*The video above is a preview of Juneteenth events at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Community members are celebrating Juneteenth in 2022 with several events and activities across Hampton Roads.

Juneteenth is the federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Local communities are hosting ceremonies and musical performances among other celebrations to commemorate the holiday.

In observance of Juneteenth, most city government offices and services will be closed for the holiday.

Chesapeake

Juneteenth Jazz Luncheon
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive
Doors open at 1 p.m.
Get more information and purchase tickets at this link.

Juneteenth Father’s Day Festival
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive
Doors open at 1 p.m.
This event honors the US Colored Troops
$10 for adults. Children under 10 get in free.

Hampton

Sankofa’s International Day of Remembrance Ceremony
Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Outlook Beach, Fort Monroe, Gullick Drive Hampton, Va
Free and open to the public

This day honors the millions of African men, women and children who perished during the Middle Passage. Join The Sankofa Projects as they educate and celebrate the rich and diverse history of the African diaspora and bring awareness to this tragic chapter in American and global history. The program includes African drumming, songs, dance, poetry, historical presentations and a traditional African libation at noon. Follow signs to the event location.

Registration is required. To register, call 757-727-1102 or email thesankofaprojects@gmail.com. You may bring beach chairs/umbrellas, only clear bags allowed. Suggested attire is African and/or white clothing. Presented in partnership with the Fort Monroe Authority and Fort Monroe National Monument. 

Juneteenth: The Fight for Freedom and the Power of Words
Monday, June 13, 6-8 p.m.
Hampton History Museum, 120 Old Hampton Lane Hampton, Va
Free and open to the public

Join playwright Marie St. Clair for this Fragments of Freedom Cultural Arts & Theatre Productions event: showcasing spoken word, video and live music to honor the arc of freedom fought for by African Americans throughout history. A host of speakers from the arts, media, and the government will present excerpts of powerful speeches from historical figures that embody the innate desire for freedom and demand for civil rights. Presented in partnership with the Fort Monroe Authority and Fort Monroe National Monument.
The Hampton History Museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane in Downtown Hampton. There is free parking in the garage across the street from the museum. For more information call 757-727-1102 or visit www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org.

Juneteenth Jazz: The Wave of Freedom Concert
Saturday, June 18, 6 p.m.
Fort Monroe Theatre, 42 Tidball Rd, Hampton, Va
Free and open to the public

Many of the early Juneteenth traditions and celebrations revolved around music, dancing and togetherness and this year is no different! Enjoy a soulful evening of music at the Juneteenth Jazz: Wave of Freedom Concert. Sponsored by the Fort Monroe Authority and Fort Monroe National Monument, this dynamic and empowering event honors the legacy of Juneteenth through captivating performances from a variety of local jazz musicians. For more information call 757-637-7778.

Celebrate Healthcare’s Juneteenth Festival
Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Darling Stadium, 4111 Victoria Boulevard Hampton, Va
Free and open to the public

Celebrate freedom and Father’s Day at Celebrate Healthcare’s Juneteenth Festival. Attendees can partake in a plethora of community-focused activities including entertainment, health and wellness offerings, a resources fair and other special attractions. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Rahiem (formerly with Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five) will be the event’s featured act. United Souls Band, Beauty for Ashes Dance Troupe and Gina J. Payne and “Step Up” Connection will also be performing at this year’s festival. For more information call 757-287-0277.

The Hampton Faith Walk Community Juneteenth Celebration
Still Walking for Racial Justice & Equality
Sunday June 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mill Point Park, 100 Eaton Street Hampton, Va

Faith Walk Hampton invites you to their 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration: Still Walking for Racial Justice & Equality. This event seeks to heal racial injustice in our community. A collective of over 20 churches throughout the city, local leaders and more will be marching from City Hall to Mill Point Park commemorating the holiday. SAME will be one of the organizations with an information table, and they would like to offer homemade cookies to everyone who stops by. A celebration that includes a Father’s Day presentation, a Juried Youth Art Contest, food trucks and more will take place after the march. Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck will also read a special proclamation during the event. For more information call 757-602-9196.

