As communities across the Charlotte region prepare to commemorate Juneteenth, a wide range of festivals, performances, educational programs and community celebrations are planned throughout June to honor Black freedom, history and culture.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday became a federal observance in 2021 and has grown into one of the nation’s most significant celebrations of Black history and resilience.
Here are some of the Juneteenth celebrations taking place across the Charlotte metro area:
Huntersville Juneteenth Celebration
June 18
Huntersville, North Carolina
The town’s annual observance includes live entertainment, educational exhibits, food vendors and opportunities for residents to learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth.
Matthews Juneteenth Celebration
June 18
Matthews, North Carolina
Residents can enjoy family-friendly programming focused on education, culture and community while learning about the history behind the holiday.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
June 18-21
Charlotte, North Carolina
One of the region’s largest Juneteenth celebrations, the festival features live entertainment, food vendors, community organizations, cultural programming, local businesses and family-friendly activities. Organizers expect thousands of attendees throughout the day.
8th Annual Gastonia EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival: Rooted in Resilience
June 19
Gastonia, North Carolina
This annual festival features cultural performances, vendors, community organizations and activities celebrating Black history, resilience and achievement.
Ada Jenkins Center Juneteenth Celebration
June 19
Davidson, North Carolina
Community members are invited to participate in educational activities, cultural programming and conversations focused on Black history and community empowerment.
Freedom Reimagined: A Juneteenth Celebration
June 19
Charlotte, North Carolina
This performance-centered event at the Knight Theater explores themes of freedom, resilience and Black identity through music, storytelling and artistic expression.
Lullabies & Life: A Poetic Juneteenth Celebration
June 19
Charlotte, North Carolina
Poetry, music and storytelling come together at this event at the Carolina Theatre exploring Black experiences, family traditions and cultural memory.
June 19
Charlotte, North Carolina
This arts-focused celebration showcases Black artists, creators and entrepreneurs through visual art, live performances, cultural programming and vendor experiences.
June 20
Belmont, North Carolina
The celebration includes live entertainment, community activities, educational opportunities and programming highlighting Black history and culture.
For the Struggles: 7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
June 20
Charlotte, North Carolina
The annual event brings together community members for cultural performances, educational opportunities and celebrations of Black excellence and resilience.
Juneteenth Celebration: An Ode to West Fest
June 21
Charlotte, North Carolina
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture hosts a celebration honoring Charlotte’s Historic West End through music, art, storytelling and community engagement while highlighting the neighborhood’s cultural legacy and impact.
