Celebrate Juneteenth in Charlotte
Celebrate Black culture and honor the fight for freedom during these Juneteenth events.
by Arielle Patterson Jun 10, 2025
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day and Black Independence Day, honors the date that the last group of enslaved African Americans were freed in Galveston, Texas in 1865 – more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation Order, which took effect on Jan. 1, 1863.
In the Charlotte region, local businesses, organizations and communities honor the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth with educational speakers, special programming, family-friendly festivals and live entertainment.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
When: June 12-15
Where: Plaza Midwood
The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas is an opportunity to come together and commemorate the historical ending of American slavery with music, entertainment and craft workshops. The Freedom March on Saturday features African dancers, a fashion show and so much more.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 14
Where: Belmont
The Belmont Juneteenth Celebration, in scenic Stowe Park, is a free event with music, art and culture. Enjoy performances all day as you shop the curated selection of culturally inspired vendors. The event concludes with a finale concert in the evening.
EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival
When: June 14, 17, 19
Where: Gastonia
Experience three days of events at EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival. Festivities kick off Saturday, June 14 with the annual parade in downtown Gastonia. Mark your calendar for a gardening and Juneteenth history lesson at Aunt Charlotte McClee Community Garden on Tuesday, June 17 and food trucks with a fireworks finale on Thursday, June 19.
Juneteenth at North County Regional Library
When: June 17
Where: Huntersville
North County Regional Library hosts several events for Juneteenth on Tuesday, June 17. Children can create crafts during the Celebrate & Elevate event while adults enjoy an evening gospel concert with Tina Ratliff.
Juneteenth Celebration: Future Freedoms: Afrofuturism & Technology
When: June 18
Where: SouthPark
SouthPark Regional Library reimagines Black freedom through the lens of Afrofuturism, technology and innovation. Discover how technology has become a tool for liberation and empowers Black communities to reclaim narratives and design visionary futures.
Juneteenth Community Workshop: What does freedom mean to you?
When: June 18
Where: University City
Engage in a stimulating conversation about Juneteenth, from its history to the evolution into a federal holiday, at University City Regional Library. The panel includes journalists from the Charlotte Observer and other guest speakers.
Matthews Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 18
Where: Matthews
The Town of Matthews’ Juneteenth Celebration includes food trucks, activities, vendors and more at Stumptown Park. Enjoy live performances from the Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist praise team, along with a headlining concert from Africa Unplugged.
Juneteenth at The Gantt
When: June 19
Where: Uptown
On Juneteenth, experience a day of community, conversation and art at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. The day’s schedule includes a kid’s art lab, guided tour, artist panel and live music.
Juneteenth Jam
When: June 19
Where: Uptown
Grammy-winning bassist John Dillard curates a night of celebration at Middle C Jazz. Enjoy an evening of music from decades of influential Black artists, performed by Dillard and accompanying vocalists.
Juneteenth Celebration Block Party
When: June 19
Where: Huntersville
The Town of Huntersville and Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation host a vibrant celebration at Veterans Park. Hear from guest speakers, order from local food trucks and enjoy family-friendly activities before a concert from Envision.
University City Juneteenth Arts Fest
When: June 19
Where: University City
Enjoy a day filled with creativity, culture and community at Shoppes at University Place. The scenic lakefront features local artists showcasing their work, plus live music performances, dancers, vendors and free painting activities for all ages with advance registration.
Rock Hill Juneteenth
When: June 20-22
Where: Rock Hill, S.C.
Commemorate Juneteenth in Rock Hill with a food truck festival at Fountain Park on Friday, June 20. The weekend continues Saturday and Sunday with Freedom Fest at Clinton College and a Sunday service at Mt. Prospect Baptist Church.
Durag Fest 2025
When: June 21
Where: NoDa
Black culture is on display at Durag Fest. Known as the "Met Gala of durags," this annual event commemorates Juneteenth with live music, an art exhibition, street fashion show and more. This year’s festival has a new location at Blackbox Theater.
Juneteenth Celebration: An Ode to West Fest
When: June 21
Where: West Charlotte
For The Struggle and The Gantt Center present this Juneteenth celebration in the Historic West End Corridor, at West Charlotte High School. Honor the legacy of West Fest with free entertainment, giveaways, a kid’s corner and special area for senior citizens.
Juneteenth at Historic Rosedale
When: June 21
Where: NoDa
Historic Rosedale honors and commemorates Juneteenth with music, dancing, children’s activities and a panel titled “How We Preserve Our History.” The historic site is also offering guided tours of the house for an additional fee.
Queen City Juneteenth Music & Food Festival
When: June 21
Where: South Charlotte
Celebrate freedom and unity at Blush CLT. The afternoon features performances from talented artists in various genres, such as neo soul, ‘90s hip-hop, reggae and Afro beats, and R&B. When you aren’t on the dance floor, enjoy food from local vendors.
