Officially observed on June 20, 2022, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of people who were enslaved in the United States. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas in 1865. After the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.
To highlight this significant event in America's history, there are activities throughout the weekend in Chesapeake that celebrates with family, food, music, and more!
Juneteenth Activities and Events
Juneteenth Jazz Luncheon
June 18th at 1:00 pm
Chesapeake Conference Center
Presented by the Chesapeake Juneteenth Foundation LLC, celebrate with jazz and cultural and historical presentations. Featuring Historian Dr. E. Curtis Alexander, Dee Polite & Phenomenal Sounds, and Check 5A Cappella Group. Tickets for the Jazz Luncheon are $50 per person and sales end June 15th.
BBQ Cookoff
June 19 at 1:00 pm
Chesapeake Conference Center
Father's Day BBQ cook-off will be held as part of the Juneteenth Father's Day Festival.
Juneteenth Celebration - Her Story
June 20th at 7:00 pm
Painting with a Twist
Sip. Paint. Relax. Great night to connect with friends. Pre-registration is required, the cost is $43 per person.
Juneteenth Celebrations & Festivals
Juneteenth 757 Freedom Fest
June 18th at 10:30 am - 6:00 pm
Kenny Easley Ballpark
Come join in on the fun to celebrate Juneteenth with the 757FreedomFest & the Kenny Easley Athletic Foundation.
Juneteenth Gala
June 18 at 4:00 pm
Wingate by Wyndham Chesapeake
Mix, mingle and dine on a Southern Style buffet with live entertainment and celebrations. 2022 graduates will be presented with the Gwen Ransome Scholarship to help with their next journey to college. Tickets are $65 and must be purchased by June 6.
Juneteenth Father's Day Festivals
June 19 at 1:00 pm
Chesapeake Conference Center
Presented by the Chesapeake Juneteenth Foundation LLC, the Sunday festival is a full day of family fun outdoors. There will be live music, vendors, attractions, cotton candy, kids bounce house, popcorn, snowballs, face painting, and more. The festival will be honoring the US Colored Troops. Tickets are $10 per adult, and children under 10 are free. Ticket sales end June 19th.
