Celebrations are set across Northern Virginia for the nation’s youngest holiday, Juneteenth National Independence Day, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth marks the day a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to announce the end of slavery, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Locally, dozens of events honor Juneteenth (June 19), which became an official holiday in Virginia in 2020 and federally in 2021. Here are a few of the many celebrations across Northern Virginia.
Prince William County
Prince William County will host its inaugural “Juneteenth & Me Festival” on June 19 from 4-9 p.m. at Pfitzner Stadium, 7 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.
The evening includes performances and education celebrating Black culture, history and community connections and finishes with a fireworks show.
The event will open with a grand procession led by an African dance troupe and high school drummers, followed by speakers and live musical performances.
More information: pwcva.gov/events/juneteenth-me-festival
The town of Dumfries will host its annual Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, June 19, with a petting zoo, face painting, live music, family activities and fireworks to end the day.
The event is from 3-9:30 p.m. at Garrison Park, 17749 Main St., Dumfries, with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Bring lawn chairs, blankets and festive spirits.
More information: dumfriesva.gov
The Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation is hosting a Juneteenth event on June 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Historic Lucasville School House. Learn about the development of freedmen communities and the progression of education in Prince William throughout Reconstruction and the Jim Crow Era. Admission is free. The Lucasville school is at 10516 Godwin Drive in Manassas.
More information: pwcva.gov/department/historic-preservation
Fairfax County
Freedom Before Emancipation: Mount Vernon Family Day for Juneteenth, will be June 19-21 at George Washington’s estate, featuring character performances, music, tours and historical talks about the estate’s enslaved population. Events and demonstrations are free with admission.
More information: mountvernon.org
Sully Historic Site in Chantilly hosts a Juneteenth celebration on June 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features storytelling, family activities, food and tours. The plantation is at 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly.
More information: fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site/
Frying Pan Farm Park at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an exploration of the history of the free and enslaved African American members of the Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House.
Tours will take you through the historic church, the surrounding grounds and former location of the Lee house, home of an African American family who lived on the property and worshiped at the church after the Civil War.
More information: fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park
NOVA Parks and the Fairfax NAACP will host the third annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 21 from 3-5 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive in Centreville. There will be reflections on emancipation, words of remembrance and hope, music and an ice cream social supported by donations from the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.
More information: novaparks.com
Historic Blenheim in Fairfax city will be open for Juneteenth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 19. The historic farmhouse at 3610 Blenheim Blvd. will celebrate the holiday with education about the Black history of the site.
More information: fairfaxva.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/22162/20
Loudoun County
The “Burg” Family Reunion Club presents Juneteenth Celebration 2025 on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ida Lee Park. 60 Ida Lee Drive NW in Leesburg. Admission is $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for kids 11 and under.
More information and tickets: thebfrc.com/juneteenth-celebration
Stafford County
The Stafford County NAACP returns to Colonial Forge High School at 550 Courthouse Road, Stafford, on Saturday, June 21, for the annual Juneteenth Commemoration and Celebration. The family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information: discoverstafford.org/program/2025-juneteenth/
Fauquier County
Main Street in Warrenton will be filled with music, performances, vendors and historical tributes this Saturday, June 14, as the town hosts its fifth annual Juneteenth festival under the theme of “Community, Unity and Commitment.”
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States and recognizing the cultural and historical contributions of African Americans in Fauquier County.
More information: fauquierjuneteenth.com
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