Juneteenth Celebrations in The Triangle Not to Miss

On June 19th, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans were set free in the United States – a day that has been marked as a federal holiday since 2021. 

Since the beginning, Juneteenth (June 19th) has not only been a day of national significance, but a day widely celebrated here in the City of Oaks, as Raleigh’s ethos is all about embracing each other’s diversities, differences, and contributions. “All are welcome, Y’all” has been a motto shared long before this national holiday was declared.

But on this special day, we’re celebrating Black heritage and racial equality all across the Triangle. This is a time for education, remembrance, community celebration, and community dialogue about freedom and justice, and no matter your race, it’s important we all get involved.

So, here are some of the most highly anticipated Juneteenth events in The Triangle. Note that some of them take place the weekend before or after June 19th, since it falls on a Friday this year.

Juneteenth in The Triangle, 2026

Juneteenth at Dorothea Dix Park (Capital City Juneteenth Celebration)

• Where: Harvey Hill, adjacent to Gipson Play Plaza
• When: June 20, 2026, 2:00pm – 6:30pm
• Website

Although last year’s event was cancelled due to weather conditions, Juneteenth is set to return to Dorothea Dix Park for the sixth year. 

This community event is an afternoon-filled event featuring music, inspirational talks, storytellers, dance performances, and much more. There will be food trucks, kids’ activities, and market stall vendors. It’s a chance for reflection as well as to engage in festivity, and is put together by the Capital City Juneteenth Committee, City of Raleigh, and Dix Park Conservancy. 

Juneteenth Jubilee at Chavis Park

• Where: John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Raleigh
• When: June 19, 2026; 10am – 9pm
• Website

Another annual event celebrating Juneteenth in Raleigh is at John Chavis Memorial Park, named after Black educator, minister, and American Revolutionary War veteran, John Chavis. The free event will feature live music and entertainment, dancing, food, and more. In previous years, there have been bounce houses, carousel rides, and vendors. 

Juneteenth Celebration 2026

• Where: Moore Square & Marbles Kids Museum
• Time: June 19, 2026, 12 – 5pm
• Cost: Free & Museum entrance fee
• Website

Join Marbles Kids Museum and Moore Square at the park and on the Playway at Marbles for Juneteenth, a joyous celebration in freedom. Participate in outdoor, all day play with local artists, storytimes, vendor market curated by Taste of Black, food trucks, games, music and more!

Juneteenth at Shaw University

• Where: Shaw University
• When: TBC

Held across the road from John Chavis Memorial Park on the historic campus of Shaw University, known as the oldest historically black college and university in the South, the 3rd annual Juneteenth program at the University features inspiring speakers, performances, and a reading of the Freedom Documents, finishing with the ceremonial raising of the Juneteenth flag. 

21st Annual North Carolina’s Juneteenth Celebration in Durham

• Where: North Carolina Central University, Latham Parking Lot
• When: TBC

Another highly-anticipated annual event for Juneteenth is the North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration in Durham, which features a full day of festivities, including live music, local performers, food and vendors, and a kids’ zone. In previous years, there has also been a fashion show and drum and dance processions.

Juneteenth Flag Raising, Durham

• Where: Durham County Courthouse, 510 S. Dillard St.
• When: TBC

At the beginning of June, the Durham County Courthouse commemorates Juneteenth with an annual Raising of the Flag ceremony, which also includes readings from the three Freedom Documents, speakers from community leaders, and more.

Cary Juneteenth Celebration

• Where: Downtown Cary Park
• When: Saturday 20th June

Cary’s annual Juneteenth celebration commemorates African American freedom through a day of soulful events, featuring live reenactments, spoken word, and music. Although exact details are yet to be announced, previous years have seen a day full of joy and unity.

Freedom in the Park, Rolesville

• Where: Mill Bridge Nature Park
• When: Saturday 20th June 20, 2pm-6pm

Back for another year, the Juneteenth celebration at Mill Bridge Nature Park will showcase an afternoon of live performances, education, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and stalls from local businesses! 

Garner Juneteenth

• Where: Garner Performing Arts Center
• When: Saturday 20th June

There will be a free Juneteenth event held at Garner Performing Arts Center this year. Although exact details are yet to come, previous years have seen performances from local choirs, dance groups, and spoken word segments.

Juneteenth in the Peak, Apex

• Where: 72 Hunter St, Apex
• When: Saturday 20th June
• Website

Back for the sixth year, the free Juneteenth in the Peak celebration in downtown Apex features a Juneteenth history exhibit, children’s activities, local food vendors, professional and youth performances, and vendors from local businesses and community-based organizations.

