Special Events Mark Juneteenth in Virginia Beach

The Gregory Brothers are among the performers in the JazzTeenth Festival at the Sandler Center Plaza, June 19.

In honor of the commemoration of the freedom of enslaved people in our country, learn about Juneteenth's history while enjoying cultural special events, live music and more, as the City of Virginia Beach celebrates the holiday throughout the month.  

Events and Activities

Roots, Rhythm & Revolution: A Juneteenth Celebration  
June 12, 7 p.m., Williams Farm Park, 5269 Learning Circle

In collaboration with the Underground Performing Arts Collective, experience a vibrant Juneteenth celebration honoring Black history, resilience and cultural expression through performance, music and community gathering in a reflective space for audiences of all ages. Through live performance and artistic collaboration, the evening aims to celebrate the continued importance of storytelling and cultural remembrance within the community.

Free and open to the public. Advanced registration is recommended but not required. Part of Parks After Dark. 

Juneteenth Programs from Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) 
June 18, varying times and locations  

In addition to the free Juneteenth programs listed below, VBPL has a variety of Juneteenth-related materials for all ages in print and digital formats that are free to borrow with a Virginia Beach library card. Learn more at Libraries.VirginiaBeach.gov.  

• Explore Your Roots with Ancestry.com, June 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Windsor Woods Area Library, 3612 S Plaza Trail: Mark Juneteenth by exploring your family history. Join Windsor Woods Library for guided use of the library’s free access to Ancestry.com and learn practical tips for researching your family tree. For adults 18 and older. Registration is required. 
• Juneteenth Storytime and Family Craft, June 18, 5:30-7 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.: Honor Juneteenth with songs, stories and reflection. After storytime, families are invited to create a Juneteenth‑inspired craft together. Registration is not required. 

A Historic Homage to Juneteenth 
June 19, noon to 1:30 p.m., Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Plaza, 201 Market St.

Gather at the Sandler Center Plaza for free live musical performances and cultural engagement, honoring the significance of Juneteenth while celebrating the lasting impact of Black artistry and expression. Performers include Synnika Alek Lofton, Gregg Lee, Indigo Celeste and The Gregory Brothers. Event is presented in partnership through Virginia Beach Globally Inspired Gatherings (VBGIGs) and the Virginia African American Cultural Center.

JazzTeenth Festival 
June 20, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., 24th Street Park, 2405 Atlantic Ave.

Enjoy a Juneteenth cultural celebration rooted in music, history and community connection. A free public arts experience, the festival mixes music, spoken word, art, education and small business to honor African American heritage while welcoming the entire community. Performances are headlined by Grammy-nominated R&B powerhouse Keke Wyatt and acclaimed soul singer Vivian Green. Admission is free; VIP experience packages are available for purchase. For full details and tickets, visit JazzTeenthFestival.com.

Produced by G-Man Live, JazzTeenth is presented in partnership with the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department and McDonalds, and supports the City of Virginia Beach’s vision of celebrating Black history through the arts while fostering unity tourism and cultural pride across the region.