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 25th year. It will take place at House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Avenue, in Plaza Midwood. It takes place from June 16th to June 19th, 2022.
June 16th, 2022
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Youth day camp
- Celebration of history
- Craft workshops
- Heritage Hour
- Heritage performances
- Music
June 17th, 2022
5 to 9 p.m.
- Inaugural Drum Circle
- International drummers
- Community fellowship
- Annual talent show
June 18th, 2022
12 to 10 p.m.
- Juneteenth parade/march (starting at Grady Cole Center, ending at the 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
June 19th, 2022
12 to 9 p.m.
- Sunday service
- Gospel explosion
- Youth seminar
- Empowerment stage
- Tribute to fathers
- More
Charlotte Juneteenth Celebration
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration has grown into a three-day celebration. This event is organized by SESA University in collaboration with More Color Inc. It takes place from June 17th to 19th, 2022, at 619 Anderson Street, Charlotte. The event features vendors, live music, youth activities, art, fashion, food trucks and more. This is a free event.
Juneteenth Jam
Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Juneteenth Jam will take place June 17th and 18th. On June 17th, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. there will be free community workshops in Capoeira and Samba at the Bechtler Museum. And then on June 18th, celebrate at a free community block party at Victoria Yards, featuring DJs, live music and spoken word.
Juneteenth Celebration on the Historic West End Corridor
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on the Historic West End Corridor, on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, includes a drive-thru car show and a family celebration. The car parade starts at 12 p.m., at McCrorey YMCA, 3801 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte. Decorate your car and take part. Then the celebration will continue in front of West Charlotte High School, 2219 Senior Drive, with African dancing, musicians, storytellers, children’s activities, health screenings, voter registration and more. This is a free event.
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 18th, 2022, from 1 to 6 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. After his presentation, more Torrance connections to the historic African American neighborhoods of Smithville, Pottstown and Long Creek will be shared. After the talks, enjoy “Cedar Groove,” with live jazz and blues music by the Calvin Edwards Trio.
Queen City Juneteenth Parade
The 1st Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade takes place Monday, June 20th, 2022, at 10 a.m., at Central Piedmont Community College’s Cato Campus, 8120 Grier Road, Charlotte. Interested in participating or volunteering? Email Sharon at queencityjuneteenth@gmail.com.
Durag Fest
Durag Fest returns to Camp North End on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 1 to 10 p.m. General admission is free, and grants you access to the vendor market, food court and durag art exhibit. $30 tickets also get you into the day party and concert. Of course you’re encouraged to wear your best durag.
Juneteenth at Gantt Center
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture presents Juneteenth events every year. Here are two:
Art After Dark: Movement and Freedom on Friday, June 17th, 2022, from 6 to 10 p.m. This is a free event for people ages 21+. Please check back soon to see if there’s also a family event for Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Celebration: Elements of Freedom is a free, family-friendly celebration on Sunday, June 19th, 2022 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. It features hands-on art experiences, conversations, and a live performance by Quentin Talley and The Soul Providers.
North Carolina Juneteenth Festival
The 2022 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival has the theme of “Educating, Empowering, Entertaining.” It takes place Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
The festival features kids’ activities, vendors, giveaways, and more. It’s free to attend.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
Belmont’s annual Juneteenth Celebration is planned as an in-person event after two years of virtual celebrations. It will take place at Belmont’s Stowe park on June 18th, 2022, from 2 to 9:30 p.m.
Concord-Cabarrus
There will be a Juneteenth Parade on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Lineup will be on Crowell Street, next to Barber Scotia College. The parade will end at Caldwell Park.
Then on June 25th, 2022, the Concord-Cabarrus Juneteenth Celebration will take place at Caldwell Park, 362 George Street SW, Concord, from 11 am. to 3 p.m.
More information on the Concord-Cabarrus Juneteenth events.
Town of Davidson Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Davidson’s Juneteenth celebration will take place on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble Street, Davidson. This free event will include historical dialogues, a keynote address, music, dancing, shopping, food trucks, face painting, games, a bounce house and a misting station. The first 300 people to check in at the welcome tent will receive a free lunch.
Salisbury Juneteenth Celebration
The Salisbury Juneteenth Celebration is a three-day celebration from June 17th to 19th, 2022. On June 17th, Jazz and Poetry Night will take place at Vibez Lounge. The $20 tickets benefit Salisbury-Rowan NAACP. The main Juneteenth Celebration will take place Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 12 to 5 p.m., at the Bell Tower Green, 120 South Church Street, Salisbury. It will include music, children’s activities, vendors and more. The event is sponsored by the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP, Salisbury Parks and Recreation and Novant Health. Then, Soulful Sunday will take place at the Bell Tower Green on Sunday, June 19th, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Indian Trail Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Indian Trail is hosting its first Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 17th, 2022, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Crossing Paths Park, 120 Blythe Drive, Indian Trail. The free family event includes spoken word performances, a community panel discussion, African dance and drumming, a DJ, food trucks, vendors, giveaways, arts and crafts, and a bounce house.
Waxhaw Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Waxhaw is hosting its first annual Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 19th, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m. It will take place at the Waxhaw Community Corner, under the water tower, at the intersection of Highway 16 and North Main Street. The celebration will feature dance, art, music, storytelling, face painting, food trucks and more.
Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Monroe
The City of Monroe is hosting the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Dickerson Recreation Complex, 899 North Johnson Street, Monroe. The celebration will feature live music, food, vendors and amusement rides.
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