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7 Places to Celebrate Juneteenth

By Akilah Driver, Contributing Writer June 18, 2021

Juneteenth (which is short for “June Nineteenth”) is the day when federal troops finally arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops’ arrival came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

This is a holiday that can be celebrated by ALL Americans, because it was a monumental step towards equality in our nation. 

Here are a few places you and your family can celebrate this holiday!


Celebrations/Festivals/Markets

Capital City Juneteenth Celebration 2021 at Dix Park

Sat June 19th 1:00p-5:00p

Enjoy an afternoon of performances at Dix Park to celebrate Juneteenth! The theme for this year is “preserving the past, moving it forward” 

Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. It will also be livestreamed at juneteenthraleigh.org

Raleigh Juneteenth Festival

Sat June 29th 2:00-8:00pm

2235 Garner Rd Raleigh NC 27610

Celebrate freedom & have some fun at the Raleigh Juneteenth Festival, Bringing the community together for fun, education & fellowship! Activities, Food and more for the whole family!

Juneteenth Festival at The Depot, Downtown Apex

Sat June 19th 11:00a-3:00p

220 N Salem St, Apex NC 27502

Food trucks, music, games, Live performances, a raffle and more! Bring your family and friends as we celebrate a monumental event in history that brought forth change and fuels the efforts to bring unity and equality to America!

Juneteenth Community Event at Southeast Raleigh YMCA

Sat June 19th 10:00a-4:00p

1436 Rock Quarry Rd Raleigh NC

Hosted by the Triangle Entrepreneurial Leadership at the southeast Raleigh YMCA. Activities include: Black business expo, entertainment, family games and activities and food trucks! 


Performing Arts

Juneteenth Jubilee at the Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens

Sat June 19th 10:00a-5:00p

Talent show, Essay/Speech Competition as well as a kids zone, face painting and bounce house! Fun for the whole family!


Juneteenth: Celebrate Freedom at Sertoma Amphitheatre at Bond Park (Cary)

Sat June 19th 1:00-2:30


A Juneteenth celebration of freedom and remembrance filled with performers, storytellers, and presenters!


There you have it, 7 locations to celebrate Juneteenth! Enjoy! 




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