Hampton African American Heritage Festival Juneteenth Commemoration
Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Mill Point Park, 100 Eaton Street Hampton, Va 
$10 for adults; children under 12 are free

Sponsored by Project 1619, the Hampton African American Heritage Festival Juneteenth Commemoration will honor the legacy of Juneteenth and the landing of the first enslaved Africans in English North America. Taking place at Mill Point Park, the event includes an African street market featuring items such as African apparel, arts and crafts and more for purchase. Additionally, guests can enjoy food vendors, African dancers and drummers, and live entertainment while at the event. A traditional libation ceremony is also scheduled as well as a community paint party. The title sponsor for this event is Old Point National Bank. 
For more information call 757-380-1319.

Newport News

The City of Newport News is celebrating Juneteenth with several days of events.

Expressions
When: June 8-19
What: During normal business hours, visit Denbigh Community Center, Brittingham-Midtown Community Center, Doris Miller Community Center, Newport News Visitor Center or the Newport News Parks & Recreation main office to receive free Juneteenth give-a-away novelties and take photos with a curated background.  

Juneteenth Parade
When: Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Jefferson Avenue from 33^rd Street to King-Lincoln Park
What: Enjoy the only Juneteenth community parade on the Peninsula. Starting at Brooks Crossing, the parade travels 1.5 miles through the Southeast Community, arriving at King-Lincoln Park where there will be food trucks and music from the Mosaic Steel Orchestra. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Juneteenth Concert
When: Sunday, June 12, 5-7:30 p.m.
Where: King-Lincoln Park, 600 Jefferson Avenue
What: Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy musical performances by the Calvary Chapel Newport News Worship Team, Brothers and The Fuzz Band. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Raising of the Flag
When: Monday, June 13, 1 p.m.
Where: City Hall, 2400 Washington Avenue
What: Dignitaries, guests and the community will come together for raising of the Juneteenth Flag over City Hall. Ceremony also includes the reading of the Mayoral Proclamation, General Order #3 and the Thirteenth Amendment, and special speaker Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Juneteenth BINGO (open only to those already registered)
When: Tuesday, June 14. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Brittingham-Midtown Community Center, 570 McLawhorne Dr.
What: Have fun playing bingo, winning prizes and enjoying refreshments while learning about Juneteenth and why it’s an important part of Unites States history. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Juneteenth Debate
When: Wednesday, June 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Denbigh Community Center, 15198 Warwick Blvd.
What: Live debate with the youth of our community that focuses on two cases and key decisions that were made by the United States Supreme Court regarding racial segregation. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Juneteenth Spoken Word
When: Thursday, June 16, 7-9 p.m.
What: Listen to oral poetic performances designed for self-expression by local artists and poets on ideas of liberty, freedom, equality, and justice. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Juneteenth Mime: The Faces of Freedom
When: Friday, June 17, 1-9 p.m.
Where: The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive
What: Watch silent movement performers enliven the room through dance and music to tell stories of emancipation. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Juneteenth Youth Field and Games
When: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Riverview Farm Park, 105 City Farm Road
What: Youth ages 6-17 can participate in outdoor sporting games while bringing awareness of the four pillars of commemoration (liberty, free, equality, and justice) with a spirit of friendship, unity and team spirit. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Historical Pageant
When: Saturday, June 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event – aired on NNTV (Cox 48/Verizon 19); streamed on nnva.gov/nntv
What: Look through the lens of individuals throughout historical periods as they share their views on how the Emancipation Proclamation changed their lives. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Freedom Festival
When: Sunday, June 19, 12-4 p.m.
Where: King-Lincoln Park, 600 Jefferson Avenue
What: Free community festival featuring musical entertainment by the Unifics, food and craft vendors, informational exhibits, and children’s activities. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Norfolk

Virtual Storytelling Events at NPL
When: June 18
Where: Virtually on NPL’s Facebook page
What: NPL will also host two virtual storytelling events. First, performance poet and Suffolk native Nathan Richardson will portray Frederick Douglass in “Frederick Douglass: On Slavery and Emancipation,” which will premiere at 8 a.m. As part of the performance, Richardson will tell tales from Douglass’ life and recite an excerpt from his most famous speech, “What To The Slave is the 4^th of July.” Then, at 2 p.m., residents can tune in to NPL’s Facebook page to Celebrate Juneteenth with Storyteller Eunice Shands as she conducts a virtual talk on the book The 1619 Project: Born on the Water.

