Juneteenth—the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the U.S.—became a federal holiday in 2021, 156 years after slaves in Galveston, Texas were notified on June 19, 1856, that they were now free after the Civil War had come to an end.

In 2020, both the City of Raleigh and Wake County voted to recognize June 19 as a holiday, and in 2021 the City of Raleigh held it's first Juneteenth Celebration at Dorothea Dix Park.

The fourth annual Capital City Juneteenth Celebration is back this year, bringing an afternoon of speakers, live music, lawn games, food and family activities to Dix Park for a sunny celebration from noon to 6pm on Sat., June 15. 

Entertainment includes jazz, R&B, blues, African dancers, spoken word, inflatables, face painting, story corner and more—blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. A dozen food trucks will be on site but attendees may bring their own food and drink. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Free parking is available.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dorothea Dix Park (@dixpark)

More Juneteenth celebrations in the Raleigh area

• Juneteenth Jubilee at Chavis Park, June 10-July 1
• Juneteenth Movie at North Carolina Museum of History, June 13
• Wake Forest Juneteenth Celebration, June 14-15
• Juneteenth Joy Concert at North Carolina Museum of Art, June 14
• Zebulon Juneteenth Celebration, June 14-15
• Double Dutch Fest, June 15
• Juneteenth Joy Outdoor Movie (The Color Purple) at North Carolina Museum of Art, June 15
• Cary Juneteenth Celebration at Downtown Cary Park, June 15
• Knightdale African American Festival, June 15
• Apex Juneteenth Festival, June 15
• Garner Juneteenth, June 15
• Rolesville Freedom in the Park, June 15
• Black History Trolley Tour, June 15
• Juneteenth Night with North Carolina FC (vs. Monterey Bay FC), June 16
• Juneteenth Variety Show at Ruby Deluxe, June 19
• Juneteenth Music at the North Carolina Museum of History, June 21
• Juneteenth Legends Gala at CAM Raleigh, June 22
• Fuquay-Varina's M.A.N.iFest, June 23
• Juneteenth Jubilee at Haven Farm, June 23

Header photo by Garrett Poulos