Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States.
It marks the day, June 19, 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, or jump to the day-by-day list. 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 15 to June 18, 2023.
The free celebration includes a drum circle, talent show, youth day camp, craft workshops, heritage tours, and much more.
Thursday, June 15:
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Youth Day Camp
- Celebration of History
- Craft Workshops
- Heritage Hour
- Heritage Performances
- Music
Friday, June 16:
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Inaugural Drum Circle
- International Drummers
- Community Fellowship
- Annual Talent Show
Saturday, June 17:
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at House of Africa
- 10 a.m.: Juneteenth Parade will start at Grady Cole Center and end at House of Africa
- Juneteenth Street Festival
- HIV/AIDS Seminar and Screening
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
- Storytelling
- Food
- Children’s Village
- Health Fair
- African Dancers
- Fashion Show
- Talent Show
- More
Sunday, June 18:
12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday Service
- Gospel Explosion
- Youth Seminar
- Empowerment Stage
- Tribute to Fathers
- More
Parking
- Corner of Thomas and Central Evenues
- Wells Fargo, 1616 Central Avenue: $5
- 2100 Commonwealth Avenue: $3
- US Post Office, 1233 The Plaza — Saturday after 1 p.m., Sunday all day
Juneteenth Jam
Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Juneteenth Jam: Juneteenth Jam is a free event on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It takes place at Levine Avenue of the Arts, The Gantt, The Bechtler, and Mint Museum Uptown. The celebration features music, dancing, fashion, poetry, food trucks and more.
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, 2023, from 3 to 8 p.m., and June 17, 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 18 and a Juneteenth business week June 19 to 26.
Juneteenth at the Gantt
In addition to participating in Juneteenth Jam on Saturday, June 17, 2023, The Gantt Center is also celebrating Juneteenth on Monday, June 19, 2023, with free admission and special activities. Juneteenth at the Gantt takes place Monday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Besides free admission, enjoy an archiving workshop, hands-on art, film screenings, conversation and more. Bring a t-shirt, tote bag or scarf to screen print with MacFly Fresh Printing Co.
North Carolina Juneteenth Festival
The 2023 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival has the theme of “Educate, Empower, Entertain.” It takes place Saturday, June 17, 2023, 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.
Victoria Yards
Southern Hospitality Group is presenting Juneteenth Cookout & Father’s Day Celebration at Victoria Yards, 209 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC.
It will take place Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 12 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m., and will include food vendors, games, music and entertainment.
Indian Trail Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Indian Trail is hosting its second Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 16, 2023, 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.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
Belmont’s annual Juneteenth Celebration returns to Belmont’s Stowe Park, 24 S Main Street, Belmont, NC, on June 17, 2023, 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It will feature arts and crafts, music, food and more.
Gastonia EbonyFest Juneteenth
The Fifth Annual EbonyFest Juneteenth Celebration is a three-day celebration from June 17 to 19, 2023. It includes a festival, parade, markets, fireworks and more.
Juneteenth Celebration on the Historic West End Corridor
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on the Historic West End Corridor takes place Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 2 to 6 p.m., in front of West Charlotte High School, 2219 Senior Drive, Charlotte, NC. There will be African dancers, Black magicians and storytellers, a health fair and much more. Hugo the Hornet will be on site giving away free Hornets tickets, swag and VISA gift cards.
Queen City Juneteenth Parade
The 2nd Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade takes place Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 10 a.m., at CPCC’s Cato Campus, 8120 Grier Road, Charlotte, NC.
Waxhaw Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Waxhaw is hosting its second annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Downtown Community Water Tower. The free event will feature performances, children’s activities and more.
Concord-Cabarrus
The Concord-Cabarrus Juneteenth Celebration takes place Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Caldwell Park, 362 Georgia Street SW, Concord.
Salisbury Juneteenth Celebration
The Salisbury Juneteenth Celebration will be a week-long set of events from June 12-18, 2023, including a festival, parade and more. The festival takes place June 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Bell Tower Green, 120 S. Church Street, Salisbury, NC. Check back for more events, soon.
Town of Davidson Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Davidson’s Juneteenth celebration takes place Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble Street, Davidson. The celebration will include free lunch, music, dancing, a bounce house, games and much more.
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.
Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Monroe
The City of Monroe is hosting its Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Belk Tonawanda Park, 217 I B Shive Drive, Monroe, NC. The family fun festival includes live music, food, vendors and amusement rides.
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