Juneteenth festivals, events and other celebrations to mark the holiday in Charlotte
Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte are just around the corner, and you can celebrate at festivals and other cultural events with live entertainment, music, art and more.
June 19 marks Juneteenth, a holiday marking June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay in Texas, and freed Black people who had remained under Confederate control long after the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863.
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified later that year, formally ended slavery.
The longest running African American holiday, Juneteenth is also known as Black Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day.
If you’re looking for ways to commemorate this historic day in American history, get ready to mark your calendar with our list of 14 can’t-miss Juneteenth events in the Charlotte area.
QCT Charlotte Pilgrimage Tour
Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Monday to Saturday, through June 30, 10 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
What to know: At this Juneteenth event, expect to explore over 25 miles of historic sites, including three slave cemeteries, a former slave church and a Civil Rights-era home.
Cost: Adults 13-61: $32-$42; seniors 62+: $30-$40; children and students 5-12: $23-$33. Groups of 10+: $5 off per ticket.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
Location: The House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
When: June 16, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
What to know: The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, taking place in Plaza Midwood, will celebrate Juneteenth with activities and events such as an opening ceremony, youth culture camp, drum circle, history of Juneteenth, live entertainment, gospel fest and a closing ceremony.
Cost: Free.
Juneteenth Rock Hill
Location: Fountain Park, 300 E Main St, Rock Hill, SC 29730 & 399 W Black St. Rock Hill, SC, 29730
When: June 17 at 6 p.m, June 18 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and June 19 at 11:15 a.m.
What to Know: Food Truck Friday will kick off Juneteenth in Rock Hill at Fountain Park, followed by Freedom Fest on Saturday and a Church Service on Sunday, both at Mt. Prospect Baptist Church.
Cost: Free
[BLACK CUISINE: Charlotte’s Black-owned restaurants offer seafood, soul food, sweet treats and more]
Juneteenth at The Gantt
Location: The Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Wednesday, June 19, 12-6 p.m.
What to know: This year’s lineup will focus on youth artistic perspectives, modern conversations on the cross-cultural impact of Blackness and “the importance of positive exchange as a form of community care.”
Cost: Free.
Juneteenth Art Fest: A Celebration of Culture and Community
Location: Shoppes at University Place Lakefront, 8931 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte NC 28262
When: June 19, 4-8 p.m.
What to know: At the first annual Juneteenth Art Fest — sponsored by Culture Blocks, Truliant Federal Credit Union and First National Bank, in partnership with the University City Library — the event will feature African American art exhibitions, performances and activities, promoting learning and connections within the community
Cost: Free.
Are We Free Yet?
Location: Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, 303 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Through June 30, with an artists talk June 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
What to know: Are We Free Yet? commemorates Juneteenth with artwork by 10 local artists loosely inspired by Tina Strawn’s book of the same name. Each artist was asked to create art based on two questions: “Are We Free Yet?” and “What does Black liberation look like to you?” Artists involved include Brenda Pinkston, Crystal Pinkston, Carey James, Dionna Bright, Mariah Tyes, Tanya Murphy, Brittani Taylor, CHDW!CK, Zaire McPhearson and Kev Harris. The free artists talk June 19 is will be moderated by the curators of the activation, local artists Tiya Caniel and Teresa Christine.
Cost: Free
Juneteenth: Poetry with Passion
Location: Superstarz CLT, 935 South Summit Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208
When: Wednesday, June 19, 7-10 p.m.
What to know: Hosted by Freaky Tai and Fiona B, this poetry event will feature “Charlotte’s top orators” at Superstarz CLT, as well as a live DJ, free parking and onsite food and drinks.
Cost: $20.
Durag Fest
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: June 21-22, 11 a.m.
What to know: Just one day isn’t enough for this festival. On Day 1, you can expect panels, fireside chats and workshops; and on Day 2, dive right into Durag Fest’s music, food, fashion and art experiences.
Cost: Ticket prices range from $39.60 to $119.20, with options for day passes, weekend passes and add-ons like VIP access and after-party admission.
Sip & See at The Gallery
Location: Real African Art Gallery, 440 East McCullough Dr. Charlotte, NC 28262
When: Friday, June 28, 7-9 p.m.
What to know: Real African Art has planned an evening of viewing Shona stone sculptures from Zimbabwe and paintings, jewelry, masks and wooden carvings.
Cost: Starts at $10
