PLEASE NOTE: We have started gathering information about 2023 Juneteenth celebrations. This article will continue to be updated.
Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States.
It marks the day, June 19th, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation (which had been issued on January 1st, 1863) was finally read to enslaved African-Americans in Texas.
It took more than two years for word of freedom to get to enslaved people, and freedom is still a process. Some of the Juneteenth events are calls to action, and all encourage community involvement.
Here are some ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Charlotte, including festivals, parades, educational events and more. Then keep reading for a day-by-day list of Juneteenth events. The day-by-day list includes additional events.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas is a free, multi-cultural celebration that is in its 26th year. It will take place at House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Avenue, in Plaza Midwood. It takes place from June 15th to June 18th, 2023.
The free celebration includes a drum circle, talent show, youth day camp, craft workshops, heritage tours, and much more.
Once we have the details about each day, we’ll update here.
Juneteenth Charlotte Celebration — Community West
SESA University is partnering with the Stratford Richardson YMCA to bring Juneteenth Charlotte Celebration — Community West to the West Corridor of Charlotte. The celebration on June 16th, from 3 to 8 p.m., and June 17th, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Stratford Richardson YMCA, 1946 West Blvd, Charlotte, will include a drumline, art and fashion walk, live music and entertainment, community workshops, youth activities, guest DJs and more. There will also be a Father’s Day event on June 18th and a Juneteenth business week June 19th to 26th. Details TBA.
North Carolina Juneteenth Festival
The 2022 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival has the theme of “Educate, Empower, Entertain.” It takes place Saturday, June 17th, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 North Carolina 49, Concord, NC.
This family-friendly festival is free to attend. The festival features kids’ activities, vendors, giveaways, and more. It’s free to attend.
Indian Trail Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Indian Trail is hosting its second Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 16th, 2022, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Crossing Paths Park, 120 Blythe Drive, Indian Trail. The free family event includes art, dance, music, spoken word and an educational panel discussion.
Juneteenth Jam
Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Juneteenth Jam: Please check back soon to see if this event is taking place in 2023.
Juneteenth Celebration on the Historic West End Corridor
Last year, the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on the Historic West End Corridor, included a drive-thru car show and a family celebration. Please check back soon to see if it’s taking place in 2023.
Junion at Cedar Grove (Hugh Torance House and Store site)
Hugh Torance House and Store, at 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville, is hosting HEARTS: Junion on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. This Juneteenth event features a speaker and live music. The keynote speaker is André Kearns, who is a descendant of Charlotte Kerns. Charlotte Kerns was enslaved to James G. Torrance, who built the Cedar Grove plantation. André Kearns will share his approach to genealogy and how he traced his connection back to Cedar Grove. Check back soon to learn about this event.
Queen City Juneteenth Parade
The 1st Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade took place for the first time in 2022. Check back soon to see if it’s taking place in 2023.
Durag Fest
Durag Fest returns to Camp North End in 2023. We’ll update when we have details. Last year it included a durag art exhibit, vendor market, and more.
Juneteenth at Gantt Center
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture presents Juneteenth events every year. We will update when their plans are announced for 2023.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
Belmont’s annual Juneteenth Celebration returns to Belmont’s Stowe park on June 17th, 2023. Check back soon for details.
Concord-Cabarrus
Check back soon to learn about the Concord-Cabarrus Juneteenth Parade and Celebration.
Town of Davidson Juneteenth Celebration
Check back soon for information on The Town of Davidson’s Juneteenth celebration.
Salisbury Juneteenth Celebration
Check back soon to learn about the Salisbury Juneteenth Celebration.
Waxhaw Juneteenth Celebration
Check back soon to learn about the Town of Waxhaw is hosting its first annual Juneteenth Celebration.
Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Monroe
Check back soon to learn about the City of Monroe is hosting the Juneteenth Celebration.
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