Juneteenth festivals, events and other celebrations to mark the holiday in Charlotte

Juneteenth celebrations in Charlotte are just around the corner, and you can celebrate at festivals and other cultural events with live entertainment, music, art and more.

June 19 marks Juneteenth, a holiday marking June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay in Texas, and freed Black people who had remained under Confederate control long after the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863.

The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified later that year, formally ended slavery.

The longest running African American holiday, Juneteenth is also known as Black Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day.

If you’re looking for ways to commemorate this historic day in American history, get ready to mark your calendar with our list of 14 can’t-miss Juneteenth events in the Charlotte area.

QCT Charlotte Pilgrimage Tour

Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

When: Monday to Saturday, through June 30, 10 a.m.and 1:30 p.m.

What to know: At this Juneteenth event, expect to explore over 25 miles of historic sites, including three slave cemeteries, a former slave church and a Civil Rights-era home.

Cost: Adults 13-61: $32-$42; seniors 62+: $30-$40; children and students 5-12: $23-$33. Groups of 10+: $5 off per ticket.

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Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas

Location: The House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

When: June 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; June 14, 5-9 p.m.; June 15, 12-10 p.m.; June 16, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

What to know: The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, taking place in Plaza Midwood, will celebrate Juneteenth with activities and events such as an opening ceremony, youth culture camp, drum circle, history of Juneteenth, live entertainment, gospel fest and a closing ceremony.

Cost: Free.

Queen City Juneteenth Parade & Cultural Celebration

Location: CPCC Cato 3, 8120 Grier Road, Charlotte, NC 28215

When: June 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

What to know: The 2024 Queen City Juneteenth Parade & Cultural Celebration at CPCC Cato 3 will feature floats, music, vendors and dance performances honoring African-American heritage and freedom.

Cost: Free.

Living History Saturdays at Historic Brattonsville

Location: Historic Brattonsville, 1444 Brattonsville Rd., McConnells, SC 29726

When: June 15, 11 a.m-2 p.m.

What to know: Living history interpreters will discuss African-influenced foodways while demonstrating open-hearth cooking and open-fire barbecue. Other highlights will include history on African art forms and natural dyeing techniques, as well as an activity where you can create your own booklet for collecting recipes.

Cost: $8 adults, $7 seniors and $5 youth. Free for Culture & Heritage Museum members and children under 3.

North Carolina Juneteenth Festival

Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 North Carolina 49 Gold Hall, Concord, NC 28025

When: June 15, 1-5 p.m.

What to know: Celebrate Juneteenth at the 2024 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival, themed “Educating, Empowering, Entertaining.” This family-friendly indoor event will feature over 100 Black-owned businesses offering crafts, culture, performances, art and kids games. You can also see performances by Ms. Brii Teachings Dance Company, BeYou Clubhouse/904 Vybez, and ProForce Entertainment.

Cost: Free.

Juneteenth Jam Kick-off Block Party

Location: Levine Avenue of the Arts in uptown Charlotte NC, 28285

When: June 15, 3-7 p.m.

What to know: Kick off the Juneteenth holiday celebrations with a summer block party on Levine Avenue, hosted by Corey “C’Yo” Brown, in partnership with Winston “Wilmo” Robinson and Washington Kofi. You can expect performances by Shaemovement, Kofi Creative Group, Royal Ezenwa and a storytelling fashion show with Hippie Conquest.

Cost: Free.

Juneteenth at the Ada Jenkins Center

Location: Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble Street Davidson, NC 28036

When: Saturday, June 15, 4-7 p.m.

What to know: This Juneteenth celebration will showcase performances by the Charlotte District Marching Band, Jay Ward Poetry and TCC Performing Arts. The event schedule includes a dance contest at 5:30 p.m. And make sure to get there early, as free meals will be provided for the first 400 attendees.

Cost: Free.

Juneteenth Rock Hill

Location: Fountain Park, 300 E Main St, Rock Hill, SC 29730 & 399 W Black St. Rock Hill, SC, 29730

When: June 17 at 6 p.m, June 18 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and June 19 at 11:15 a.m.

What to Know: Food Truck Friday will kick off Juneteenth in Rock Hill at Fountain Park, followed by Freedom Fest on Saturday and a Church Service on Sunday, both at Mt. Prospect Baptist Church.

Cost: Free

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Juneteenth at The Gantt

Location: The Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202

When: Wednesday, June 19, 12-6 p.m.

What to know: This year’s lineup will focus on youth artistic perspectives, modern conversations on the cross-cultural impact of Blackness and “the importance of positive exchange as a form of community care.”

Cost: Free.

Juneteenth Art Fest: A Celebration of Culture and Community

Location: Shoppes at University Place Lakefront, 8931 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte NC 28262

When: June 19, 4-8 p.m.

What to know: At the first annual Juneteenth Art Fest — sponsored by Culture Blocks, Truliant Federal Credit Union and First National Bank, in partnership with the University City Library — the event will feature African American art exhibitions, performances and activities, promoting learning and connections within the community

Cost: Free.

Juneteenth: Poetry with Passion

Location: Superstarz CLT, 935 South Summit Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208

When: Wednesday, June 19, 7-10 p.m.

What to know: Hosted by Freaky Tai and Fiona B, this poetry event will feature “Charlotte’s top orators” at Superstarz CLT, as well as a live DJ, free parking and onsite food and drinks.

Cost: $20.

Durag Fest

Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206

When: June 21-22, 11 a.m.

What to know: Just one day isn’t enough for this festival. On Day 1, you can expect panels, fireside chats and workshops; and on Day 2, dive right into Durag Fest’s music, food, fashion and art experiences.

Cost: Ticket prices range from $39.60 to $119.20, with options for day passes, weekend passes and add-ons like VIP access and after-party admission.

Sip & See at The Gallery

Location: Real African Art Gallery, 440 East McCullough Dr. Charlotte, NC 28262

When: Friday, June 28, 7-9 p.m.

What to know: Real African Art has planned an evening of viewing Shona stone sculptures from Zimbabwe and paintings, jewelry, masks and wooden carvings.

Cost: Starts at $10