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.
Keep checking back, because many more events will be added.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas is a free, multi-cultural celebration that is in its 27th year. It will take place at House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Avenue, in Plaza Midwood, from June 12 to 15, 2025.
The free celebration includes a drum circle, entertainment, youth culture camp and much more. Make sure to verify all specific events on the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas website, as there could be changes. We’ll update with the specifics of each day when they are announced.
- June 12: Youth Culture Camp
- June 13: Drum Circle
- June 14: Opening Ceremony, History of Juneteenth, Entertainment and Prayers
- June 15: Gospel Fest, Entertainment and closing ceremony
Indian Trail Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Indian Trail is hosting its third Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Crossing Paths Park, 120 Blythe Drive, Indian Trail. The free family event typically includes art, dance, music, spoken word and more.
Waxhaw
Waxhaw’s Juneteenth Celebration takes place on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Waxhaw’s Downtown Park, 301 Givens Street, Waxhaw, North Carolina. It features performances, vendors, crafts, children’s activities and more.
Gastonia EbonyFest
The Seventh Annual Gastony Ebony Fest takes place on three days. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, there will be a parade, vendors, food trucks, live music and more. On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the event focuses on food justice, culture and Juneteenth history. And on Thursday, June 19, the celebration will feature live music, vendors, and food trucks, concluding with fireworks. Please follow the above link for all the details.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
Belmont’s annual Juneteenth Celebration returns to Belmont’s Stowe Park, 24 S Main Street, Belmont, NC, on June 14, 2025, 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It will feature arts and crafts, music, food and more.
University City Juneteenth Art Fest
The second University City Juneteenth Art Fest, presented by University City Partners, takes place Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Shoppes at University Place, 8801 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina. The free event features music, spoken word, visual art, interactive art experiences and more.
Kannapolis Juneteenth Celebration
The Kannapolis Juneteenth Celebration takes place Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 12 to 5 p.m., at Veterans Park, 119 N Main Street, Kannapolis, North Carolina. The celebration includes entertainment, vendors and food.
Matthews’ Juneteenth Celebration
Matthews’ Juneteenth Celebration takes place at Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, North Carolina, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will include dance, history, art, storytelling, food and community.
Historic Rosedale
Rosedale, at 3427 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, is hosting a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s free to attend and features a drum circle, blacksmithing demonstration, rain stick making, quilt making for children and a quilt exhibit. Tours are available for $13 to $15.
Concord-Cabarrus
The Concord-Cabarrus Juneteenth Celebration takes place Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Barber-Scotia College, 145 Cabarrus Avenue West, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Queen City Juneteenth Music & Food Festival
Juneteenth Music & Food Festival is a 21+ celebration at Blush CLT, 7631 Sharon Lakes Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 1 to 6 p.m. It features live music, line dancing, and food available for purchase.
Elaine McMillan says
Hi – HRU? My name is Elaine and I do crafts, balloons, cupcakes / cakes, picture plates n cartoon balloons. I would love to be a part of this Juneteenth festivities. If possible? What is the cost. Thank you in advance
Elaine
F. J. says
Awesome awesome awesome to see so many Juneteenth events occurring in Charlotte and surrounding region!
Denise says
Hi, there’re two different dates for the same event, which one is correct.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
University City Juneteenth Art Fest
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Shoppes at University Place University City
Juneteenth Art Fest, presented by University City Partners, takes place Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Shoppes at University Place, 8801 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina. The free event features music, spoken word, visual art, interactive art experiences and more.