° Orlando 2026 officially begins. Capture photos, celebrate the festival, and experience the excitement before the Opening Night program.

🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:45 PM
Opening Ceremony & Opening Night Shorts Program
Host: Gabby Kennedy UrbanFest 360° Director of Marketing

Info: AFRO TV Studios

Celebrate the official opening of UrbanFest 360° Orlando 2026 with welcome remarks, followed by a curated program of outstanding short films from emerging and established filmmakers whose stories reflect the diversity, creativity, and global spirit of the festival.

🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
Spotlight Conversation with Director & Writer David A. Fortune
Host: David A. Fortune

Info: Join acclaimed director and writer David A. Fortune for an engaging conversation about filmmaking, storytelling, and his creative journey, followed by an audience Q&A.

🕑: 08:45 PM - 09:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Derrick Brown President UrbanFest 360°

Info: Join festival leadership as we conclude Opening Night and preview the exciting films, panels, community forums, and special events still to come throughout the festival weekend.

🕑: 09:15 PM - 11:00 PM
Opening Night Mixer
Host: UrbanFest 360° Team

Info: Holiday Inn Conference Center

Continue the celebration at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, where filmmakers, actors, special guests, sponsors, and festival attendees come together for an evening of networking, conversation, music, and community. Build new relationships, reconnect with friends, and celebrate the opening of UrbanFest 360° Orlando 2026 in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Sat, September 19, 2026
Featured events only. Additional screenings and Q&As throughout the day.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Creative Futures Youth Forum:Urban Cowboys & Girls
Host: James Pickens Jr.

Info: Experience inspiring films, meaningful conversations, and a live discussion celebrating youth empowerment, leadership, and community through the stories of the Compton Cowboys.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:15 PM
UNHEARD VOICES: A Mother's Quest for Freedom

Info: A powerful documentary screening followed by a community conversation exploring justice, resilience, and the impact of incarceration on families.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:45 PM
UrbanFest Shorts Showcase

Info: Discover a curated collection of official short films from emerging and established filmmakers representing diverse voices and compelling stories.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
UrbanFest Fashion 360°

Info: Experience the fusion of film and fashion with a special presentation of Love, Patrick, followed by UrbanFest's signature runway showcase featuring innovative designers and creative talent.

🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Late Night Shorts Showcase

Info: Enjoy an evening selection of standout short films celebrating creativity, culture, and independent storytelling

🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
Special Presentation with James Pickens Jr. of Grey's Anatomy

Info: Join acclaimed actor James Pickens Jr. for a special screening of his short film ALBERT'S FLOWER followed by a live audience Q&A.

🕑: 08:45 PM - 09:10 PM
Meet & Greet with James Pickens Jr.

Info: Celebrity appearances and meet-and-greets are subject to each guest's schedule and participation. Guaranteed photo opportunities are included only with designated VIP or Special Access Passes. Additional photo opportunities may be available at the discretion of the featured guest.

🕑: 09:00 PM - 11:00 PM
UrbanFest Festival Mixer

Info: Continue the celebration at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando – International Drive, the Official Hotel of UrbanFest 360°. Connect with filmmakers, industry professionals, festival guests, sponsors, and fellow attendees during an evening of networking and conversation.

Sun, September 20, 2026
Sunday Agenda Schedule Coming Soon
Community Forums & Panels
Schedule Coming Soon