As summer unfolds, Central North Carolina is gearing up to celebrate Juneteenth 2025 with passion, purpose, and pride. Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, stands as a symbol of liberation, resilience, and hope. This year, cities across the Triangle and beyond are offering a vibrant mix of educational events, cultural celebrations, music, food, and family-friendly fun.

Whether you’re in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, or a neighboring town, there’s a powerful and inspiring event waiting for you. Here’s a guide to some of the standout celebrations happening across Central NC:

RALEIGH

Voices of Freedom Walking Tour

📅 Saturday, June 14 | 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

📍 NC State Capitol to NC Freedom Park

Trace the journey from oppression to liberation on this guided walking tour.

Juneteenth at Marbles & Moore Square

📅 Thursday, June 19 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

📍 Moore Square & Marbles Playway

Celebrate with storytelling, art, music, and delicious food from Black-owned vendors.

Juneteenth Day Party

📅 Thursday, June 19 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

📍 John Chavis Memorial Park

A festive day of fun, games, and community connection for all ages.

Open Stu: Proofs of Black Life

📅 Friday, June 20 | 6 – 11 p.m.

📍 NC Museum of Art

An artistic exploration and celebration of Black identity, curated by local creatives.

DURHAM

Emancipation Tours at Stagville

📅 Thursday, June 19 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

📍 Stagville State Historic Site

Step into history with guided tours that honor the stories of those newly freed.

Party in the Park: Juneteenth Edition

📅 Thursday, June 19 | 12 – 3:30 p.m.

📍 Hub RTP Campus

Live music, engaging activities, and community celebration in the heart of the Triangle.

CARY

Juneteenth Celebration

📅 Saturday, June 21 | 3 – 9 p.m.

📍 Downtown Cary Park

Join historian Darrell Stover and your community for an enriching afternoon of celebration.

FAYETTEVILLE

Juneteenth Jubilee: Sovereign

📅 Saturday, June 14 | 3 – 9 p.m.

📍 Festival Park, Downtown

Enjoy performances, speakers, and vibrant cultural expression.

Hari Jones Memorial Lecture Series

📅 Monday, June 16 | 7 p.m.

📍 Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church

Public historian Khadija McNair explores the significance of Juneteenth and freedom’s legacy.

WAKE FOREST

2025 Juneteenth Celebration

📅 Friday, June 20 – Saturday, June 21

A two-day event filled with family fun, entertainment, and cultural appreciation.

ZEBULON

Celebrating History by Celebrating Freedom

📅 Thursday, June 19 & Saturday, June 21

📍 Zebulon Community Center & Park

Music, crafts, performances, and more in this two-day community event.

MORE EVENTS ACROSS THE REGION

Garner offers a film + live performance event at the Performing Arts Center and a kids’ sewing activity at the library. Mebane, Pittsboro, Creedmoor, and Hillsborough all host meaningful programs exploring freedom, poetry, crafts, and community. Virtual options like NC Emancipation Stories provide access for all who want to engage with history from home.

Why Juneteenth Matters

Juneteenth is not just a date on the calendar — it’s a powerful reminder of resilience, resistance, and the ongoing journey toward equity. It honors ancestors, celebrates heritage, and creates space for education, healing, and joy.

This Juneteenth, honor the past and celebrate the future by joining your neighbors at one of these many inspiring events across Central NC. From walking tours and lectures to music festivals and family fun, there’s something for everyone to connect with the spirit of freedom.

🔗 For more updates and community happenings in Raleigh, follow DoRaleigh.com.

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