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.
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The City of Raleigh has released a list of community events planned to celebrate Juneteenth.
Capital City Juneteenth Celebration at Dix Park
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
Juneteenth: A Chavis Celebration
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 and John P. Top Greene African American Cultural Center
Moore Square will host a collaborative event with Marbles and the Top Greene Center.
More details TBA.
Location: Moore Square
2026 City of Raleigh Juneteenth Programs
The Road from Emancipation to Freedom, Part II
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 19
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Capital City Lawyer’s Association Juneteenth Talk
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
Spring Black Neighborhood Walking Tour
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
Storytelling Hour
Date and time: TBD
Location: Pope House Museum
Black History Trolley Tour
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