Community Day at Richard Tucker Library
When: June 19, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Richard Tucker Library
What: The event will be a recognition of Juneteenth, Black Music Month, and the library’s Summer Reading Program Kickoff and will include arts and crafts, a children’s village, inflatables and a StoryWalk with 1619 Project book Born on the Water.

Freedom Festival
When: June 18, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Slover Library
What: This free family event will feature drum circles, African dance classes, music trivia, art, a living history museum, and an “At the Table” soul food exhibit. The event will conclude with a theatrical performance, “Juneteenth the Production,” where visitors journey back in time with two grandparents to learn the historical significance of Freedom Day.

Juneteenth Celebration at Town Point Park

When: June 18, from noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Town Point Park
What: The event is free & open to the public and will feature on-site job interviews, health & financial wellness & career education, complimentary lunch, music, presentations, thousands of dollars in prizes, and much more. CLICK HERE for more information.

Portsmouth

Go Skate Daze 2022

When: June 19, June 21
Where: Parkside Place (Cradock Skate Park) at 4117 George Washington Highway, Portsmouth, Va., 23702
What: The games, food events, and vendors will be on June 19 for the Juneteenth Jam, Skate Day will be held on June 21 along with park clean-up and Taco Tuesday. Officials say the event is being held to promote community engagement and increase awareness and celebrate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration

The City of Portsmouth, in collaboration with the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Inc., is hosting a Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration Sunday, June 19 at High Street Landing.  The event kicks off at 1 p.m. and will include a variety of local and national entertainment, a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic, food trucks, and retail vendors. For more information, visit https://ulhr.org/juneteenth/, or https://portsvaevents.com/.  The Juneteenth website has details on entertainment, musical artists, and vendors.  Portsmouth’s event calendar has Juneteenth holiday events and happenings across the city.

Suffolk

Suffolk Public Library is presenting a Juneteenth Black Excellence Expo on June 18, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Morgan Memorial Library. It will offer activities for all ages.

A panelist of guest speakers includes:

• Afrofuturism with Dr. Grace Gipson
• Black Representation in Media with Janine Coveney, Gerron DelValle, and Lily Kunda
• Readings with Sylvia Bond, Kween Yakini, Tonya Swindell, and More.

There are additional Juneteenth events planned in Suffolk:

• Encore: Juneteenth Pride Sip & Paint on June 14 at the Morgan Memorial Library and again at the North Suffolk Library on June 28. Both will begin at 2 p.m.
• Juneteenth Local Author Talk with V.M. Roberts and Jeanice Thomas, June 23 at the Morgan Memorial Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

To learn more about how the Suffolk Public Library will be celebrating Juneteenth, visit suffolkpubliclibrary.com.

Virginia Beach

The Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department announced a weekend of free arts and cultural events honoring Juneteenth.

June 16

“Black Health & Wellness: Community & Public Wellness” with Norfolk State University

As part of a commitment to celebrate Black history year-round, the Virginia Beach History Museums, Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni and Friends Association and Norfolk State University (NSU) continue their expanded partnership with a virtual panel event, “Black Health & Wellness: Community & Public Wellness.” The panel will explore what makes communities healthy, and how history impacts current access to health, nutrition and wellness. The panel, which begins at noon on June 16, will be moderated by Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, dean of the NSU College of Liberal Arts. Visit NSU’s website to register for this virtual event.

#ThirdThursday Virginia Beach Public Art Walk: “Portraits from a Place of Grace”

In celebration of Juneteenth weekend, Cultural Affairs will host a FREE Public Art Walk at the future home of the Virginia African American Cultural Center (VAACC) to view the public art installation “Portraits from a Place of Grace.” Richard Hollant’s work, which was done in collaboration with VAACC, highlights residents from Virginia Beach’s 14 historically Black neighborhoods. Cultural Affairs will also be joined by VAACC members who posed for the portraits to share their stories and the origin of Juneteenth. The event begins at 4 p.m. on June 16. Please email ngoodale@vbgov.com to RSVP for this event at 744 Hampshire Ln.

