Juneteenth Events in Williamsburg, Yorktown, Hampton and surrounding areas
Juneteenth Events in Williamsburg, JCC & Yorktown, Hampton and beyond in 2024
Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates emancipation and marks the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth became a permanent state holiday in 2020. Texas was the first state to proclaim Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. Here are a list of events that celebrate Juneteenth in Williamsburg area and beyond. List is updated regularly
Virginia State Parks History & Culture Day
June 15 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Embrace the history of the upper York River region this weekend from the colonial period to today. Learn about plots for freedom by indentured servants and enslaved people with the Rebellion & Runaway Walk. Discover the rise and continued heritage of independent waterfront communities with the Afro American Waterman’s Display….read more
JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY FEST AT FREEDOM PARK
- Saturday, June 15, 2024
- 1:00 PM 5:00 PM
Join the NAACP and James City County at America’s First Free Black Settlement in honor of Juneteenth. Enjoy live music, readings, performances and a presentation on the history of Juneteenth in Freedom Park. Local vendors and food will be on-site for purchase. Free admission. Located at 5537 Centerville Road.
York County Juneteenth Celebration
McReynolds Athletic Complex
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Celebrate America’s second Independence Day at McReynolds Athletic Complex from 3 to 8 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and join us for York County’s Juneteenth Celebration! Enjoy a DJ, a live performance by the local band Slapnation, a screening of “The Little Mermaid,” family activities, a bounce house, food trucks, concessions, free popcorn, and more!
Juneteenth Sunrise Service
Sunday, June 16, at 6 a.m.
To commemorate the triumphant spirit of the African American journey, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will host its second annual Juneteenth Sunrise Service on Sunday morning, June 16, at 6 a.m. at the majestic Compton Oak on Market Square. This landmark ….read more
Community Quilt Workshop
Monday, June 17 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Engage in a special hands-on workshop conducted by Steve Prince, Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum
of Art at W&M. Participants will be guided through the process of creating faux patchwork narrative quilt sections that will be added to the Williamsburg
Community Quilt. Free admission. Located at 301 First Street.
William & Mary Juneteenth Commemoration
Tuesday, June 18 | 10 am – 1 pm
William & Mary Juneteenth Commemoration – William & Mary is joining communities around the country to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States. …read more
Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition – Opening Reception
June 18 from 5 – 7 pm – An opening reception for a special exhibition showcasing some of the finest Black artists from the Hampton Roads Area curated by artist Willis Potter will be held from 5-7 pm. Special musical performance by acoustic blues duo Jackie & Resa. Free admission…..read more
Prelude to Juneteenth – Jamestown Settlement
June 16, 2024 • 3 p.m. • Jamestown Settlement
“Prelude to Juneteenth” reflects on this history, exploring the strategy and complications, and the joys and challenges of ending chattel slavery on the Virginia Peninsula with dramatic readings highlighting stories from …read more
FREE Admission to Jamestown Settlement Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19 | 9 am – 5 pm
Jamestown Settlement also is pleased to offer free museum admission to all on June 19, the official Juneteenth holiday. … read more
FREE Admission to Colonial Williamsburg & the Art Museums
Colonial Williamsburg will be offering free admission on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth… read more
Colonial Williamsburg Special Programs include:
- The Juneteenth Sunrise Service, Sunday morning, June 16, at 6 a.m. at the majestic Compton Oak
- Freedom Making in Williamsburg – June 18, 7 – 8 pm
- Albert Durant Photography at Lane Auditorium – June 19, 10 am – 3 pm
- Answer the Call Drum Circle at Compton Oak – June 19, 11:30 am – 12 pm
- Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves at the Public Armoury – June 19, 1 pm – 2 pm
- Permission to Be Free – June 19, 1 – 2 pm
- See all Juneteenth events at CW here
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
June 19 from 1 pm to 7 pm
Williamsburg Community Building
Community celebration featuring a parade, live music, ceremonies, free food, food trucks, children’s activities, Black-owned vendors, the crowning of Little Miss and Mister Juneteenth, and more. Free admission. Located at 401 N. Boundary Street. More info
To see all the events (in case we missed a few) visit Colonial Williamsburg Juneteenth page here.
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