Juneteenth is coming up on Thursday, June 19, and in honor of the federal holiday, the Queen City is hosting various events to engage the community and commemorate the legacy of emancipation.

Thursday, June 12

28th Annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas | Thursday, June 12-Sunday, June 15 | Various times | 1214 Thomas Ave. | Free | This 28th annual event is the largest + oldest in the Carolinas, featuring drum circles, live music, and entertainment + culminates in a weekend parade and festival.

Friday, June 13

Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration | 6-9 p.m. | Crossing Paths Park, Indian Trail, SC | Free | Enjoy spoken word, an education panel discussion, art, dance, and music.

Saturday, June 14

Fourth Annual Queen City Juneteenth Celebration | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Charlotte Museum of History | Free | Honor Black history and resilience at the site of the former Alexander Plantation, which has transformed into a dedicated space for education.

EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival | 2 p.m. | Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Gastonia | Free | The fourth annual parade will take over the streets of Downtown Gastonia at 3 p.m. + enjoy live music, food trucks, and local vendors.

Belmont Juneteenth Celebration | 2-9:30 p.m. | Stowe Park | Free | Carl Ratliff & Common Ground will join the day's celebrations with jazz music + arts + crafts, music, food, and more.

Tuesday, June 17

Community Harvest | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Aunt Charlotte McClee Community Garden, Gastonia | Free | Learn about food justice, culture, and Juneteenth history over a healthy meal cooked by local teens.

Thursday, June 19

Juneteenth at the Gantt | 12-4 p.m. | Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture | Free | The free celebration features live performances, workshops, a book club, and panel discussions.

Juneteenth Art Fest | 4-8 p.m. | Shoppes at University Place | Free | The second-annual event boasts local artists, live music, dancers, and free painting activities for everyone.

EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival | 6 p.m.-10 p.m. | Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Gastonia | Free | Shop from local vendors, enjoy live music, and food trucks before the firework finale at 9:30 p.m.

Friday, June 20

Juneteenth Celebration | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Park, Waxhaw | Free | Listen to live music, shop local vendors, and more at this celebration.

Saturday, June 21

Annual Juneteenth Celebration | 10 a.m. | Historic Rosedale | Free | Commemorate the day through music, dance, children's activities, and a panel titled "How We Preserve Our History."

Durag Fest | BlackBox Theater | 2-10 p.m. | $40+ | Experience a full day of workshops, music, food, fashion, and art experiences.

Sixth Annual Juneteenth Celebration: An Ode To West Fest | 2 p.m. | West Charlotte High School | Free | Honor the history of Charlotte's historic West Fest + enjoy free entertainment, giveaways, a kids corner, and a special area for older adults.

Sunday, June 22

Boileryard Brunch: Juneteenth Beach Bash Edition | 2-8 p.m. | Camp North End | Free | Enjoy a themed brunch with live music and Camp North End's vendors.

Saturday, June 28

Concord-Cabarrus Juneteenth Celebration | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Green at Barber-Scotia College, Concord | Free | Commemorate the day with live music, local vendors, and more.