Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration of Black culture and excellence for Black Americans in the United States. It’s a day of remembrance, observance and living Black joy out loud in a country that once extinguished that with bondage, violence and law. On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, over two years after slavery was abolished, a U.S. Major General read General Order #3, proclaiming all slaves in Texas free. This is believed to be the last part of the country to receive the news, marking that day as the day every Black American was free. This became known as Juneteenth.
The whole country has something planned for Juneteenth, from city-sponsored events to neighborhood block parties. There will be no shortage of fun, educational, informative and inspiring experiences to enjoy. Cumberland County is no different, with a range of family-friendly events happening around the county all weekend. Grab your sunscreen, folding chair and joy, and head to any of the amazing events below.

Fayetteville
400 Years: The Evolution of Black America
Cameo Art House Theater
Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m.
The unofficial, official kickoff to the Cumberland County Juneteenth festivities, 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America, is in its fourth year. This is an inspiring contemporary production by the extraordinarily talented women of Book Black Women, Inc, led by Ayana Washington and Cerina Thomas of No Longer Bound Entertainment. It features and highlights talented local musicians, actors, dancers, poets and other creatives.
The production has found a second home at the Clayton Center as part of its Juneteenth celebration on June 13, expanding the experience far beyond Cumberland County. This year is extra special, with the release and screening of the 400 Years Documentary, chronicling the evolution of the production from conception to its now multi-city performance.
Washington is rightfully proud of the growth and success of 400 Years, as well as its impact on the community, stating, “I want the community to know that Juneteenth is both a celebration and an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, contributions and ongoing story of Black Americans. Our goal is not only to entertain but also to inspire conversations that continue long after the curtain closes. We are grateful for every organization, artist, volunteer, and audience member who has helped this production grow over the years.”
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.bookblackwomen.org/ or https://tr.ee/z7XWqXFPAW

Juneteenth Jubilee
Friday, June 19
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Festival Park
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee has a packed roster of performers, vendors and artists. Sponsored by the City of Fayetteville and Cool Spring Downtown District, this year’s Afrofuturism-themed celebration is tapped to be the biggest yet, with Mississippi-born songbird Kirby headlining. You may have never heard the name, but you’ve heard her words, writing for some of the biggest names in the business like Rihanna and Beyoncé.
Her music is a mix of blues and soul with a hint of that Deep South Mississippi country twang. Her lyrics are intentional and her performance is magnetic. The names and talent don’t stop there. Atlanta-native, but now North Carolina based country crooner Misha Fair will grace the stage with some of her biggest hits like Blood, Sweat & Wine. The lineup will also include a lineup of Fayetteville’s favorite local artists, including Trev Truth.
Festival Park will be packed with food, craft and cultural vendors, as well as art. A celebration of the achievements and creation of Black Americans, in the past, present, and in the future will be showcased.
Ashanti Bennett, President and CEO of Cool Spring Downtown District, a leading force behind the event, is excited for the community to come out and make connections, commenting, “Our Juneteenth Jubilee infuses the spirit of that history in a community gathering that celebrates the contributions, resilience, and relentless joy of Black Americans today. It is a chance to come together and reflect on a shadowed past, while leaning towards the light, and imagining a limitless future. We celebrate through curated art, music, food, education, entrepreneurship and overall camaraderie.”
“Cool Spring Downtown District is proud to be the curators of this event on behalf of the City of Fayetteville, for the fifth year,” she added. “The Jubilee embodies our mission to make downtown Fayetteville a dynamic hub where creativity, culture, and commerce thrive. See you at the Jubilee!”
This event is free to the public. Festival Park has a clear bag policy that is strictly enforced.

Juneteenth Celebration 5K
Saturday, June 20
7:30 a.m.
Runner Check-in 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.
Evans Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
What started as a 150-strong first-year 5K in honor of Juneteenth has grown to an estimated 600 runners and walkers, taking on 5k (3.2 miles). The race was first started by Shawn Wussow, a race organizer and co-owner of Stubborn Donkey Running. In 2023, the race was transferred over to the Fayetteville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and has continued its success and size. There are currently no openings to participate, but there is a waiting list and some merchandise for sale to help the cause. Proceeds from the race go to the FAC DST Scholarship fund. To join the waiting list or make a donation, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Fayetteville/JuneteenthFAY5k.

Spring Lake
Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mendoza Park, 1770 Little River Rd., Spring Lake
Spring Lake is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration in Mendoza Park. The family-friendly event will feature food trucks, live music and performances, arts and crafts, games, and poetry; a community celebration for all to enjoy. Grab a lawn chair and your dancing shoes.

The Juneteenth Heritage Awards and Brunch
Sunday, June 21
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Carver’s Creek State Park, Spring Lake
A Juneteenth weekend isn’t complete without attendance at the annual Heritage Awards and Brunch, hosted on the grounds of the historically significant and beautiful Carver’s Creek State Park. The family-friendly event is the culmination of a weekend celebration of hard work, creativity, excellence and resilience of Black Americans.
Continuing the theme of the weekend, this year’s theme is Afrofuturism in Elegance: Rooted in truth. Rising in possibility. This event was founded by cultural heritage nonprofit, Circa 1865, Inc.. Their mission, “to preserve and celebrate Black cultural legacy in our region,” is the cornerstone of why they continue to make this event bigger and better every year. The immersive experience includes the Carver's Creek Heritage Journey, a guided tractor ride of the land, embarking with knowledge and a new understanding of history, memory, and freedom. Providing the entertainment are Black Note Collective and Bougie Bites and Boards will be providing the delicious fare.
This year’s award winners are
• Debora Hudson | Legacy of Service Award
• Sandhills Family Heritage Association, in memory of the late Ammie Jenkins | Cultural Preservation Award
• Commissioner Sona L. Cooper | Community Excellence Award
• Jerry and Justin Canada, Legacy Rolls | Economic Empowerment Award
• Dr. Antoinne Duane Jones, ADJ Media | Creative Visionary Award
Each one of these individuals has had a positive impact on the Spring Lake community. Spring Lake Mayor and Founder and President of Circa 1865, Inc, Kia Anthony, is proud of the legacy they are creating with this annual event, noting, “Come. Bring your family. Wear something that makes you feel good. This event is for the community, for the elders who kept this history alive, and for the young people who need to see themselves in it. Juneteenth deserves to be celebrated like it means something. We're making sure it does.”
Tickets are $40 General Admission and $65 for VIP and can be purchased at https://pay.wearecirca1865.com/juneteenthheritageawards.

Hope Mills
Juneteenth Liberty and Legacy Celebration
Saturday, June 20
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Hive of Hope Mills, 3414 Bullard Street
Hope Mills is putting on a celebration this year, with an entire day packed with fun, food and entertainment for the entire family. The celebration includes an open market, cultural art crawl, vendors and live music. Local radio personality and connection-maker, ShaDonna “The Mo You Know” McPaul, will be present with a live broadcast with Cumulus Music Group and 104.5 WCCG and live music performances by Motran, Dani Urbane and Christopher Freedom. This is a free community event.

(Top Photo: The Queens of the 2025 Juneteenth Jubilee celebration pose for a photo. The 2025 Juneteenth theme was "Sovereign." In 2026, the Juneteenth Jubilee will take over Festival Park, and the county will celebrate other Juneteenth events throughout the weekend. Photo courtesy of City of Fayetteville, NC Facebook page)