City of Raleigh plans Juneteenth community events

Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States. The first Juneteenth was June 19, 1865, when in the aftermath of the Civil War, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control and ensure the freedom of all enslaved men, women and children.

Considered the longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth was finally recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021 – a full 156 years after it was first celebrated. Most federal offices are closed, along with most banks, and mail won't be delivered on Juneteenth.

The City of Raleigh has released a list of community events planned to celebrate Juneteenth. 

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, family activities, vendors and food at this annual community celebration in Dix Park.  

Date: Saturday, June 20  Time: 2:00 – 6:30 p.m.  Location: Dix Park – Harvey Hill  Ages: All  Cost: Free  

Join us at John Chavis Memorial Park for a historic Juneteenth celebration! Come together with family, friends, and neighbors for a full day and evening of culture, entertainment, and fun as we honor history and celebrate freedom, resilience, and community.  

Date: Friday, June 19  Time: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Location: John Chavis Memorial Park  Ages: All  Cost: Free  

•  Day Party | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Splash into excitement with waterslides and water games, get creative with art on canvas and hands-on crafts, and enjoy a live DJ spinning feel-good tunes. Guests can explore vendor booths, participate in interactive activities, take advantage of health and wellness screenings, cool off at the splash pad, and enjoy food trucks including Jones Lemonade, TrySeafood Grill, and Dirty Dawgz.  

• Night Party | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Keep the fun going with live music from the Soultriii Band and performances by local artists. Enjoy DJ-curated music, interactive entertainment provided by Skyler Light Entertainment, face painting, inflatables, and vendor booths, along with food trucks including Tropical Delights, Levy’s Jerk Stand, and Beef Street and a Pig.  

Moore Square will host a collaborative event with Marbles and the Top Greene Center. More details TBA.    Location: Moore Square  

Born in the last capital of the Southern Confederacy (Danville, VA), Special Deputy Attorney General Torrey Dixon, who began his career as a civil rights attorney, will deliver the second of a two-part series on the legal and historical significance of Juneteenth. Presented in partnership with the Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum and the Capital City Lawyers Association.  

Date: June 19Time: 2 p.m.  Location: City of Raleigh Museum  

Celebrate Juneteenth! We will give a talk related to this holiday. This talk is presented with the Capital City Lawyers Association.  

Date: Friday,  June 19  Location: City of Raleigh Museum  

Put some spring in your step as you explore Raleigh's historic and influential Black neighborhood, the Third Ward. Just around Shaw University, it’s a wonderful place full of culture, business, and learning. Be sure to register to join in the fun!     

Date: March 21 to June 21  Time: Saturdays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m.   Location: Pope House Museum  

Date and time:  TBD  Location: Pope House Museum  

Celebrate Juneteenth with this special tour highlighting Raleigh’s Black heritage. Explore the city aboard the Historic Raleigh Trolley to learn more about the historic homes, schools, churches, and businesses important to the capital’s Black history. $10/person.  

Date: June 20  Time:  11am - 3 pm  Location: Mordecai Historic Park