Special Events Mark Juneteenth in Virginia Beach

Learn about the history of the newest federally recognized holiday, while enjoying free live music, as well as cultural special events and an inaugural fun run, as the City of Virginia Beach celebrates Juneteenth throughout June. See each listing for details.

African American Music Month Celebration
3-5 p.m., June 1, Mount Trashmore Park
Symphonicity, the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach, under the direction of Maestro Daniel W. Boothe, will take audiences on a journey through blues, jazz and classical compositions, weaving together the rich tapestry of African and African American musical heritage. Highlighting this rare event is a special appearance by world-renowned composer and Virginia Beach resident, Dr. Adolphus Hailstork. Free and open to the public. Learn more at culture.virginiabeach.gov/events.

VBGIGs with VAACC in the ViBe Celebrating Juneteenth
9 a.m. to noon, June 15, ViBe Creative District Outdoor Stage
Free concert, featuring performers from the Virginia African American Cultural Center (VAACC), in honor of Juneteenth week. Event takes place during the ViBe Creative District’s Art & Eco Market. VBGIGs, or Virginia Beach Globally Inspired Gatherings, is a free, or low-cost, performance series presented by the City of Virginia Beach to provide opportunities for residents and visitors to engage and explore the music, theater and dance of various cultures around the world, as well as regionally specific performing arts from around North America. Events are designed to inspire inter-cultural conversation through shared performance experiences. Free and open to the public. Learn more at culture.virginiabeach.gov/events.

Juneteenth at the Beach
June 15, 16, 19, varying times, 24th Street Stage and Park at the Oceanfront
A three-day festival of family-friendly fun, education, engagement, activities, live entertainment, games, and the opportunity to support local small businesses. Events include a parade, car show, fashion show, trivia, block party, poetry, demonstrations, children’s village and more. Presented by T.E.A.M. L.A.M.B. and The L.A.M.B.S. Foundation with support from the City of Virginia Beach. Some events may require tickets. Learn more at www.juneteenthatb.com.

Jubilee Run 5K and 1 Miler
8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., June 16, Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
An inaugural family-friendly run along the Boardwalk to celebrate freedom and equality. Both out-and-back courses start and end at 24th Street. The turnaround point is at 17th Street for the mile and 2nd Street for the 5k. Presented by the Tidewater Striders with support from the City of Virginia Beach. Registration is required. Learn more at runsignup.com/Race/VA/VirginiaBeach/JubileeRun5K1Miler.

Black History/Black Futures: The Art of Resistance Podcast
Podcast available June 19
Presented by Norfolk State University, in partnership with the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, this podcast features Brittney S. Harris, an award-winning playwright, performer, filmmaker, and Old Dominion University professor of theatre, in conversation with Curtis Stewart, a Grammy-nominated, award-winning composer, violinist and professor at The Juilliard School.

Norfolk State University’s Endowed Professor of Virginia Black History and Culture, Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, will moderate this discussion, exploring each guest’s artistic genre. Together, they uncover stories of resistance through music and theater in the past and present. Podcast will be available for free at virginiabeach.gov/culture.

Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL)
In addition to these free adult Juneteenth programs, 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 account. Learn more at virginiabeach.gov/library.

• Juneteenth Decoration craft class, 2-4 p.m., June 8, TCC/City Joint-Use Library: Adults can make a red hibiscus paper flower decoration while learning about the significance of red in Juneteenth celebrations. Free, but registration is required.
• Juneteenth Kahoot trivia game, 2-3:30 p.m., June 17, Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library: Adults can answer trivia questions about African American history using a phone or Library iPad. Free and open to the public.
• Juneteenth Paint Night, 7-8:30 p.m., June 19, offsite at Vibrant Shore Brewing Company: Adults can learn about the history of Juneteenth while creating a painting in celebration of the holiday. Free. All supplies are provided, and registration is required.

All events listed above are part of City of Virginia Beach sponsorships or department-specific initiatives.