When is Juneteenth and how is the holiday celebrated
Juneteenth is coming up. Here is what the holiday is about and how it’s celebrated.
- Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. and is a federal holiday.
- Counties in the Upstate of South Carolina are hosting various events to celebrate the holiday.
- Celebrations include festivals, expos, cookouts, art exhibitions, and live music performances.
- Events are scheduled in Anderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties throughout the Juneteenth weekend.
Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is observed annually on June 19.
Also known as “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth is regarded as one of the oldest continuing African American holidays, celebrated since 1866. Former President Joe Biden signed legislation to make the day a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
This year, Juneteenth will be held Friday, giving celebrators a weekend to take part in events. Here are events you’ll want to add to your calendar if you plan on celebrating Upstate.
Anderson County
∎ Juneteenth Festival 2026: This Juneteenth festival at Clemson University includes free parking and admission. At the event, attendees can look forward to live performances, a vendors market, arts and crafts for children, author readings, heritage tours, and food trucks.
When/Where: June 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m at Clemson University’s Hendrix Center at 720 McMillan Road, Clemson.
∎ Juneteenth Black Excellence Expo: Freedom, legacy, progress, and community will be celebrated at this expo, presented by Start Tomorrow Today. The family friendly event will feature shopping, community, resources, networking opportunities, and health and wellness education.
When/Where: Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Welfare Baptist Church at 2176 Bolt Drive, Belton.
∎ Juneteenth Celebration ’26: Hundreds will come together for a Juneteenth experience that celebrates community, culture, and commerce. At the event, there will be food trucks, vendors, small businesses, and creatives and entrepreneurs. There will also be over 20,000 products and clothing giveaways.
When/Where: Friday, June 19, 12-7 p.m. at 1109 Mountain Spring Road, Anderson.
Greenville County
∎ The Juneteenth Experience: This rodeo-style Juneteenth event is sure to be a blast with live performances, southern soul, and line dancing. It will also feature food trucks and a kids zone. Tickets are $28.52 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
When/Where: Saturday, June 20, 2-9 p.m., at 931 South Garrison Road, Simpsonville.
∎ Juneteenth GVL presents The Freedom Celebration: This celebration will recognize community progress through live music, a DJ, light hors d’oeuvres, and like-minded individuals looking to connect. Tickets are $50.
When/Where: Friday, June 19, 6 p.m.-11 p.m. at The L, Larkin’s Catering & Events, 211 E. Broad St. Suite B, Greenville.
∎ Juneteenth Cookout: Come and enjoy great food with a cause at this family friendly Juneteenth cookout, hosted by Dream Preparatory Academy. The celebration will feature music and entertainment, from bounce houses and kids activities to games and community connection. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite.
When/Where: Thursday, June 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at 29 Ridgeway Drive, Greenville.
Spartanburg County
Note: Information for the following Juneteenth events can be found on the City of Spartanburg’s website.
∎ The Get Together: The Art of Melvin Nesbitt Jr.: Spartanburg-born artist Melvin L. Nesbitt will showcase his solo exhibition at Wofford College.
“Nesbitt’s imagery pays particular tribute to the resilience of children in low-income neighborhoods, while communicating that all children have value,” said the event page.
When/Where: Monday, June 15, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Wofford College’s Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center of the Arts, 130 Memorial Dr., Spartanburg.
∎ Freedom & Rhythm at Music on Main: In celebration of Juneteenth, Spartanburg’s Music on Main will feature a live performance from the band Xperience Soul. The event is free to the public.
When/Where: Thursday, June 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Morgan Square, 125 East Main Street, Spartanburg.
∎ Block Party featuring Fireworks Show: Honor the past and celebrate the future at this Juneteenth event, featuring a fireworks show, live music, trivia, and food.
When/Where: Friday, June 19, 6-10 p.m., at South Daniel Morgan Avenue, Spartanburg.
Nina Tran is the breaking news and education reporter for The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her via email at [email protected].
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.greenvilleonline.com ’
