Celebrate Juneteenth in Charlotte
Celebrate Black culture and honor the fight for freedom during these Juneteenth events.
by Arielle Patterson Jun 02, 2023
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 Charlotte, 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 15-18
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 Juneteenth Parade on Saturday features African dancers, a fashion show and so much more.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 15, 17, 19
Where: Belmont neighborhood
The Belmont Community Association has partnered with several local businesses and organizations to provide educational, family-friendly events to honor Juneteenth. On Thursday, watch a short documentary about General Order No. 3, followed by a discussion on its effects on newly freed slaves and on people today. Bring the whole family to Alexander Street Park to browse African artifacts and make crafts on Saturday, then dance and drum to traditional West African dance with SHAE Movement African Arts on Monday.
Juneteenth Charlotte Celebration
When: June 16-17
Where: West Charlotte
Community, arts and culture are the themes for this two-day celebration in the West Corridor. Juneteenth Charlotte Celebration is a free event with mini workshops, live music and entertainment, a drumline, art and fashion walk, children’s activities and more on the schedule.
Juneteenth Jam
When: June 17
Where: Uptown
Levine Avenue of the Arts is filled with live music during Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Juneteenth Jam. The whole family can spend the day honoring Juneteenth, for free, with joyful music. There will also be food trucks at Levine Avenue to grab a bite from.
Fresh2Death: It’s Giving Ballroom
When: June 17
Where: Uptown
Celebrate ballroom culture during Juneteenth weekend at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, in partnership with Dupp & Swat. The day kicks off with a drag brunch before a panel discussion, fashion show and kiki ball to end the night.
Juneteenth Lifestival
When: June 17
Where: West Charlotte
Bring the whole family out for this Juneteenth celebration at Fran’s Boys and Girls Center. This festival of life and community has plenty of activities for kids, including face painting, bounce houses, games, and arts and crafts.
4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 17
Where: West Charlotte
Head to Charlotte’s historic West End Corridor for a Juneteenth Celebration complete with African dancers, along with Black musicians and storytellers. This free event will also have children’s activities, health screenings, voter registration and more.
2nd Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade
When: June 17
Where: University City
Honor the deep roots of Black people and their impact throughout the world during the Queen City Juneteenth Parade. Parade participants include Black professionals who want to inspire and encourage young people to dream big and accomplish their goals.
2023 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival
When: June 17
Where: Concord
Support and shop Black-owned businesses at the North Carolina Juneteenth Festival. This free, family-friendly event will showcase more than 100 Black-owned companies and feature giveaways, crafts, a kid’s zone and performances.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Golf Classic and Gala
When: June 17
Where: Concord
The Charlotte Golfers Alliance, an organization dedicated promoting diversity in the game of golf, invites you to tee off at Rocky River Golf Club, then dance the night away at the Juneteenth Celebration Gala at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. Proceeds will be used to provide equipment to Julius L. Chambers High School.
The Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 17
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, including merchandise and food.
Inaugural Juneteenth Cookout & Father’s Day Celebration
When: June 17-18
Where: Uptown
Spend the weekend at Victoria Yards in Uptown at the Juneteenth Cookout and Father’s Day Celebration. On Saturday, enjoy free music, as well as a spades tournament and vendors, in honor of Juneteenth. Then, on Sunday, celebrate dad with an uplifting Father’s Day panel, entertainment and more.
EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival
When: June 17-19
Where: Gastonia
Experience three days of events at EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival. Saturday starts with a health and wellness fair before an AAU basketball game, youth luncheon, food truck fair and pop-up market. Bring a chair on Sunday and find a spot along the Main Street parade route then enjoy performances from local artists and groups. Monday features more live entertainment and a fireworks show at night.
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 historical artifact workshop, hands-on art activity, a discussion on the history of Juneteenth, screen printing and more.
Juneteenth’s Buy-Black Fest
When: June 19
Where: Wesley Heights
Shop Black vendors at West Complex as the BBOC strives to create pathways to economic mobility for the Black community. Grab a bite from a Black-owned food truck, keep little ones entertained at the kid’s zone and two step to music from the on-site DJ.
Durag Fest 2023
When: June 24
Where: Camp North End
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. Peruse Black-owned vendors at the Durag Market and let the little ones express their creativity at the art day camp.
