Juneteenth is this weekend, Sun., June 19, commemorating the day slavery was abolished in the US, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

This week marks one year since Juneteenth was officially announced as a federal holiday — the first national holiday to be signed into law since MLK Day in 1983.

There are several events taking place to celebrate + commemorate the holiday that you won’t want to miss.

Friday

Juneteenth at Unity Park | Fri., June 17 | 4 p.m. | Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park | Free | Listen to poetry readings, view art + enjoy jazz music from local performers and artists.
Juneteenth GVL Gala: Black Tie & Kente Affair | Fri., June 17 | 7-11 p.m. | Embassy Suites Resort, 670 Verde Blvd. | $150 | Get ready to hit the red carpet at this celebration with music performances and a fashion show while enjoying cocktails + dinner. Proceeds will help provide 6 scholarships to African American young adults in the county, the biggest going to Mr. & Miss. Juneteenth, which will be presented at the Juneteenth GVL Mega Fest.

Saturday

Juneteenth GVL Mega Fest | Sat., June 18 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Falls Park | Free entry | Enjoy a full day of art, live music, food + games at this inaugural event.
Juneteenth Soul Food Festival | Sat., June 18 | 12-6 p.m. | 110 Depot St., Fountain Inn | Free entry | Celebrate the theme “Together, We Have Power” on Main Street with food, live music + spoken word.
Juneteenth GVL Mega Fest 5k & Yoga with Vets | Sat., June 18 | 7-10 a.m. | Falls Park | Prices vary | Run or walk in the race + participate in a restorative yoga practice in remembrance of veterans and Black soldiers who fought during the Civil War.
2nd Annual Black History Vendor Exposition | Sat., June 18 | Phillis Wheatley Community Center, 335 Greenacre Rd. | Free Entry | Shop, eat, and celebrate Juneteenth at this exposition to raise money for the nonprofit Young-Afro Excellence.

Sunday

2022 Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration | Sun., June 19 | 2-7 p.m. | TD Stage at the Peace Center | Free entry | Join the Peace Center for its third annual celebration with live music from local artists, local food vendors, children’s activities + a Blood Drive.
Say What Poetry Open Mic Celebrates Juneteenth | Sun., June 19 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Coffee Underground, 1 E. Coffee St. | $10 | Hear from local poets of all styles + play poetry games in the longest-running open mic in South Carolina every Sunday at Coffee Underground.