Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a FREE, family-friendly Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at Juneteenth at the Gantt 2026! Join us for a day of reflection, creativity, education, and joy as we honor the enduring legacy of Juneteenth through art, music, storytelling, and shared experiences.
Enjoy delicious Southern cuisine from Soul Bistro food truck, browse local vendors, and connect with fellow community members during a special book club and vendor pop-up hosted by Archive CLT. Families can participate in hands-on arts and crafts activities inspired by the symbols and history of Juneteenth, while art lovers can witness a live painting activation by Charlotte based artist Curtis King.
Throughout the day, explore the Harvey B. Gantt Center through guided tours, attend a screening of the PBS documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom, and deepen your understanding of the holiday during an engaging panel discussion featuring local historians and scholars. The celebration culminates with a special musical performance by A Sign of the Times, honoring the rich legacy and global influence of the African diaspora through music.
Whether you’re learning about Juneteenth for the first time or continuing a long-held tradition of celebration, Juneteenth 2026 at the Gantt offers meaningful opportunities to gather, reflect, and celebrate freedom together.
Program Schedule
Soul Bistro Food Truck
12 noon – 4 pm (Main Entrance)
Soul Bistro will be stationed outside of the Gantt’s main entrance for the day. Stop by their food truck to purchase southern staples including barbecue, seafood, & soul food.
Community Book Club & Vendor Pop-Up with Archive CLT
12 noon – 4 pm (Museum Store, 1st Floor)
Join Archive CLT in the Museum Store as they highlight a special Juneteenth related book discussion. They will also be set up to sell drinks including chai and iced coffee throughout the afternoon.
Vendor Marketplace
12 noon – 4 pm (Mezzanine, 3rd Floor)
Support vendors including Sweet Imalda’s, In Due Time, & Kkunda!
Kids Arts & Craft
12 noon – 4 pm (Rooftop, 4th Floor)
Our Juneteenth arts & crafts selection includes a variety of coloring pages and a craft stick pan-African flag activity for guests to engage with the different symbols of the holiday.
Guided Tours
12 noon & 2 pm (Tours start at visitor information desk, 2nd Floor)
Learn more about the history of the Harvey B. Gantt Center and take a deeper look at the newest exhibition, Beyond Boundaries, during one of our guided tours.
Live Painting Activation with Curtis King – Partnership with WFAE 90.7 FM
12 noon – 2 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)
Charlotte based artist, Curtis King, will be doing a live painting activation in the Grand Lobby. This activation is perfect for guests of all ages to watch a painting come to life and ask questions throughout the process.
Film Screening: Juneteenth Faith & Freedom
12 noon – 1 pm (Performance Suite, 2nd Floor)
This PBS documentary follows the journey of a Black man as he travels throughout Texas to learn more about the legacy of American slavery and the Juneteenth holiday.
The Juneteenth Mix with DJ Micki Blendz
1 pm – 2 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)
DJ Micki Blendz is bringing the soundtrack to your summer with classic cookout hits, feel-good throwbacks, and crowd favorites. Come dance, sing along, or simply enjoy the vibes.
Panel Discussion: The History of Juneteenth
2 pm – 3 pm (Performance Suite, 2nd Floor)
Learn more about the history of Juneteenth in this educational panel discussion with local professors & historians. Moderated by Dr. Sonya Ramsey, the panelists include Dr. Willie Griffin, Dr. Janaka Lewis, and Earl L. Ijames.
Final Performance: A Sign of the Times
3 pm – 4 pm (Grand Lobby, 2nd Floor)
A Sign of the Times will close the Juneteenth celebration with a special music performance to honor the legacy of the African Diaspora through music.
Learn about other Juneteenth celebrations in the Charlotte area!
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More Juneteenth Events around Charlotte
Read all about Charlotte’s Juneteenth events, or take a quick look here:
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
551 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-547-3700
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