Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration marking the ending of slavery in the United States.
There will be several celebrations and festivals in the Wilmington area to acknowledge, the recognition of freedom, legacy, and the power of community.
New Hanover County
The Juneteenth Committee of Wilmington, NC, Inc.
The Juneteenth Committee of Wilmington, NC, Inc. presents Juneteenth 2025.
Events schedule:
- Sunday, June 15: Juneteenth Gospel Fest, 2-4 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington. Free. For more information, Helen Johnson, 910-431-3072.
- Tuesday, June 17: Juneteenth Committee of Wilmington will host a tribute to United States Colored Troops at the Wilmington National Cemetery at 11 a.m. Free.
- Wednesday, June 18: Juneteenth Urban Hike and Luncheon, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington. Free.
- Thursday, June 19: Juneteenth Breakfast, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. The cost is $35 per person.
- Friday, June 20: Juneteenth Community Line Dance and Step show, 6-8 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington. Free.
- Saturday, June 21: Juneteenth Music Festival (noon-6 p.m.) and Black History Expo (noon-3 p.m.) at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington. Free.
- Saturday, June 28: Soulful Liberation − Juneteenth Through Art and Word, 2-3:30 p.m. at Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St., Wilmington. Free.
- Sunday, June 29: Miss Juneteenth Pageant at 3 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington. Free.
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For more information, visit Juneteenth Committee of Wilmington, Inc. Facebook page.
Juneteenth Jamboree
The WilmingtoNColor Heritage Tours invites the community to the Juneteenth Jamboree on Saturday, June 21 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Vue21North, 1002 Chestnut St, Wilmington. Entry is pay what you can for an all access wristband.
This family-friendly festival will feature
- Entertainment including magicians, fire breathers, and a fireworks finale.
- A curated selection of local vendors and food trucks.
- Hands-on art activities for all ages.
- Mini Black History Tours led by WilmingtoNColor, highlighting local heritage and hidden stories.
- A full range of drinks—from coffee and mocktails to craft cocktails.
Pender County
The 1865 Society of Pender County 2025 Juneteenth Celebration
The 1865 Society of Pender County invites the public to join in a vibrant celebration of heritage, freedom, and community during its third annual Juneteenth celebration to be held Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28. The events includes educational sessions, live entertainment, community honors, and a day-long festival culminating in a powerful gospel concert.
Events schedule:
June 27 ― Ancestry Reveal and the Night of Excellence celebration will be held at the Burgaw Train Depot, South Dickerson Street, Burgaw.
- Ancestry Reveal and informational session, sponsored by African Ancestry and Poplar Grove, will be held at 5 p.m. The free event will feature Gina Paige, Co-Founder and President of African Ancestry. Paige will present the history, process, and significance of African Ancestry testing, followed by the reveal of ancestry results for three local Pender County residents.
- The Night of Excellence celebration will be from 7-11 p.m. and will honor three outstanding community members for their exceptional contributions ― Glennis Hansley, nurse (Unsung Hero); Mildred Eakins (Legacy Award to be received by Barbara Eakins and Melinda Murphy); and Jim Hock, Burgaw Police Chief (Unsung Hero). Food will be served. Casual dress. Music by the “Midday Miss” of Coast 97.3 and a performance by Comedian D. Wissh.
June 28 ― The third annual Juneteenth Celebration and Gospel Concert will be held at the Pender County Courthouse Square, 100 S. Wright St., Burgaw, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Festivities include:
- Live entertainment
- Food trucks and local vendors
- Family-friendly activities
- Cultural performances
- Gospel concert beginning at 4:30 p.m. will feature Pastor John P. Kee and New Life. Other performances: Monica Ross & Family, The Harrison Family, Tru Prayze, James Murphy, and Comedian D. Wissh.
For more information, www.the1865society.com or 910-663-1829.
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].