A Guide to Juneteenth in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem's Juneteenth Festival, hosted by Triad Cultural Arts, is one of North Carolina's most significant celebrations of African American heritage and freedom. Now in its 26th year, the festival draws thousands to downtown's Innovation Quarter for a day filled with music, dance, art, and cultural exhibits. Spanning both Bailey Park and the adjacent Wake Forest Biotech Place, this vibrant event honors a community committed to celebrating Juneteenth for generations.

Juneteenth, observed on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, officially ending slavery in the United States. Although the proclamation had been issued over two years earlier, its delayed enforcement in Texas made this date a powerful symbol of delayed justice and ultimate freedom. Today, communities across the country, including Winston-Salem, gather to honor this historic milestone.

This year’s festival, themed "African Americans and the Arts," promises a dynamic lineup of performances, educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Attendees can look forward to live music, spoken word, dance, crafts, and contemporary art displays. Plus, with a variety of food vendors, kids' activities, historical presentations, and more, the festival truly offers something for everyone. 

Winston-Salem Juneteenth Festival

• Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
• Time: 1–8 p.m.
• Location: Innovation Quarter (Bailey Park and Wake Forest Biotech Place)
• Cost: Admission is free!

Join the community for a day filled with music, dance, art, food, and family-friendly activities celebrating African American heritage and freedom. Things kick off with a Black Joy Street Procession—a mile-long walk celebrating freedom and unity. The walk starts at 11:30 a.m. at MLK Drive and Cleveland Avenue and proceeds to Bailey Park, where an opening ceremony will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. Go here for signup details and a map of the route.

Here’s a snapshot of things you’ll experience once the festival officially kicks off at 1 p.m.

Crafts, Merchandise & Exhibits: Explore a bustling marketplace featuring Afrocentric fashion, original local art, and handcrafted jewelry inspired by African traditions. Discover unique art prints, accessories, heritage apparel, fragrant oils, soy candles, and more.

Culinary Court (food trucks + vendors): Savor the rich flavors of African American cuisine at the Culinary Court, where food trucks offer soul food classics and culturally inspired dishes. Enjoy heritage flavors while supporting local businesses from the Winston-Salem area.

Kid's Kingdom: Kids can enjoy hands-on crafts, tribal dot face painting, interactive games, and make-and-take activities. Literacy Village, part of the Kid’s Kingdom, offers culturally affirming literacy activities and author read-alouds. 

Music and Entertainment: Catch live performances at multiple stages throughout the day. The Biotech Place Stage (indoors) will feature performances by the spiritual/shout standouts The McIntosh County Shouters throughout the day. The upper (smaller) stage in Bailey Park will feature regional jazz artists starting at 1:30 p.m. However, most of the standout performers will be found on the Bailey Park Main Stage, which will be MC'd by local celebrity/comedian BDHAHT.

The Main Stage performances kick off from 12:30–1:30 p.m. with an Opening Ceremony featuring African drumming, youth dancers, choirs, the Healing Force ensemble, and others. From there, enjoy a range of artists playing everything from blues to jazz to R&B classics. Here's the full list of scheduled performers on the Main Stage:

• 12:30 – Opening Ceremony (various performers)
• 2:00 – LeVario Blue (R&B)
• 2:50 – Nina J. (R&B, Jazz)
• 3:25 – Hype Dance (Line Dance)
• 3:40 – The Band KruZen ( Blues, R&B, Jazz)
• 4:20 – The Choyce Band (R&B)
• 5:10 – Greater Vision Dance (Urban, Hip Hop, African)
• 5:25 – Gavin “Maestro” Williams (R&B, Jazz)
• 6:15 – Music by DJ
• 6:30 – September (Earth Wind & Fire tribute band)

Other Area Juneteenth Events to Enjoy
 

June 19: Juneteenth Fireworks Celebration | Harmon Park (Kernersville)
Join the Town of Kernersville and Triad Cultural Arts for the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Enjoy live music, local food vendors, kid-friendly activities, community vendors, and a fireworks display. Last year's event drew nearly 400 attendees. Admission is free and open to all ages. 6:30–9 p.m.

June 19: Winston-Salem Dash: Juneteenth Celebration | Truist Stadium
Celebrate Juneteenth with the Dash as they honor the impact of African American players in sports and the local community. The game features a tribute ceremony, plus the team's regular promos: "Thirsty Thursday," with $2 beers, and "Pups in the Park." First pitch: 6:30 p.m.

June 20: Art Crush: Juneteenth Edition | Downtown Arts District
This month’s Art Crush block party celebrates Juneteenth, highlighting local Black artists, culture, and community. Enjoy street vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities, extended gallery hours, and handmade art shopping—all centered at Sixth and Trade Streets. Admission is free. 7–10 p.m.

Year-Round: Heritage Tours with Triad Cultural Arts
Explore Winston-Salem’s rich African American heritage with Triad Cultural Arts (TCA) Heritage Tours. Since 2007, TCA has preserved local culture through immersive tours of significant landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and public art installations. Ideal for groups of all sizes, tours include trivia, giveaways, and an easy-to-use app. Choose from walking, trolley, or step-on tours—or explore remotely with virtual 360-degree options.
 

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.