With President Biden’s signature, Juneteenth National Independence Day just became the first federal holiday to be approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Of course, Juneteenth has long been celebrated in the African-American community as our real Independence Day. Maybe you’re planning to buy Black, attend a march or parade, or simply fire up the grill with the fam. If you live in the Charlotte area, here’s a list of some of the many Juneteenth events happening around the city.
Juneteenth Jam
When: June 18-19
Where: The Square (corner of 7th St. and College St.), Victoria Yards (corner of N. Tryon St. and 7th St.), Nascar Hall of Fame (400 E MLK Jr. Blvd.)
Blumenthal Performing Arts will host its first-ever Juneteenth Jam this weekend. The free event will be held Uptown and includes interactive dance sessions, art installations and live music on Friday and Saturday. Emmy Award winning poet and Blumenthal Director of Creative Engagement Boris “Bluz” Rogers is the brain behind this celebration highlighting Black history and culture.
Durag Fest
When: June 19
Where: Victoria Yards (corner of N. Tryon St. and 7th St.), Nascar Hall of Fame (400 E MLK Jr. Blvd.), BLK MRKT (1824 Statesville Ave.)
Dubbed “The Met Gala of Durags,” Durag Fest is a famous Charlotte event meant to counter the misconceptions and biases associated with the iconic Durag. This year’s Durag Fest, which is also a part of Juneteenth Jam, will be free (however, RSVP is encouraged) and includes live music performances, food trucks, giveaways, a fashion show and more.
Juneteenth Block Party
When: June 19, 11 a.m. – 8p.m.
Where: 525 Johnson Rd.
The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Block Party will include a family-friendly party from 11 a.m.-4p.m., followed by an after party for adults from 4-8 p.m. Celebrate with a live DJ, community circle, local vendors, raffles giveaways and more.
Juneteenth Freedom and Unity March
When: June 19, 9 a.m. (March starts at 10 a.m.)
Where: Grady Cole Center – 301 N. Kings Dr.
If you’re interested in a Juneteenth march, meet at the Grady Cole Center on Saturday at 9 a.m. for the Juneteenth Freedom and Unity March. The procession in honor of Juneteenth will end at House of Africa (at the corner of Central & Thomas Ave.) where the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas will be held.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
When: June 17-20
Where: House of Africa – 1215 Thomas Ave.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas is a free, multicultural celebration happening now to June 20 at House of Africa in Plaza Midwood. This free event includes a variety of activities for the entire family through Sunday.
Juneteenth at Gantt
When: June 19, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture – 551 S Tryon St.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture will hold two free cultural activities in celebration of Juneteenth. The Juneteenth Drum Circle with Drums 4 Life takes place Saturday from 11-11:45 a.m. and the Juneteenth African Dance Experience will be from 1-2:30 p.m. These interactive activities are free and open to all.
Gantt also partnered with nine other African-American history and culture museums to present a virtual Juneteenth celebration on June 19. Read more here.
Queen City Juneteenth Festival
When: June 19, 12-6 p.m.
Where: Fran’s Boys & Girls Center – 2600 W. Trade St.
This year’s Queen City Juneteenth Festival theme is “Educating, Empowering, Entertaining” and features kids’ activities, vendors, giveaways and more. The event is free.
Juneteenth Wine Me Down
When: June 19, 8:30 a.m. – 9:40 p.m.
Where: Departing from 224 East 7th St. and 8120 University City Blvd.
Celebrate Juneteenth with a winery tour supporting North Carolina Black-owned vineyards. There are three ticket options to sip and enjoy live music, food trucks and vendors.
Quentin Talley at The Evening Muse
When: June 19, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: The Evening Muse – 3227 N. Davidson St.
If you’re looking for an evening experience to support Black artists, get tickets ASAP to see Quentin Talley and the Soul Providers at The Evening Muse. Quentin Talley is an accomplished poet, actor, director and producer and will perform alongside a group of talented musicians. Tickets range from $12-$15.
Soulflo Juneteenth Edition
When: June 19, 7 p.m.
Where: The Village Green – 119 S. Main St. in Davidson
SoulFlo is sponsored by Culture Blocks, a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County. This free event will feature music, storytelling and spoken word in celebration of Juneteenth. Musical guests Emaejai, DayVon and Sajoya Jasper, and 1WAYNORTH will be part of the event, along with The S.O.U.L.F.L.O. Band.
