Guide to Winston-Salem Juneteenth 2026

Winston-Salem's Juneteenth Festival, organized by Triad Cultural Arts (TCA), is one of the largest Black cultural celebrations in the Southeast. Now in its 27th year, the festival draws thousands of locals and regional visitors to celebrate freedom, culture, and community — and this year carries extra weight, marking the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth as the nation prepares for its 250th milestone.

"2026 has been the most successful fundraising year for Juneteenth ever — a testimony to how, as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Juneteenth calls us to reflect not only on history, but on our shared future and what it means for each of us," says Abrea Armstrong, TCA Executive Director.

Historically observed on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation — officially marking the end of slavery in the United States, two years after it was signed. Today, Winston-Salem honors that journey with a full weekend of events. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Juneteenth Festival: At a Glance

► When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 12–7 p.m.

► Where: Downtown Winston-Salem (Bailey Park & Biotech Place)

► Cost: Free admission (Food, crafts, and merchandise available for purchase)

► Parking: Free parking and shuttles at the 4th Street Church Parking Deck (455 N. Church St.) map

► What to Expect: An intergenerational mix of music, history, art, and culture for all ages.

Festival Highlights

Food Truck Alley: Sponsored by Texas Pete (with sauce giveaways), local trucks serving soul food classics and heritage-inspired dishes

Artisan Market: Regional vendors selling Afrocentric fashion, original art, handcrafted jewelry, heritage apparel, candles, and fragrant oils

Kid's Kingdom: Designed for families, this area features hands-on crafts, tribal dot face painting, and interactive games. Inside the Literacy Village, children can join culturally affirming literacy activities and live read-aloud sessions with local authors.

Black 250 Exhibit: An on-site exhibition timed to America's 250th anniversary, this curated look at African American history feels especially fitting for a festival that has always looked as much toward the future as the past.

Special Tributes: This year's festival will honor the 100th anniversary of SafeBus — the first and largest Black-owned transportation company in the world, founded right here in Winston-Salem. Commemorative memorabilia will be available at the festival.

Stage Lineup:  Performances will run throughout the day across multiple stages:

• Bailey Park Upper Stage – Regional jazz artists from 1:30 p.m., plus a youth talent showcase
• Bailey Park Main Stage – The day's biggest performances culminate with headliner Who's Bad — one of the world's premier Michael Jackson tribute acts — taking the stage at 6:30 p.m.
• Biotech Place Stage (Indoors) – Ongoing performances by spiritual and shout standouts The McIntosh County Shouters

For updated details, visit the official Winston-Salem Juneteenth website.

Juneteenth Events in Forsyth County

The June 20 festival is only one of several ways to celebrate local Black history and culture in the coming weeks. Here are other events and experiences happening across the community.

Freedom Day: Griot Gathering

• When – Friday, May 22 (6 p.m.)
• Where – The CMPND (231 W. Fourth St.)
• Cost – Admission is free (see details)

Hosted by Triad Cultural Arts, this soulful, intergenerational celebration focuses on the power of storytelling to preserve Black culture and heritage. Held at The CMPND (pronounced Compound), the event features film screenings, live performances, and dramatic readings. Attendees can bring their favorite vinyl records for an interactive experience that includes professional family portraits and a community art project. Admission is free.

African Queens Concert 

• When – Thursday, June 18 (7:30 p.m.)
• Where – First Baptist Church (501 W. Fifth St.)
• Cost – Admission is free (see details)

Juneteenth weekend celebrations get underway on Thursday at First Baptist on Fifth in downtown Winston-Salem with a powerful new performance. Created by Karen Slack, the show honors seven remarkable queens through spirituals and contemporary works by leading Black composers. There is no cost to attend, but tickets are required. Get more details here.

Kernersville Juneteenth + Fireworks 

• When – Friday, June 19 (4:30 p.m. + 6:30 p.m.)
• Where – Körner’s Folly + Harmon Park (downtown Kernersville, NC)
• Cost – Admission is free

Head to Kernersville on Friday for two back-to-back Juneteenth celebrations. Things kickoff at historic Körner’s Folly with free self-guided tours and a special exhibit honoring Clara Körner (“Aunt Dealy”), along with an interactive unity mural painting led by famed local artist Leo Rucker. At 6:30 p.m., the festivities shift to nearby Harmon Park for the annual Kernersville Juneteenth Celebration with live music and performances, food vendors, family activities, a drone show, and fireworks to close out the night. Admission to both events is free.

Heritage Tours (Triad Cultural Arts)

Offered year-round, these tours offer a comprehensive deep dive into Black legacy through trolley, bus, and walking tours. These immersive journeys visit celebrated landmarks such as St. Philips Heritage Site and the historic Happy Hill neighborhood, offering a powerful look at life through the Jim Crow and Civil Rights eras. Tours are available year-round by request. 

• TCA also operates the Shotgun House Legacy Site, a restored early 20th-century home that brings to life the lived experiences of the early 1900s. Located in Happy Hill—the city’s first Black neighborhood—the site offers group tours by appointment, with an optional neighborhood walking tour add-on available. 

Explore more happenings by checking out our Events Calendar, or make it a full and enjoy more of what Winston-Salem has to offer. Check out places to stay in the area and Plan Your Visit today.