On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, outlawing slavery in the states that had rebelled against the United States as the Civil War raged on.
While the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery, it was a critical step in ending America’s original sin.
Two and a half years after the signing, the news of Lincoln’s proclamation reached Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. The words of the late president were read aloud, and around 250,000 enslaved people were freed in Texas. This promise of freedom is referred to by many as the nation’s second Independence Day.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth federal holiday into law.
We’ve put together a list of events, parades, and volunteer opportunities throughout North Carolina this holiday weekend to celebrate the promise of Juneteenth and to honor Black history in the state.
🗓 Friday, June 19
Freedmen’s Schoolhouse Dedication (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Location: Freedmen’s Schoolhouse – 308 N. Fourth Street, Smithfield
This Juneteenth, Smithfield will celebrate the opening of the only known Freedman’s school remaining in North Carolina.
Celebrate the Legacy and Joy of Juneteenth at the Gantt (12-4 p.m.)
Host: Advance Carolina
Location: Gantt Center – 551 N Tryon St, Charlotte
Commemorate Juneteenth in Charlotte with Advance Carolina! This event is a celebration of Black history through music, art, and culture.
The Road from Emancipation to Freedom (2-3:30 p.m.)
Host: City of Raleigh Museum, Capital City Lawyers Association
Location: City of Raleigh Museum – 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
Special Deputy Attorney General of North Carolina, Torrey Dixon will deliver the history of Juneteenth through spoken word.
Volunteer at Juneteenth: Wagram, NC (3-9 p.m.)
Host: Scotland County Democrats
Location: Wagram Recreation Center – 24441 Marlboro St, Wagram
If you’re in Scotland County or the surrounding area, a celebration of Juneteenth is taking place Friday evening, and features activities for all ages. You can volunteer with the Scotland County Democrats and meet with members of the community.
2026 Juneteenth Jubilee feat. Misha Fair and headliner KIRBY (5-11 p.m.)
Host: Cool Spring Downtown District, Downtown Fayetteville and City of Fayetteville
Location: Fayetteville Festival Park – 345 Ray Ave, Fayetteville
Celebrate Juneteenth in Fayetteville. This annual event features music, arts, culture, and an opportunity to learn more about the history of Juneteenth.
Emancipation Proclamation Reenactment at St. Philips Moravian Church (6-8:30 p.m.)
Location: St. Philips Moravian Church – 911 South Church Street, Winston-Salem
This reenactment of the Emancipation Proclamation will take attendees on a journey to 1865 when 800 people in Galveston, Texas, many enslaved, learned about their freedom.
6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Burlington (6-8 p.m.)
Host: Burlington Recreation & Parks
Location: 817 Sharpe Rd, Burlington
Celebrate Juneteenth in Burlington at North Park Ballfield. This event features art and food vendors, and a youth art contest where the winner receives $100.
🗓 Saturday, June 20
Burke NAACP presents 2026 Juneteenth Celebration (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Host: Burke County NAACP
Location: CoMMA Performing Arts Center – 401 S. College St, Morganton
Celebrate Juneteenth in Morganton with an event focused on great music, art, food, and activities for everyone.
Asheboro / Randolph County NAACP Presents Juneteenth Street Festival (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Host: Asheboro/Randolph County NAACP
Location: Historic Randolph County Courthouse – 145 Worth Street, Asheboro
Celebrate Juneteenth with food, music, and activities for the whole family.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas – Freedom March and Festival (Begins at 11:00 a.m.)
Location: March begins at Skyla Credit Union – 718 Central Ave, Charlotte and ends at House of Africa – 1215 Thomas Ave, Charlotte. The Festival will take place at House of Africa.
For nearly 30 years, this commemoration of Juneteenth honors Black history and celebrates freedom through community, live music, food, and more.
Juneteenth Statesville 2026 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Location: 200 W. Broad St, Statesville
As they have since 1995, Statesville will hold their annual Juneteenth celebration this Saturday, June 20th.
Volunteer at 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival (2-5 p.m., 3-6 p.m., 6-8 p.m.)
Host: McDowell County Democratic Party
Location: West Marion Community Park – 201 Ridley St, Marion
At this annual celebration of Juneteenth you can volunteer with the McDowell County Democratic Party.
9th Annual Juneteenth Festival (2-6 p.m.)
Host: Community Organizing for Racial Equity
Location: Chatham County Fairgrounds – 191 Fairgrounds Road, Pittsboro
For the ninth year, Juneteenth will be celebrated in Chatham County. Come out to the Chatham County Fairgrounds to celebrate Black history and freedom.
Juneteenth Celebration in Graham (2-5 p.m.)
Host: City of Graham
Location: Graham Recreation Center – 311 College Street, Graham
Join members of the community in celebration of Juneteenth through activities and games at the Graham Recreation Center.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration (2-9 p.m.)
Host: Elements of Empowerment
Location: Stowe Park – 24 S Main Street, Belmont
For the 14th year, Belmont will hold its annual Juneteenth celebration. Attendees will enjoy the celebration of African-American culture and history through music, art, an evening jazz and R&B concert, and more.
21st Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration – Durham (3-9 p.m.)
Host: Spectacular Magazine, Triangle Cultural Awareness Foundation
Location: CCB Plaza – 201 Corcoran St, Durham
On Saturday afternoon, Durham is celebrating Juneteenth with music, crafts, and events for the whole family.
Have an event to add? Email Organizing Coordinator Dylan Rhoney at rodney@couriernewsroom.com with details (please send details at least one week in advance).
