Celebrate Juneteenth in Charlotte
Celebrate Black culture and honor the fight for freedom during these Juneteenth events.
by Arielle Patterson Jun 04, 2026
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 Genealogy: Navigating the Save Schedules
When: June 3, 4, 12, 15, 16
Where: Multiple Locations
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries are honoring Juneteenth with the Juneteenth Genealogy series. These events at University City Regional, Mountain Island, Plaza Midwood, Mint Hill and Hickory Grove libraries trace the lineage of enslaved ancestors.
EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival
When: June 13-19
Where: Gastonia
EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival is Gaston County’s largest Juneteenth celebration. This multi-day event includes a parade through downtown Main Street, a Black-owned vendor market, live performances and cultural exhibits and a fireworks finale on Friday, June 19.
Steps of Freedom Walk
When: Sunday, June 14
Where: West Charlotte
Before Juneteenth, take an organized free walk around Charlotte’s historic West End neighborhood with Hiking Involvement Motivation. This casual stroll traverses along the campus of Johnson C. Smith University and onto the nearby greenway.
Juneteenth Silent Disco
When: Wednesday, June 17
Where: Huntersville
North County Regional Library is hosting a silent disco, “One Nation Under a Groove.” Choose which music you want to move to and dance as you reflect on the history of Juneteenth and the spirit of freedom.
Juneteenth Storytime
When: Thursday, June 18
Where: West Charlotte
West Boulevard library is offering a special Juneteenth story time. This family-friendly event also features music and bingo.
Juneteenth Celebration Block Party
When: Thursday, June 18
Where: Huntersville
Huntersville Parks and Recreation hosts a vibrant celebration at Veterans Park. Enjoy food trucks, family-friendly activities, and performances from Drums 4 Life, Sanpriest Patton, Groove8 and Jay D. Jones.
Juneteenth Joy: Rooted in Joy
When: Thursday, June 18
Where: Cornelius
Meela with the Soulfully Me Collective teaches a beginner-friendly movement experience designed for grounding, connection and reflection at Cornelius library. This session invites you to slow down and honor your body as well as the legacy of those who came before you.
Matthews Juneteenth Celebration
When: Thursday, June 18
Where: Matthews
The Town of Matthews’ Juneteenth Celebration includes a documentary screening with panel discussion along with a performance by Charlotte African Drum & Dance at Matthews Community Center.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
When: June 18-21
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. Don’t miss events like the Freedom March on Friday, June 19 as well as the opening ceremony with live entertainment on Saturday.
Juneteenth at The Gantt
When: Friday, 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 food truck, vendor pop-up and marketplace, kids arts and crafts, a film screening, panel discussion and more.
University City Juneteenth Arts Fest
When: Friday, 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.
Lullabies & Life: A Poetic Juneteenth Celebration
When: Friday, June 19
Where: Uptown
Enjoy an evening of storytelling, poetry and music at Carolina Theatre. Six award-winning Charlotte poets join Charlotte String Collective to tell stories of love, life and resilience.
All My Friends Are Fly: Juneteenth Celebration
When: Friday, June 19
Where: South End
Dance the night away as DJs spin soul-stirring rhythms at The Music Yard. This community event also features a drum circle, live painting, a vendor market and more to pay tribute to Black freedom and creativity.
Freedom Reimagined: A Juneteenth Celebration
When: Friday, June 19
Where: Uptown
This annual fundraiser for Freedom Fighting Missionaries honors the work of educators and social workers who are dedicated to justice in housing in education. Watch a screening of a CRUX Films documentary that highlights the organization’s mission.
Rock Hill Juneteenth
When: June 19-21
Where: Rock Hill, S.C.
Commemorate Juneteenth in Rock Hill with a food truck festival at Fountain Park on Friday, June 19. The weekend continues with Freedom Fest on Saturday and Sunday Service at Mt. Prospect Baptist Church.
For the Struggle's 7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
When: Saturday, June 20
Where: West Charlotte
For The Struggle presents this Juneteenth celebration in the historic West End corridor, at West Charlotte High School. Honor the history of Black Americans with free entertainment, giveaways, a kid’s corner and special area for senior citizens.
Juneteenth at Historic Rosedale
When: Saturday, June 20
Where: NoDa
Historic Rosedale honors and commemorates Juneteenth with speakers and performances from Drums 4 Life, Moving Spirits and poet laureate Jay Ward. The historic site is also offering guided tours of the house for an additional fee.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
When: Saturday, June 20
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.
