Upstate events planned to celebrate Juneteenth

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Cities across the Upstate are preparing to celebrate Juneteenth, the nation’s newest federal holiday.

June 19th, known as Juneteenth, became a federal holiday in 2021 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.

Here is a list of events planned this year:

Table of Contents

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

6 p.m. – Greenville Juneteenth Royal Gala | Formal (black tie encouraged) gala at Embassy Suites at Verdae on Verdae Boulevard in Greenville. Celebration includes an art showcase, live cultural performances and the crowning of Mr. and Miss Juneteenth. Tickets start at $133.55.

7 p.m. – Laurens Juneteenth Talent Show | Community talent show at Laurens Capitol Theatre at 104 S. Public Square, Laurens, SC. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

7 a.m. – Greenville Juneteenth Wellness Event & 5K | Juneteenth Greenville Wellness Event to support veterans. All proceeds go to Upstate Circle of Friends Vet Forward Program. Events include 5K, vendors, cycling and line dancing.

9 a.m. – Laurens Juneteenth Breakfast | Annual community breakfast begins at 9 a.m. in the Magnolia Room at the Laurens County Museum. Featuring a women’s panel led by Dr. Lacresha Byrd. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Advance tickets $25, tickets purchased at door $30.

12 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Laurens Downtown Festival | Festival on the Square celebration including food vendors, unique retail booths, live performances, a kids’ zone, and special guests.

2 p.m. – Laurens Juneteenth Parade | Parade in the Historic Laurens County Square. Emcees include Dr. Tawio Barksdale and Keenan Coleman. Performances by comedian Superdad Jones, Libation West African Drumming & Dance Group, saxophonist Darius Starks, The Band Levelz with Mr. David E, gospel artist James Fortune, spoken word presenter Eric Haylock and Darius Stephens-York.

SUNDAY, JUNE 15

1:30 p.m. – Greenville Juneteenth Freedom Ride Car & Bike Show | Free general admission. Celebrate automotive culture and the impact of Black riders on American history. Kickstands up at ESB Sports Bar on Augusta Road in Piedmont. All proceeds will be awarded to Mr. and Miss Juneteenth Scholarship. Judging at 5 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 16

4 p.m. – Keys to Freedom: Juneteenth GVL Homeownership Empowerment Initiative | Expert-led panel on financial security in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greenville held at the Phillis Wheatley Community Center. Resource fair and tailored support for veterans.

5:30 p.m. – Spartanburg Focus on Freedom: Cecil Willliams’ Civil Rights Photography and Museum | Wofford, Richardson Arts Center

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Greenville Juneteenth Celebration and Parade | For the fourth year, the City of Greenville is holding its Juneteenth celebration at Unity Park. Festivities kick off at Falls Park followed by a walking parade along the Swamp Rabbit Trail to Unity Park. Event is a collaboration with the Urban League of the Upstate, Greenville County Section NCNW, and the NAACP.

11 a.m. – Westminster Juneteenth Luncheon | Westminster is holding its second annual Juneteenth luncheon. Doors open at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The luncheon begins at noon.

5:30 P.M. to 8:30 p.m. – Spartanburg Juneteeth Music on Main | Featuring the Night Affair Band at Morgan Square

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

6 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Spartanburg Juneteeth Block Party | S. Daniel Morgan Avenue near Broad Street

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

4 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Spartanburg Juneteeth Celebration Festival | Barnet Park

Know of another Upstate event celebrating Juneteenth? Let us know here.