Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved people found out they had been freed, after the Civil War and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed.
It’s been universally recognized as America’s second Independence Day since it became a federal holiday three years ago. Across NoVA, Juneteenth is remembered with events featuring music, food, art, and story reflections.
Bull Run Juneteenth Commemoration
June 15, 3 p.m.
Join the Fairfax County NAACP and NOVA Parks to celebrate the largest emancipation prior to the Civil War. Honor the lives of the enslaved and their descendants at the emancipation’s current site of Bull Run Regional Park with stories, reflections, and music. Afterward, stay for an ice cream social sponsored by Dominion Energy. Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, free
Juneteenth Celebration at Frying Pan Farm Park
June 15, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Visit Frying Pan Farm Park’s historic meeting house and grounds to learn about its legacy of freedom. Three tour times will feature the church, surrounding grounds, and the Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House. Learn about the former location of the Lee house, home of an African American family who lived on the property and worshipped at the church after the Civil War. Registration is recommended. Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, free
Stafford NAACP Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Join the Stafford NAACP in celebrating Juneteenth with “a day of joy, reflection, and unity” for the community. The event will feature a motorcade parade, music, food vendors, and reenactments at Colonial Forge High School. 550 Courthouse Rd., Stafford, free
The ‘Burg’ Family Reunion Club Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, noon–7 p.m.
This fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration at Ida Lee Park is a day of heritage, music, art, and community. Entertainment includes DJ Reddz, Neff Nuffsed, Quiet Fire Soul Show, and many more. There will be food and other vendors. Guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs, blankets, and their own registered tents. Ida Lee Park: 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg, $20, free for 11 and under
Sully Annual Car Show
June 16, 10 a.m.
See over 200 antique cars at this classic car show at the Sully Historic Site. Learn about Juneteenth and little-known African American inventors and patent holders in the transportation industry. You can tour the first floor of the main house and enjoy music, food, a children’s tent, and a flea market. Sully Historic Site: 3560 History Sully Way, Chantilly, $8–$12, $15 the day of, free for 4 and under
Carlyle House Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 6–8 p.m.
This historic house museum hosts its annual Juneteenth celebration in collaboration with The Athenaeum, a regional arts organization. Discover the history of Juneteenth outside on the lawn of the Carlyle House with art, history, poetry readings, and hands-on activities. Artists include KaNikki Jakarta, Ayanna Gallant, and 13 of Nazareth. Vendors include Fitz For Life, Day and Night Cereal Bar VA, and Khush Designs. Carlyle House: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, free
Paths of Freedom Seekers
June 19, 10–11 a.m.
At Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, listen to stories of African Americans who were forced to live and work on this farm. Reflect on how enslaved communities and freedom seekers have forged paths of resiliency throughout American history. Must be 8 and older to attend. Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly, $8
Feature image by ecrow, stock.adobe.com
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