June 16-19

Unity in the Community ArtWalk Along the Boardwalk

The Virginia African American Cultural Center, Inc. in partnership with the City of Virginia Beach, will host its inaugural Juneteenth Festival at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, which includes reflective public art murals created by artists from across the nation in celebration of the theme “Unity in the Community.” In collaboration with the ViBe Creative District and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the artists will paint live from June 16-19, between 16th Street and 31st Street. The formal opening and awards ceremony will be held at 24th Street Park at 11 a.m. on June 19. The murals will be judged by renowned artists Clayton Singleton and Ken Wright, as well as Gary Ryan, MOCA’s executive director. The event will culminate with an inspiring and resounding “Call for Unity in the Community” by representatives from Interfaith Alliance at the Beach, the Human Rights Commission, ViBe Creative District, the Mayor’s IDEA Commission, a poet, soloists, International Artist Dee Polite, Opera Singer Denise Battle, and Mia Guile, a member of the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission. Opportunities for family art activities will also be available. Visit the www.vaaccvb.org for more details.

June 18

VBGIGS Presents Juneteenth in the ViBe Creative District

Starting at 9 a.m. on June 18,  the Virginia African American Cultural Center will present the Gregory Brothers, along with a Juneteenth skit, poetry and African-inspired dances by Dr. Faye Gallop on the ViBe Creative District stage during the ViBe Creative District Old Beach Farmer’s Market. Performances will run throughout the morning at 1810 Cypress Ave. This event is part of Virginia Beach’s Globally Inspired Gatherings series.

June 18-19

Juneteenth At The Beach

Team L.A.M.B. Inc., in partnership with the City of Virginia Beach, welcomes the community for its inaugural Juneteenth festival at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront 24th Street Park. Don’t miss this exciting celebration, and highly impactful weekend, jam-packed with family-friendly activities, including education, live entertainment, food, culture and connection. Entry is free both days, but registration is required. Visit www.juneteenthvb.com to learn more. This festival will run from noon to 10 p.m. on June 18 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 19.

June 19

African American Music Month Celebrating Juneteenth

To close out the weekend, the Virginia Beach History Museums and Princess Anne Country Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni & Friends Association will host a free musical performance to celebrate African American Music Month and Juneteenth!

“African American Music Month Celebrating Juneteenth” will be held June 19 on the Renaissance Academy grounds, 5100 Cleveland St., and will feature RaJazz , a musical group comprised of seven superb Virginian performing artists who have captivated audiences of all ages and taste with a savory mix of smooth jazz and R&B, and are one of Hampton Roads’ most requested bands! The show features special guests Kween Yakini, an award-winning poet and author of four books, and a Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador from Teens with a Purpose. Performances will run from 3:30-5 p.m.
 
The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum will be open starting at 3 p.m. on June 19, and will remain open during and after the show, allowing audiences to learn about the first high school in Virginia Beach for African Americans. Registration for this event is through the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation ActiveNet system. If you do not have an ActiveNet account, you will need to create one (for free) to register.

Williamsburg

Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition
When: June 17 – July 8 (6-8 p.m.)
Where: Stryker Center Gallery
What: The Stryker Center Gallery will present a special exhibition of local and regional Black artists curated by artist Willis Potter. There will be an opening reception on Friday, June 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition will run through July 8. For more information, CLICK HERE.

YJCW NAACP Motor Parade & Juneteenth Community Fest
When: June 18 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Where: Highland Park
What: Motor parade at Highland Park. The event is free and open to the public

Colonial Williamsburg
When: June 19 (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Where: Colonial Williamsburg
What: Colonial Williamsburg is offering free admission in observance of Juneteenth.

William & Mary Juneteenth Commemoration
When: June 17 (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Where: At the site of “Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved”
What: William & Mary will celebrate Juneteenth in person for the first time. The event is expected to include performers, vendors, and more. For more information, CLICK HERE.

This list will be updated as more events get scheduled. If you know of any additional events, send us an email.