As Juneteenth approaches, the Triangle area is once again preparing to honor the holiday with powerful tributes, rich storytelling and vibrant celebrations. From historical tours to cookout classics and gospel music, there’s something for everyone to commemorate the 160th anniversary since emancipation. The Chronicle has compiled a guide to some of the major Juneteenth events happening this week.
20th Annual North Carolina Juneteenth Festival
The North Carolina Juneteenth Festival is one of the largest and most anticipated celebrations in the state. Hosted by Spectacular Magazine, the festival at North Carolina Central University’s Latham Surface Lot features live performances, a health fair, kids’ zone, cultural exhibits, fashion shows, food, merchandise and more. To top it off, all talent, vendors, and businesses are 100% North Carolina-based. This year’s festival will be on Saturday, June 21 from 1 to 8 p.m., and admission is free and open to the public.
Durmnik with Chef Ricky Moore and Friends
Celebrate Juneteenth with a taste of Durham’s culinary excellence. Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint is teaming up with a group of local chefs for “Durmnik,” a curated cookout-style takeout box filled with comfort food from favorite Triangle-area spots like Chez Moi, The Root Cellar Cafe, QueDogs, Cheeni, Namu and others. Pre-order your box and pick it up on Juneteenth morning anytime from 10 a.m. to noon at the Saltbox Seafood Joint.
Emancipation Tours at Historic Stagville
Learn about the deep history of Juneteenth with a free guided tour at Historic Stagville, one of North Carolina’s largest pre-Civil War plantations. These 90-minute tours highlight the lives of enslaved people who were emancipated in 1865 and tell the stories of how they celebrated freedom, resisted oppression and rebuilt their lives. Tours are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Juneteenth, and no registration is required.
Let My People Sing: Juneteenth Gospel Concert
Gospel music lovers won’t want to miss “Let My People Sing,” the first-ever Juneteenth Gospel Concert at the Hayti Heritage Center. Featuring performances from gospel artists across North Carolina, the event will also include the presentation of the inaugural “Keeper of the Gospel” Awards, recognizing individuals who have preserved the legacy of Black gospel music. The concert is part of Hayti’s 50th anniversary celebration and will occur Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m.
Freedom & Legacy Juneteenth Festival
Presented by The Coco Drip and Black Farmers Market, this community-centered event on June 21 features music, shopping, and celebration in the Lakewood Shopping Plaza parking lot. From noon to 3 p.m., come explore the work of Black makers, support Durham’s creative economy and reflect on the holiday’s themes of freedom, resilience and legacy.
North Durham Farmers' Market
Support Black-owned businesses at this special edition of the North Durham Farmers' Market on June 21 from noon to 4 p.m. Held in Durham Central Park, the market offers sustainably grown produce, handmade goods and food from local Black entrepreneurs.
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Ananya Pinnamaneni is a Trinity sophomore and a university news editor of The Chronicle's 121st volume.