Celebrate Juneteenth in Charlotte
Celebrate Black culture and honor the fight for freedom during these Juneteenth events.
by Arielle Patterson Jun 10, 2024
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.
NXT | CLT Juneteenth Exhibit Celebration
When: June 11
Where: University City
Head to the Portal Building Atrium, on the campus of UNC Charlotte, to view the Homage exhibit for free as a part of the Juneteenth celebration. This traveling exhibit boasts a thoughtfully curated collection of artifacts, from the era of enslavement to triumphant milestones in history.
Juneteenth Observation Program
When: June 12
Where: Myers Park
Queens University of Charlotte’s third annual Juneteenth Celebration includes delicious food, entertainment and education at the Levine Center for Wellness and Recreation.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
When: June 13-16
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.
Juneteenth Jam
When: June 15
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, food vendors and a block party with DJs.
Liberation & Inspiration: A Celebratory Juneteenth Concert
When: June 15
Where: Uptown
The Gantt Center presents this Juneteenth concert at Knight Theater, hosted by Grammy Award-winning artist and songwriter Kirk Franklin. Hear an array of jubilant performances by Charlotte artists during this musical journey, from a historic tragedy to the triumphant eras of freedom, excellence and joy.
2024 Queen City Juneteenth Parade & Cultural Celebration
When: June 15
Where: University City
Watch as vibrant floats go by during this Juneteenth parade at Central Piedmont Community College’s Cato Campus. The celebration continues with music, vendors and dance performances that honor African American heritage.
2024 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival
When: June 15
Where: Concord
Support and shop Black-owned businesses at the North Carolina Juneteenth Festival at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. This free, family-friendly event showcases more than 100 Black-owned companies and features giveaways, crafts, a kid’s zone and performances.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 15
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 15, 19
Where: Gastonia
Experience two days of events at EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival. Saturday, June 15 starts with a health and wellness fair before the annual parade on Main Street and festival at Rotary Pavilion. Wednesday, June 19 features more live entertainment and a fireworks show at night.
Summer Pops: A Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 16
Where: SouthPark
In partnership with the Black Notes Project, the Charlotte Symphony performs a Juneteenth concert at Symphony Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and unwind to works by Scott Joplin, Louis Armstrong and more.
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 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 live performance from Leone and the Ascension, art workshop, wellness experience, interactive historical and cultural analysis and more.
University City Juneteenth Art 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.
Matthews Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 19
Where: Matthews
The Town of Matthews’ Juneteenth Celebration includes food trucks, activities, vendors and more at Stumptown Park. Enjoy live performances from the Charlotte African Drum & Dance Collective, along with a headlining concert from Africa Unplugged.
Juneteenth: A Unity Celebration
When: June 20
Where: Uptown
Celebrate Juneteenth with several of Charlotte’s Black professional organizations at The Brooklyn Collective. As you mingle and network, enjoy food, drinks and live jazz. A tour of the museum is also included in your ticket price.
Durag Fest 2024
When: June 21-22
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. On Saturday, June 22, peruse Black-owned vendors at the Durag Market.
Rock Hill Juneteenth
When: June 21-22
Where: Rock Hill, S.C.
Head to Fountain Park in Rock Hill for the city’s Juneteenth celebration. Festival attendees can browse arts and crafts vendors, get food from local vendors and enjoy live performances.
Juneteenth at Historic Rosedale
When: June 22
Where: NoDa
Historic Rosedale honors and commemorates Juneteenth with an authentic view of how enslaved people lived on the grounds. The day’s schedule includes songs, a prayer, interactive demonstrations and more.
Juneteenth in North Carolina Talk
When: June 22
Where: Pineville
Learn about the history of Juneteenth and emancipation in North Carolina from the director of the North Carolina African Heritage Commission, Adrienne Nirdé, during this historical discussion at the President James K. Polk Historic Site.
