June 19 proclaimed Juneteenth Day in NC; here’s how to celebrate in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery, will be celebrated across the country this weekend. Gov. Roy Cooper has also proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth Day in North Carolina.

Here’s a list of celebrations happening in the Charlotte area:

The 24th annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas kicked off Thursday in Plaza Midwood and runs through the weekend. The Freedom and Unity March will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Grady Cole Center and end at the House of Africa. Click here for more information.

Blumenthal Performing Arts will host its first-ever Juneteenth Jam featuring two days of free interactive dance sessions, art installations and live music on Friday and Saturday in uptown. Click here for more information.

The Juneteenth Family Fun Festival will be held at Belk Tonawanda Park in Monroe from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Click here for more information.

The 2nd annual Juneteenth Block Party will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at 525 Johnson Road. An after-party will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Click here for more information.

The QC Juneteenth Fest is happening from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday at 7601 The Plaza. Festivities include live performances, guest speakers and visual artists. Click here for more information.

The Harvey B. Gantt Center will host a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday featuring a drum circle and African dance performance. Virtual activities are also available. Click here for more information.

The Queen City Juneteenth Festival will be held from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Fran’s Boys and Girls Center at 2600 W. Trade St. There will be games, performances and other activities. Click here for more information.

The town of Davidson will host a free Juneteenth Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Ada Jenkins Center at 212 Gamble St. There will be music, food trucks and children’s activities. Click here for more information.

The 10th annual Belmont Juneteenth Celebration will take place virtually. Watch the parade online Saturday or register for the Virtual 2K Family and Friends Freedom Walk. Click here for more information.

The City of Monroe, in partnership with several organizations, is hosting a Juneteenth celebration at Belk Tonawanda Park Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Click here for details.

The Town of Marshville is hosting a Juneteenth celebration on Main Street Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Click here for the details of the event.

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