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Juneteenth Celebrations & Events in Williamsburg, VA

The Historic Triangle is a fitting place to honor Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Williamsburg strives to tell the full, honest, and inclusive story of the African American experience in the destination, and you can expect plenty of events that celebrate and reflect on the deep significance of this historic holiday.

Juneteenth Celebration 300 x 400

Community Celebrations

Kick off a powerful week of remembrance and joy on June 14 at Freedom Park with the Juneteenth Freedom Fest. This family-friendly event features a full lineup of live music, spoken word, dance performances, local food trucks, and artisan vendors and it set at the historic site of America’s first free Black settlement.

On June 19, the celebrations continue with the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, hosted by The Village Initiative for Equity in Education. This joyful community event includes a lively parade, delicious food, interactive kids’ activities, and live entertainment that uplifts voices and stories from the African American experience. Come out to celebrate freedom, unity, and progress with neighbors and friends.

Services & Ceremonies

On June 15, begin the day with a powerful moment of reflection at the Juneteenth Sunrise Service, hosted by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Held beneath the historic Compton Oak tree, this annual service invites the community to honor the spirit of Juneteenth through a moving keynote address, spiritual music, and words of remembrance.

Conclude the week's journey with the 4th Annual Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony, hosted by the Virginia Racial Healing Institute and Coming to the Table. This year’s special guest is Charles Holman, who shares a deeply personal story of reconciliation.

In honor of Juneteenth, admission to Colonial Williamsburg is free for all on June 19.

Compton Oak at Colonial Williamsburg

Kayaking the James River

Thought-provoking history

Step into the past with Prelude to Juneteenth: Reclaiming the River on June 15 at Jamestown Settlement. This immersive experience invites participants to view the documentary film, "Reclaiming the River: African American Life on Virginia's Waterways," and then paddle on waterways near the James River—the very waters that once bore witness to the earliest chapters of American history.

In honor of Juneteenth, admission to Jamestown Settlement and the Prelude to Juneteenth program is free on June 15 with advance registration. The river paddle is $35 and requires advance registration.

On June 19, Juneteenth, admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is free for all.

This Juneteenth, come together with the Williamsburg community to honor the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the future.

 

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