Juneteenth Events in Williamsburg

Published on: 
May 17, 2023

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It is a time to educate, commemorate, celebrate, and reflect on the Black experience in America. We invite you to join several organizations that will be hosting events during this special weekend. 

For more information, please visit the Juneteenth Community Consortium.

 

 

Talking History Program: Prelude to Juneteenth

Join us at Jamestown for a thought-provoking evening of history and performance exploring the precarious nature of freedom from 17th-century Jamestown to Juneteenth with Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, Endowed Professor of Virginia Black History and Culture at Norfolk State University, musical interludes by Sylvia Tabb & the Rejoicing Singers and dramatic readings from primary sources. 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2023 / 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. /  JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT

 

 

 

W&M Juneteenth Celebration at The Heart 

Join William & Mary and communities around the country as we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States. William & Mary will kick off the local area's Juneteenth Weekend on its campus at the Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved. The event is expected to include performers, vendors, and more. It is one of several events planned in the Williamsburg area that weekend in honor of Juneteenth.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023 / 3:00 - 6:00 P.M. /  WILLIAM & MARY

 

 

 

 

2nd Annual Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition

Special Williamsburg exhibition of local and regional Black artists curated by Willis Potter at the Williamsburg Regional Library Gallery at the Stryker Center. Opening reception Friday, June 16 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. with a special musical performance by acoustic blues duo Jackie & Resa. Exhibition on view through July 28. Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Closed July 4. 
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023 / 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. /  WRL GALLERY AT STRYKER CENTER
 

 

 

 

YJCW NAACP Motor Parade & Juneteenth Community Fest

The morning kicks off with a motor parade line-up in Highland Park at 8:30 a.m., followed by the NAACP Youth Works and Williamsburg Police Department car show in Bicentennial Park. From 9 a.m. - Noon, there will be a Community Vendor Fair with over 35 local vendors, games, Intense Fiyaaaaa, line dancing, and three local youth talent showcases.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023 / 8:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. /  HIGHLAND PARK & BICENTENNIAL PARK

 

 

 

 

York County Juneteenth Celebration

Family activities, bounce house, speakers, entertainment, community groups, and concessions. Live music by Slapnation and a Movie in the Park screening of The Princess & The Frog at 8:30 P.M. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023 / 3:00 - 8:00 P.M. /  MCREYNOLDS ATHLETIC COMPLEX (MAC)

 

 

 

 

 

Juneteenth Sunrise Service

To commemorate the triumphant spirit of the African American journey, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will host a sunrise service on Sunday morning, June 18th at 6 a.m. at the majestic Compton Oak, a landmark tree symbolizing life, endurance, shelter, and joy. Special keynote address by visionary thought leader Tina Lifford.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2023 / 6:00 - 7:00 A.M. /  COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

 

 

 

 

Williamsburg Live: Keb' Mo'

Five-time Grammy. winner and recipient of the Americana Music Association’s 2021 award for Lifetime Achievement in Performance, this iconic artist has brought his feel-good blues to all kinds of stages from corner dives to the White House. Rooted in the blues, his music slips and slides away from classification, mixing classic blues with country, pop, soul, and Americana, all delivered in an easygoing growl that draws the listener in. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2023 / 5:30 P.M. START / ART MUSEUMS OF COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

 

 

Free Colonial Williamsburg Admission

Colonial Williamsburg will be offering free admission on Monday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023 / 9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. /  COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Colonial Williamsburg Programming Highlights:

Free Admission Also Includes:

  • Costume-interpreter-guided tours of the Governor’s Palace, Capitol, and Courthouse

  • Admission to trade sites, to see and speak with expert masters, journeymen, and apprentices practicing 18th-century trades

  • Admission to daily staged performances on the Charlton Stage and in the Hennage Auditorium

  • Admission to our two world-class art museums

  • Free parking at the Visitors Center

  • Complimentary shuttle service

 

The Village Initiative in Education Equity Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

Parade and DJ General XO, Funga Alafia with drums, Rhythm Project All-Stars, Loco Strut Runway Productions, The Gresham Brothers Gospel Singers, Free Food, Food Trucks, Children’s Entertainment, International Flag Performers, Vendors villagewjcc.org

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023 / 1:00 - 7:00 P.M. /  WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY BUILDING, 401 N. BOUNDARY ST, WILLIAMSBURG

 

 

 

 

Coming to the Table Juneteenth After Party

Historic Triangle's "Juneteenth After Party" will focus on Reflections of Juneteenth, 2023. We will discuss the significance of Juneteenth and give the community the opportunity to share their thoughts about local events, and what they would like to see happen for Juneteenth 2024.
TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023 / 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. / VIDEO CONFERENCE

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