Wednesday, June 19 is Juneteenth. The holiday, also referred to as Emancipation Day, celebrates the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation + commemorates the liberation of enslaved people throughout the US.
Around the Queen City, there are many opportunities to participate in both educational and celebratory events, so plan ahead.
Thursday, June 13
27th Annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, 1214 Thomas Ave., Thursday, June 13-Sunday, June 16 | This 27th annual event is the largest + oldest in the Carolinas. It features live music, entertainment, a parade, and fashion show.
Friday, June 14
Juneteenth Celebration, Downtown Park, 301 Givens St., Waxhaw | 6-9 p.m. | Listen to live music, shop local vendors, and more at this celebration.
Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Crossing Paths Park, 120 Blyth Dr., Indian Trail | 6-9 p.m. | Enjoy spoken word, an education panel discussion, art, dance, and music.
Saturday, June 15
3rd Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade, Central Piedmont Community College Cato Campus, 8120 Grier Rd., Charlotte | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Celebrate unity during this parade and vendor market to honor African American heritage and freedom.
2024 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival, Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC 49, Concord | 1-5 p.m. | This free event features crafts, performances, art, kids games, and more.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration, 24 S. Main St., Belmont | 2-9:30 p.m. | Commemorate the day with arts + crafts, music, food, and more.
Juneteenth Jam Kick-Off Block Party, Levine Avenue of the Arts, 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | 3-7 p.m. | Prepare to dance and sing during this celebration of art, music, and fashion.
Liberation & Inspiration: A Celebratory Juneteenth Concert, Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | 7 p.m. | Expect a musical night of performances by local artists, hosted by Grammy-winning artist and songwriter Kirk Franklin. Tickets are $20.
Wednesday, June 19
Juneteenth Art Fest, Shoppes at University Place, 8931 JM Keynes Dr., Charlotte | 4-8 p.m. | Commemorate Juneteenth with local artists, live music, dancers, and free painting activities for everyone.
Juneteenth Celebration, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | 12-6 p.m. | The free celebration features live performances, workshops, and historical + cultural analysis.
Friday, June 21
Durag Fest, Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd., Charlotte | Friday, June 21-Saturday, June 22 | 11 a.m. | Experience this two-day festival with panel discussions, workshops, music, food, fashion, and art experiences.
Saturday, June 22
Concord-Cabarrus Juneteenth Celebration, Barber-Scotia College, 145 Cabarrus Ave. W., Charlotte | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Commemorate the day with African drumming, live music, local vendors, and more.
