Juneteenth happens on June 19th every year, and it’s a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and resilience for African American families around the country. Join in the celebration with the many Juneteenth events in Charlottesville and Richmond. From winery jubilees to local pageants, museum exhibits to community fairs, there’s something for everyone all weekend long.
At a Glance: Charlottesville Juneteenth Celebrations
- Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th with community festivals, music, parades, food, art, and more.
- Juneteenth events in Charlottesville include Descendants Day at Highland, the Miss Cville Juneteenth Pageant, the Juneteenth Jubilee at Eastwood Winery, and the Kick Rocks Sneaker Showcase at the Art Bar.
- Fridays After Five will feature Ebony Groove and Jen Tal Band on Juneteenth.
- The 10th Annual Black Business Expo & Juneteenth Celebration will happen at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
- Juneteenth events near Richmond include walking tours of Jackson Ward, an exhibit at The Valentine Museum, and the Henrico County Juneteenth Celebration.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19th every year, is one of the oldest commemorations of the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Enslaved people in Confederate states were freed through the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Texas was the Confederate state that was the greatest distance away, and slaveholders there did not share the news or free their enslaved workers. The Emancipation Proclamation was not enforceable in the region without military intervention. It took more than two years for that to happen.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom. Since then, it has become a celebration of community and Black culture in the United States, marked with music, parades, community festivals, art, food, fireworks, and more.
Juneteenth National Independence Day became a national holiday in 2021.
Learn more about Juneteenth from the National Park Service.
Juneteenth Events in Charlottesville 2026
2026 Descendants Day
When: Sunday, June 6, 2026 • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: James Monroe’s Highland
Visit and explore a variety of programming, including talks, music, historical performances, food, and presentations by community partners. The day is hosted by the Highland Council of Descendant Advisors, a group of community members whose African American ancestors were enslaved at Highland or who worked on the property after the Civil War.
Miss Cville Juneteenth Pageant
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 • 1:00 pm
Where: Portico Church (Charlottesville)
Celebrate and honor the young leaders in Charlottesville who are building confidence and sisterhood through connections to their community and culture. Tickets required for adult attendees; available in advance or at the door.
Black History Short Story Tour
When: Thursday, June 18, 2026 • 6:00 pm
Where: The Valentine (Richmond)
Take a guided tour of the Valentine’s collection focusing on Black history in Richmond. Admission to the Valentine is free every Thursday and open to the public.
Pay-What-You-Will Murals of Jackson Ward Walking Tour
When: June 19, 2026 • 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Where: 325 N 2nd St., Richmond, VA
Take a special walking tour of the murals in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood of Richmond, once known as the “Harlem of the South.” Expert tour guides will share the history of historic houses, murals, and other landmarks. Advance tickets required.
Juneteenth at Monticello
When: Friday, June 19, 2026 • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Explore the history of enslaved communities at Monticello, including the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour. Visit exhibits on the life of Sally Hemmings and the oral history of local Black communities, and stop by the Burial Ground for Enslaved People.
Juneteenth Jubilee
When: June 19, 2026 • 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Eastwood Farm & Winery (Charlottesville)
Join Eastwood Winery and Black Women Who Wine to celebrate with music, dessert, and community. Featuring cupcake and wine pairings from Krissy Cakes and a flower bouquet pop-up from We Grow, plus an afternoon DJ and live music from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
From Sole to Soul Sneaker Showcase
When: Saturday, June 19, 2026 • 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: The Art Bar (Charlottesville)
Celebrate art, community, and creative expression built around sneakers! Admission to the 4th Annual Sneaker Showcase includes the Sneaker Museum, crafts, music, crafts, local sweet treats, vendors, line dancing, and even a Shoe Collection Competitors Battle.
Fridays After Five
When: Friday, June 19, 2026 • 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Ting Pavilion (Charlottesville)
Enjoy jazz, hip hop, and R&B performed by local sensation Ebony Groove. The band was founded in 1987, starting as a student-run pep band for the Charlottesville High School basketball team. Jen Tal Band will open.
JSAAHC Juneteenth Celebration & 10th Annual Black Business Expo
When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Jefferson School City Center (Charlottesville)
Celebrate and build support for Black-owned businesses and ideas in the community. The Expo will include panel discussions with local business leaders, a business pitch competition for $1500, local vendors, a 2K Gaming Bus, dancing, live music, and more!
Louisa African American Heritage Festival
When: June 20, 2026 • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Moss-Nuckols Elementary School (Louisa)
Join the Louisa branch of the NAACP for a community festival of fellowship and fun. The event will feature vendors, performers, food, activities, the JMRL Bookmobile, and a live car show.
JMRL Black & Gold Gala
When: June 20, 2026 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Northside Library (Charlottesville)
Celebrate Juneteenth with jazz music, live poetry readings, and guest speakers. Light refreshments will be provided. Dress to impress encouraged.
Henrico Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 20, 2026 • 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Dorey Park (Henrico)
Join a vibrant community celebration of art, music, and food. Featuring over 100 local artisans and vendors, live and DJ’d music, food vendors, an interactive Kids’ Zone, and a fireworks display at 9:45 pm. Free admission and parking.
Learn More About Juneteenth & Charlottesville Black History
Keep the learning going all summer long with these Virginia 250 destinations that highlight Black history in our state, take in the exhibits at our local Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, or visit the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers on the UVA grounds. Plan a family day trip to the the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond or visit Ivy Creek Natural Area and explore its historical significance as a Black-owned farm.
There are many resources available for local families to explore and celebrate the journey of African American communities in the Charlottesville region.
Ready for summertime adventures? Check out our guide to summer festivals in around Charlottesville, as well as the best water parks in Virginia. If you’re saying local, we’ve got you covered with pools and spray grounds. And don’t forget Charlottesville’s 4th of July celebrations!
For fresh ideas all summer long, sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag and let us inspire your next adventure. And be sure to learn more about our valued partners who serve local families.
KATHARINE PALJUG is a freelance writer and novelist. She lives in Charlottesville with two busy kids and proudly owns an unreasonable number of books. Find her on Instagram as @katharinewrites.