Celebrate Juneteenth with these events across the Triangle this June
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Many Triangle cities will host free Juneteenth events with music, food and education.
- Raleigh, Durham and Cary lead with large-scale community and cultural programs.
- Events highlight local history, Black-owned vendors and family-friendly activities.
This story has been updated to reflect the Capital City Juneteenth Celebration’s cancellation.
Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, will be marked with music, food, history and family-friendly activities across the Triangle this June.
Here are some of the events planned in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond. Check the websites before heading out in case plans or hours change due to weather.
Did we miss any? Email ask@newsobserver.com to let us know.
Juneteenth events in Raleigh
Juneteenth at Marbles and Moore Square
- Info: Families can enjoy free outdoor activities including performances, story times and local Black-owned food trucks and vendors at Moore Square.
- When: Thursday, June 19, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Where: Marbles Kids Museum and Moore Square, 201 East Hargett St.
- Cost: Outdoor activities are free, while museum admission is required for indoor access
- Website: marbleskidsmuseum.org/whats-rolling
Voices of Freedom Walking Tour
- Info: The North Carolina African American Heritage Commission and the N.C. State Capitol will host free guided walking tours to connect the Capitol’s history to stories of African Americans across North Carolina’s history.
- When: Saturday, June 14, tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Where: NC State Capitol & NC Freedom Park, 1 East Edenton Street, Raleigh
- Cost: Free
- Website: aahc.nc.gov/news/events/juneteenth-walking-tours
Songs of Liberation at Freedom Park
- Info: An event featuring a special performance led by Raleigh native and gospel singer Mary D. Williams and information tables from NC Freedom Park, the N.C. African American Heritage Commission, the State Library and the State Archives.
- When: Saturday, June 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: NC Freedom Park, 218 N. Wilmington Street,
- Cost: Free
- Website: aahc.nc.gov/news/events/songs-liberation-nc-freedom-park
The Capital City Juneteenth Celebration, originally scheduled for June 14 at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park, has been canceled due to inclement weather.
Juneteenth events in Durham
20th Annual North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration
- Info: The event kicks off with a ceremonial processional and presentations on the history and significance of Juneteenth, followed by live performances, a fashion show and a variety of cultural vendors. Families can enjoy a Children’s Village, health fair and informational booths on local services and resources.
- When: Saturday, June 21, 1 p.m.
- Where: Latham Parking Lot at North Carolina Central University, 777 East Lawson Street
- Cost: Free
Website: spectacularmag.com/juneteenth
Party in the Park: Juneteenth Celebration at RTP
- Info: Families can enjoy live music, Double Dutch, a splashpad, art vendors, food trucks and performances by local artists. including poet Dasan Ahanu and singer Arvetra D. Jones.
- When: Thursday, June 19, 12-3 p.m. (rain date June 20)
- Where: The Hub RTP, 3150 Elion Drive
- Cost: Free
Website: hub.rtp.org/event/party-in-the-park-juneteenth-edition
West End/Lyon Park Juneteenth Celebration
- Info: This event will have community storytelling, art from Soul Sanctuary and a flag-raising ceremony to honor the Buffalo Soldiers.
- When: Thursday, June 19, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Where: Carroll Street Park, 815 Carroll St.
- Cost: Free
- Website: community.duke.edu/event
Apex Juneteenth
- Info: This year’s event features live music, local vendors, food trucks, “Chalk the Walk,” face painting, Juneteenth storytelling and more.
- When: Saturday, June 21 12- 7 p.m.
- Where: Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter St.
- Cost: Free
Website: apexjuneteenth.com
Chapel Hill & Carrboro Juneteenth
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth Celebration
- Info: An evening of live music, dance and family-friendly entertainment featuring performances by Story Charlemagne and Hugh Swaso & The Vandals, along with puppetry, Double Dutch and a line dance party.
- When: Thursday, June 19, 4–8 p.m.
- Where: Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St. in Carrboro
- Cost: Free
Website: chapelhillarts.org/calendar/juneteenth-celebration
Cary Juneteenth
Songs of Freedom Juneteenth Celebration
- Info: Celebrate Juneteenth at the Park with Historian Darrell Stover and a lineup of live performances, including reenactments, spoken word, choir and a saxophone summit. The event will be on the Great Lawn Pavilion, featuring music, dance, poetry and food trucks.
- When: Saturday, June 21, 3:30–9 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St.
- Cost: Free
Website: carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events
Morrisville Juneteenth
Music in the Park – Juneteenth Edition
- What: Celebrate with live music by Niito starting at 6 p.m. Enjoy a variety of local vendors and food trucks, including Same O Dame O’s, Tropical Delights and Virgil’s Jamaica. Juneteenth vendors include Bracelets by Booget, Gleaming Bundle, Millie’s Daughter and Wakaboomee Robotics.
- When: Friday, June 20, 6–8:30 p.m.
- Where: Indian Creek Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Dr.
- Cost: Free
Website: morrisvillenc.gov
Garner Juneteenth
- What: The event features musical performances, dance by TheGifted Arts and a multimedia presentation highlighting Garner’s history.
- When: Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
- Where: Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Rd.
- Cost: Free
Website: garnerjuneteenth.com
Wake Forest Juneteenth
Juneteenth Community Gathering
- Info: This is a community event with giveaways, arts and crafts and refreshments
- When: Friday, June 20, 5–7 p.m.
- Where: Taylor Street Park, 416 N. Taylor St.
- Cost: Free
Website: wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/juneteenth-celebration
Juneteenth Walking Parade
- Info: The event includes live music by Story Charlemagne, Mickey Mills & Steel and Hugh Swaso & The Vandals, along with dance, puppetry and DJ sets. Highlights also include performances by the Bouncing Bulldogs, Cate Scholars and a line dance party with DJ Twitty and Lonnie T.
- When: Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m.
- Where: Starts at Hope House, 334 N. Allen Rd. and ends at the Dubois Center, 518 N. Franklin St.
- Cost: Free
Website: wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/juneteenth-celebration
This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 12:09 PM.