Juneteenth Events in Williamsburg, JCC & Yorktown, Hampton and beyond in 2023
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.
William & Mary Juneteenth Commemoration
Friday, June 16 from 3 pm to 7 pm. William & Mary is joining communities around the country to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth. William & Mary will celebrate Juneteenth at the site of Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved.
While Juneteenth celebrates freedom, it also highlights community, education
and achievement in the African-American community. The event is expected…read more
Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition – Opening Reception
Friday, June 16th from 6 pm – 8 pm Opening Reception – Stryker Center Gallery. An opening reception for a special exhibition of local and regional Black artists curated by artist Willis Potter. Special musical performance by acoustic blues duo Jackie & Resa. The exhibition will run through July 8, 2022….read more
A Juneteenth Pageant – THE PLAY!
**Due to severe weather, “A Juneteenth Pageant – The Play,” is postponed until Monday, June 19, 6 pm. We regret any inconvenience, and look forward to seeing you then!**
A Juneteenth Pageant – THE PLAY!
Northampton Community Center
1435 Todds Lane, Building A
Monday, June 19, 6 pm, FREE at Northampton Community Center in Hampton. Celebrate Juneteenth with the hopeful contestants of “A Juneteenth Pageant.” Witness as they grapple for the crown, and discover the true meaning of “Freedom Day.” You will laugh, you may cry, but you’ll leave entertained and enlightened! More info
Juneteenth Celebration: Discovering our Roots at Bicentennial Park
Saturday, June 17 from 9 am to noon. Free Open to the public. Freedom Motor Parade Starts at Highland to Bicentennial Park. There will be entertainment, vendors, food trucks and more…read more
Rebellion & Runaway Walk
Saturday, June 17 from 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at York River State Park. How did African slavery begin in the Virginia Colony and did they seek freedom from their condition? You will discover stories of rebellious conspiracies and courageous runaways and how they overcame the challenging terrain of Tidewater to elude their oppressors. Reservations are required…read more
James City County Celebrates Juneteenth
Saturday, June 17 from 1-3 p.m. at Freedom Park. This is a FREE event, drop-in tours at one of the first Free Black Settlements in the United States. Come hear historical facts, information about the land and tour the settlement’s dwellings. Registration is not required. Meet at the cabins – signs will be posted onsite.
York County Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17 from 3 – 8 p.m at McReynolds Athletic Complex. The event features speakers, performers, food truck vendors, and more. Live music by Slapnation. Free popcorn & snow cones. Event is free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket… read more
Following the celebration event, visitors are invited to stay for Movies in the Parks featuring “The Princess and the Frog (G)”… read more
Juneteenth Sunrise Service
Sunday, June 18, at 6 a.m. Colonial Williamsburg will commemorate this Juneteenth with a Sunrise Service on under the Compton Oak. Special keynote address by visionary thought leader Tina Lifford…read more
FREE Admission to Jamestown Settlement Juneteenth
Monday, June 19 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free admission to the Jamestown Settlement in celebration of Juneteenth… read more
FREE Admission to Colonial Williamsburg & the Art Museums
Colonial Williamsburg will be offering free admission on Monday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth… read more
Colonial Williamsburg Special Programs include:
- The Juneteenth Sunrise Service, Sunday morning, June 18, at 6 a.m. at the majestic Compton Oak
- 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, 10 am – 4 pm
- A Taste of Freedom at Hennage Auditorium – June 19, 1:30 – 2:15 pm
- Phillis Wheatley and the Music of Freedom at Hennage Auditorium – June 19, 4:30 – 5:15 pm
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
June 19 from 1 pm to 7 pm
Williamsburg Community Building
The Village Initiative for Equity in Education Juneteenth Freedom Celebration! The celebration will include a Parade, Performances, Food Trucks, Children’s Entertainment, International Flag Performers, Vendors and More!
The Village is an organization formed to promote unity and education while building a bridge between local schools and parents, to help them get connected with the tools available to aid each child in reaching their full potential.
To see all the events (in case we missed a few) visit Colonial Williamsburg Juneteenth page here.