Juneteenth at SER YMCA

• Where: Southeast Raleigh YMCA
• When: Saturday 20th June

Southeast Raleigh YMCA is planning another event this year to celebrate Juneteenth, which will be a celebration of culture, community, and Black Pride. Details are yet to be announced, but previous years have seen a live DJ set, local food vendors, and some self-care activities and goodies up for grabs.

Knightdale African American Festival

• Where: Knightdale Station Park
• When: June 13, 2024; 4pm – 9pm
• Website

Over in Knightsdale, the annual African American Festival takes place around Juneteenth and is a family-friendly event featuring live music, craft makers, food trucks, and more. 

Wake Forest Juneteenth Celebration

• Where: 518 N. Franklin St.
• When: Saturday 20th June

In Wake Forest, a full day of events will be held to celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, 20th June. Full details have yet to be announced, but previous years have featured a community gathering with giveaways and arts and crafts, a walking parade followed by a Freedom Historical Walk, and a festival with live music, local dance groups, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.

Zebulon Juneteenth Celebration

• Where: Zebulon Community Center and Zebulon Devil Dogz Stadium
• When: June 18 – 20, 2026;
• Website

Each year in the town of Zebulon, there are two free events to celebrate Juneteenth, at the Zebulon Community Center and Zebulon Community Park. The events will feature local performers, live music, kids’ activities, bounce houses, food trucks, and educational experiences. This year will feature an event at the baseball stadium. Details still to come.

Black History Trolley Ride, June 20, 2026

• Where: Mordecai Historic Park
• Time: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
• Cost; $12
• Website

Jump on the Historic Raleigh Trolley to learn more about the historic homes, schools, churches, and businesses that are important to Raleigh’s Black history. This is a wonderful way to celebrate and support Juneteenth

Juneteenth Celebrations outside The Triangle

Although outside the Triangle, these celebrations are only around 1 – 1.5 hours’ drive from Raleigh, and would be well worth the trip.

Juneteenth Freedom Concert At Seven Springs Farm And Vineyard, Norlina

• Where: Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard, 332 Axtell Ridgeway Road, Norlina
• When: Friday 19th June, 12:00pm – 7:00pm 
• Tickets

Around an hour’s drive out of Raleigh in the town of Norlina, Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard will be celebrating Juneteenth with a festival full of curated wines from its vineyard (and non-alcoholic juices and ciders), plus delicious food from local food trucks, a vendors market with unique handcrafted goods, live music, dance performances, and many cultural activities. This is a fun event for all ages, so bring the whole family.

Freedom on the Coast: A Juneteenth Galveston Dinner “Farm-to-Table”, Fayetteville

• Where: Anchor Allie’s, Fayetteville
• When: Saturday 20th June, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
• Tickets

Celebrate Juneteenth with some farm-to-table dining at Anchor Allie’s, which will be putting on a curated set menu just for the occasion.

The menu pays tribute to Galveston, where Juneteenth began, with dishes rooted in flavors from the Gulf Coast with some Louisiana-style influences.

The night kicks off with a cocktail hour from 6:00pm – 7:00pm with hors d’oeuvres, followed by a four-course dinner, featuring Cajun Charred Oysters, Gumbo, Seared Snapper, and Pecan Praline Bread Pudding, paired with signature cocktails of Rumbo or Galveston Daiquiri or a glass of Black-owned wine. Tickets cost $85 per person.

50 Shades of Melanin | A Black Art Gala, Fayetteville

• Where: Volta Space, Fayetteville, NC
• When: Friday 19th June, 7:00pm – 11:00pm
• Tickets

Another event in Fayetteville worth the trip for is 50 Shades of Melanin, which will be putting on its first-ever event in 2026. This is a Black Gala event, celebrating Black Excellence and artistic expression. There will be an art exhibition, live music, and lots of community vibes.

Juneteenth SOULebration, Colfax

• Where: Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax
• When: Friday 19th June, 11:00am – 6:00pm
• Tickets

In Colfax, there will be a free outdoor event all day in celebration of Black culture and Christ Jesus! This family-friendly event has been operating every year since 2019, and brings together the community, love, and religion, but 2026 will be the final year at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market. The day will feature live Gospel music, kid-friendly activities such as bounce houses, games, and more in the Kids Zone, as well as local business vendors and local food trucks. There will also be a live DJ, a cash cube, and a raffle.

Black owned businesses to support in Raleigh and Black History month events to support