5th Annual Juneteenth Festival
Join us as we celebrate African American Freedom on Friday, June 19. This FREE family-friendly event will bring vendors, food, drinks, live music and entertainment. Q Parker, one of the founding members of 112, is returning as our national act this year. If you missed him last year, here’s your chance to see him LIVE!
In partnership with the City of Portsmouth, the Urban League of Hampton Roads invites you to the 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival—a vibrant community celebration honoring Black freedom, culture, and resilience.
This year’s festival brings together the best of Hampton Roads and beyond with a full day of music, food, art, and local businesses. Past festivals have drawn thousands and featured unforgettable performances by artists like Sunshine Anderson, Syleena Johnson, Blackstreet, 702, Hi-Five, and Montel Jordan. Follow us on social media for announcements about this year’s entertainment lineup!
What to Expect:
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Live Music: Enjoy a lineup of local and national performers bringing energy, soul, and celebration to the stage all day long.
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Local Vendors: Shop and support minority-owned businesses offering everything from handmade goods to community resources.
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Food You Love: Come hungry—soul food staples, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks will be available from some of the area’s favorite food vendors.
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Art & Culture: Explore the work of BIPOC artists and creators showcasing their talents and sharing their stories.
Event Details:
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Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
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Time: 2:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
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Location: Portsmouth Waterfront along High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth (Virginia)
This is more than a festival—it’s a gathering of community, history, and pride. Bring your friends, bring your family, and celebrate Juneteenth with us. We’ll see you there.
Arrival Info
HRT bus, light rail & Elizabeth River Ferry
Free fares: All Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) buses, light rail, ferry, Paratransit, and OnDemand ridesharing are free on Friday, June 19 in commemoration of Juneteenth.
Elizabeth River Ferry: FREE
Continuous service from 5:35am–12:15am. Extra ferries at 10:15am and 4pm through fireworks. Expect delays during Parade of Sail.
Light rail hours — The Tide: FREE
5:12am–10am — Every 15 minutes
10am–12am — Every 10 minutes
Free park-and-ride lots (via HRT light rail)
Skip the downtown congestion – park for free at any of these four HRT stations and ride the Tide light rail into the event for free on Friday.
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Newtown Road Station: Newtown Road & Kempsville Road
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Military Highway Station: Curlew Drive & Corporate Boulevard
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Ballentine/Broad Creek Station: Ballentine Boulevard & I-264
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EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station: Lot 6 and Lot 19 – open 6pm Friday, June 19 through midnight Sunday, June 21
Event parking in Portsmouth
Parking will be available near the event at the following locations:
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I.C. Norcom High School: 1801 London Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23704 Shuttle to County street
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Courts Parking Lot: 1345 Court St, Portsmouth, VA 23704
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County Street Lot: 220 County St, Portsmouth, VA 23704
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Middle Street Garage: 441 Middle St, Portsmouth, VA 23704
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Civic Center Lot: 500 Water St, Portsmouth, VA 23704
See You ON JUNE 19th!
Our Juneteenth CommUNITY Friends
National Acts: Q Parker
Local Talent: Samora T, K.N.E.S, Luckey, Dee from the P, Changing Phaces Go-Go Band, Da Silencer, For The Record, D. Will
Host: K’Bana Blaq
Pre-Order Your Juneteenth Merch
Skip the wait! Order online and pickup your order at the event during the festival.
Entertainment Schedule
2:30pm — Doors Open & Celebration Begins | K’Bana Blaq, DJ & ULHR Team
2:45pm — Opening Performance | Samora T
3:00pm — K.N.E.S
3:30pm — Luckey
3:45pm — Dee from the P
4:15pm — Go-Go Band Performance | Changing Phaces Go-Go Band
5:00pm — Da Silencer
5:30pm — For The Record
5:45pm — Final Local Performance | D. Will
6:15pm — Official Proclamation | City of Portsmouth, Mayor & ULHR
7:15pm — National Artist — Headliner | Q Parker
Our 2026 sponsors
Geico
Dollar Tree
Atlantic Union Bank
Newport News Shipbuilding
Avalon Bay Communities
Southern Trust Mortgage
Sentara
Riverside Health
Looking Back
Thank you to our incredible sponsors, dedicated vendors, and all the guests who came out to celebrate our 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival with us! Not even the weather could dampen our spirits. We kept the commUNITY celebration alive with joy, unity, and purpose. A special thank you to Roger Brown’s Restaurant and Sports Bar for graciously hosting the remainder of the evening and making it possible for us to enjoy unforgettable performances by Sunshine Anderson and Q Parker. Your support made this day truly memorable!
Special thanks to Creative Impressions for capturing the festival live in action last year.
What is the juneteenth freedom day festival?
It is a vibrant celebration of Black freedom, culture, and resilience hosted each June by the Urban League of Hampton Roads. This community-centered event brings together thousands for a powerful day of unity and joy.
Festival-goers enjoy an exciting mix of live music, local food favorites, artisan vendors, and cultural showcases that highlight the richness of the Black experience. Past lineups have featured legendary performances from artists like Syleena Johnson, Blackstreet, 702, Hi-Five, Montel Jordan, and more. The festival also uplifts local talent and minority-owned businesses, creating a space where culture, commerce, and community thrive together.
From soulful sounds and savory bites to inspiring art and meaningful connections, the Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival is more than an event. It is a celebration of heritage, progress, and pride.
Follow us on social media for updates on future dates, locations, performers, and featured vendors. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape a brighter future.