Warrenton to celebrate fifth annual Juneteenth Festival on Saturday

Main Street in Warrenton will be filled with music, performances, vendors and historical tributes this Saturday 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.

Organized by the nonprofit Fauquier Juneteenth, Inc., the event aims to promote education, awareness and celebration. This year’s festivities will include over 60 vendors, food trucks, nonprofit booths, contests and live entertainment. Activities are planned for all ages, including children’s programming, double Dutch demonstrations and musical performances across two stages.

Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, became a state holiday in Virginia in 2020 and a federal holiday in 2021. Local commemorations began in 2021 with an inaugural event at Eva Walker Park, organized by Barrie Newman, members of the View Tree Masonic Lodge and community partners such as the NAACP Fauquier County Branch, the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier and First Baptist Church in Warrenton.

According to the event’s organizers, Juneteenth is “a time for reflection and rejoicing. For assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.” This year’s program will highlight local Black history with a presentation by the Afro-American Historical Association and recognition of community heroes.

Washington D.C.’s WHUR 96.3 radio personality Winston Chaney will host the festival from Culpeper Street. Performances will include gospel choirs, bands, spoken word and dance groups. Contests include a photography exhibition, fiber arts showcase, an inaugural essay contest, and competitions for jams, jellies and pound cakes. Organizers said future events may introduce new contests such as hair braiding, spoken word and the crowning of Mr. and Ms. Juneteenth.

The festival also marks a milestone for the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County, which will celebrate the soft-opening of its new Warrenton museum at 135 Main St. during the event.

Festival schedule highlights

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Juneteenth program
• Vendors and nonprofits
• Food and children’s activities

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Mini-concert featuring N2N Band, Special Occasions, and Prophecy Entertainment Music Group

Stage on Waterloo/Winchester Street Courtyard:

• 11 a.m. – Martin Luther King Jr. Community Gospel Choir
• 12 p.m. – CHOSEN and the Coalition Choir
• 1 p.m. – History program, dance performance, community hero recognition
• 2 p.m. – DJ Rico
• 3 p.m. – Xpress Band
• 4 p.m. – Juneteenth Committee Recognition
• 4:30 p.m. – Soul Train Line
• 5:15 p.m. – N2N Band
• 6 p.m. – Special Occasions
• 7 p.m. – Prophecy Entertainment Music Group

Stage on 6th Street:

• 12:30 p.m. – Harriet Tubman portrayal by Taryn Weaver
• 1:15 p.m. – Zumba with John Ferguson
• 2 p.m. – Evangelist Robin Barbour and the Daughters of Zion
• 3 p.m. – Contest winners announced for baked goods and preserves

Throughout the day:

• 2–3 p.m. & 4–5 p.m. – Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra
• 1:30–3:30 p.m. – Interactive Double Dutch demonstration

Event sponsors

Equality Advocate – $5,000

• Oak View National Bank

Unity Supporter – $1,000+

• William A. Backer Foundation
• Patient First
• Moser Funeral Home
• Black Lives Matter Vigil
• Country Chevrolet
• View Tree Lodge #142
• Joynes Funeral Home
• The Godmother Sports Foundation
• PATH Foundation
• Bank of Clarke Foundation
• Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

In the case of inclement weather, a rain date has been set for June 21.

For more information about contests, sponsorship opportunities or volunteering, email FauquierJuneteenth@gmail.com.