June 19th, 1865, marked a turning point in American history. Two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed that they were free. Each year Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates this announcement and the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrated for over 150 years, it’s a powerful reminder of the struggle for Black liberation and a call for continued progress toward racial justice.
This year, join communities across North Carolina as they honor Black history and resilience. Here’s a glimpse of some of the exciting events happening around the state:
Juneteenth on the Block
June 19th | 11AM YMI Cultural Center FREE
The Block neighborhood will come alive for this all-day celebration with various pop-in events hosted by neighbors throughout the day. The festivities will culminate in an evening gathering at the Foundry’s Workshop Lounge to enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and fellowship. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate freedom, and honor this historic day. Don’t miss out on this vibrant and meaningful event with LEAF Global Arts, PennyCup Coffee, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Noir Collective, Asheville Crafted Edge, JD Ellison & Company, and more!
Juneteenth Jam & Cookout
June 19th | 6PM – 11PM Getaway River Bar FREE
Come out and celebrate Asheville’s BIPOC community and independence! Featuring 103.3 Asheville FM Live Sessions and Guest Speaker London Newton. Enjoy drink specials and riverside seating!
36th Annual Downtown After 5
June 21st | 5PM – 9PM North Lexington Avenue FREE
In a special collaboration with the MLK Foundation, the Asheville Downtown Association will celebrate Juneteenth with live music from the soulful Sierra Green & the Giants headlining and Lyric setting the mood.
University City Juneteenth Art Fest
June 19th | 4PM – 8PM Shoppes at University Place, Lakefront FREE
Come out for a for a day filled with creativity, culture, and community! Celebrate Juneteenth with local artists showcasing their work, live music performances, dancers, vendors, and free interactive painting activities for all ages. Explore the vibrant art scene in University City and support talented creators while enjoying a fun-filled day outdoors. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic expressions of Juneteenth!
Juneteenth: A Unity Celebration
June 20th | 6:30PM – 9PM Brooklyn Collective $25 General Admission
Come celebrate Juneteenth with Black Professional organizations in Charlotte! Food, drinks, live jazz, speed networking, and museum tours will be included in the ticket price. This event is in collaboration with: Young Black Lawyers of Charlotte, Charlotte Alliance of Black Accountants and Black Professionals, National Black MBA Association, Charlotte Chapter, National Society of Black Engineers, and National Association of African Americans in Human Resources.
Historic Rosedale Juneteenth Celebration
June 22nd | 10AM – 3PM Historic Rosedale FREE
Celebrate Black heritage with an authentic view of the enslaved individuals who forcibly labored at Historic Rosedale. Featuring blacksmithing demonstrations, various demonstrators showing African American crafts and trades, and a panel discussion with Tamia Allen Williams and Reverend Bernetta Wright, both descendants of the enslaved individuals at Historic Rosedale, about “What freedom means to them.” The Lovn3D Women’s Ministry Black mobile library truck will also be on Historic Rosedale premises all day promoting the accessibility of books relating to African American children.
Juneteenth 2024
June 19th | 9AM – 3:30PM International Civil Rights Center and Museum FREE
Come participate in a series of workshops and presentations by member of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. Featured speakers include Angenita Boone, Desi Campbell, Bryana Campbell, and Lamar E. Deloatch.
Juneteenth Jamboree
June 22nd | 4PM – 9:30PM Town Common FREE
Enjoy live music, food trucks, African American Cultural Trail tours, a bounce house, a vendor fair, fireworks, and more!
Juneteenth: In Song & Word
June 21st | 6:30PM – 9PM North Carolina Museum of History FREE
Commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth with an evening of poetry and music. This program is brought to you in partnership with the N.C. African American Heritage Commission and is free and open to the public. Registration is required for this seated performance including: Nnenna Freelon with Pierce Freelon, Shana Tucker, Freddy Greene “Street Genie”, The Martin Luther King, Jr. All-Children’s Choir, Destiny Hemphill, and Fred Joiner.
25th Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 22nd | 4PM – 8PM Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center FREE
Come out and enjoy live music and performances, fish fry and cookout, dance, poetry, community good news, games, speak out, vendors, and prizes.
Legends Gala: Juneteenth Celebration
June 22nd | 7PM – 11PM CAM Raleigh $100 General Admission
Celebrate Juneteenth in style at the Legends Gala. An unforgettable evening honoring the legends of our past and the trailblazers of our future. Experience live musicby Phenix Fire, food, drinks, and captivating performances.
Juneteenth Breakfast
June 19th | 9:30AM – noon Thalian Hall $35 for Adults
A morning dedicated to reflection, unity, and celebration of freedom. Enjoy a delicious meal while honoring Juneteenth’s rich history and enduring spirit with our community. Don’t miss this special event!
Want to learn more and get involved? Check out our Environmental Justice page!
