Juneteenth celebrations unite Central Virginia: Find events near you

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) Juneteenth celebrations are kicking off throughout Central Virginia, and you’re invited to join in the festivities.

This year, Juneteenth will be celebrated on Thursday, June 19.

Juneteenth marks the liberation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 when Union troops arrived and informed them that they were free, two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

To honor this significant moment in history, several events are taking place. Here’s a list of events happening near you.

Juneteenth 2025, A Freedom Celebration

On Saturday, June 14, the Elegba Folklore Society will host a celebration at the Manchester Dock, located at 1308 Brander St. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and continue along the Trail of Enslaved Africans from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Attendees can expect music, dance, conversations, activities for children, food, shopping, and more. Guests are encouraged to wear white, and admission is free.

Juneteenth exhibit opening at the Branch Museum

Two new exhibitions are set to open at The Branch this Juneteenth: (re) Framing Protest (NOW): Design + Hope and Echoes of Us. The opening will be marked with a free celebration on Wednesday, June 19, at 6 p.m. The event will feature a live DJ, a pop-up print shop, open bar, and a special appearance by Umama, a monumental installation celebrating the resilience of Black women in Richmond and Cape Town, created in collaboration with ART 180. Memory Lab @ Richmond Public Library will also be present to capture and archive personal stories.

“Boots on the Ground,” Juneteenth Celebration

The Hanover County NAACP invites everyone to its annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, from noon to 5 p.m. at Randolph-Macon College. The free event will include an afternoon filled with live music, local food vendors, and opportunities for cultural reflection. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. The musical lineup features performances by William Carter, Hattie Weatherless, the Unity Gospel Band, Kemel Patton (known as the RVA Line Dance King), as well as Soul Unlimited and Burning Fire, who will wrap up the event with an energetic performance. Guests can also enjoy local food favorites like Cason Funnel Cakes, Hawk’s BBQ, Mobile Yum Yum, Sweet Temptations by Teresa, and Touché Pies & Fries, all available on-site for a delicious experience.

Juneteenth Hopewell Park Jam

On Saturday, June 21, the city of Hopewell will host a Juneteenth celebration from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Park, located at 245 Appomattox Street (behind the Beacon Theater). Admission is free, and food vendors will be on-site. Attendees can look forward to live music, a kid’s zone, and are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.