Asheville celebrates Juneteenth

Name: Asheville celebrates Juneteenth
Start: 2026-06-16
End: 2026-06-16
Location: city of Asheville

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

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Tues. 6/16 (5:30pm-8pm at Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 Location) “Celebrating the Community” The annual memorial program of civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, who were murdered on June 21, 1964. And the debut of a documentary video on the history and work of the MLK Association, highlighting the life of Dr. Oralene Simmons, the creation of the Asheville Prayer Breakfast, and the impact the Association has had on WNC. Wed. 6/17 (5:30pm-7pm at Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 Location) “Black Asheville 411” is a panel discussion about celebrating Asheville’s Black community. Representatives of organizations that hold African American centered events in Asheville (Just Folks/Triangle Park events, The Block Collaborative/Ujamaa Marketplace, Grind AVL/Grindfest, YMI Cultural Center/Goombay, Legacy Neighborhoods Coalition/Village Fest)will discuss their organization, their history/purpose, their event, and their goals. Thurs. 6/18 (6pm-9pm at Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 Location) The MLK Association proudly promotes a Umoja Health, Wellness and Justice Collective event, LEGENDARY: Celebrating The Legacy of John R. Hayes. After he passed in 2021, the City of Asheville proclaimed June 18 as John R. Hayes Day to honor his decades of racial justice leadership. This event will feature a live performance by the John R. Hayes Highsteppin' Majorettes and Drum Corps at 6p followed by a program inside the event space with remarks from community leaders and screening of selections from an in-progress documentary about Elder Hayes and his legacy. Free food will be provided by community partner Bear's Smokehouse BBQ, with a cash bar and event space provided by community partner Burial Beer. This event is open to the public with general admission (standing room only) available for a $15 suggested donation and limited reserved seating available for $50. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Umoja Health Wellness & Justice Collective, which carries forward the legacy that began with John R. Hayes. Fri. 6/19 (Noon-8pm at The Block, Eagle and Market Streets, Downtown Asheville Location) The MLK Association proudly promotes The Block Collaborative (Noir Collective, Penny Cup, Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, YMI) Celebrate Juneteenth on The Block! Which are two events: Ujamaa Marketplace featuring Black businesses and vendors from 12 - 8 pm and Vibe & Glide, an outdoor Skate Party from 5 - 8 pm. Both will take place on Eagle and S. Market Streets. Just Folks will also be hosting a mini food and health fair at Triangle Park. YMI Cultural Center, the oldest Black Cultural Center in the US, will conduct tours of its facility and will put on a soiree, Seersucker and Sundresses, from 3pm-6pm for young adult folks! Backyard Day & Night parties by The Foundry Hotel and OG Synergy. See the full schedule and updates at VisitTheBlock.com Fri. 6/19 (5pm-9pm at Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Ashville, NC 28801 Location) The City of Asheville’s Downtown After 5 is an evening of music, food, as the citizens of Asheville, their WNC neighbors, and visitors to the area come together to celebrate Juneteenth, and the spirit of community and joy it represents. Sat. 6/20 (6pm-9pm at AB-Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville, NC 28801 Location) The MLK Association’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration Gala and fashion show. A celebration of Juneteenth, also known as Jubilation Day! Free to the public with food provided by Kente Kitchen, music from the Freeflow band, and a chance for attendees to show-off their African and prolific attire! Information about reserving tickets are at https://mlkasheville.org/

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city of Asheville

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https://mlkasheville.org/

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The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc., in partnership with the City of Asheville while host and promote a week of events to celebrate, remember, observe, and honor the feelings of hope and progress Juneteenth inspires. These events include community celebrations, music, food, and dancing, Asheville's Downtown After 5, and a gala!

Event Details

Event Type

Celebrations & Commemorations Festivals & Fairs

Event Topic

African American History & Culture Juneteenth

Regions

Mountains

Audiences

All Ages / General Public

Website

https://mlkasheville.org/

Contact Name

Jonathan McCoy

Contact Email

jmccoy025@gmail.com