5th Annual Juneteenth Festival
Thank you to everyone who celebrated Black freedom, culture and resilience with us on Friday, June 19 over at the Portsmouth Waterfront. This FREE family-friendly event brought vendors, food, drinks, live music and entertainment. Q Parker, one of the founding members of 112, returned as our national act, bringing hits and high energy to the stage.
Our 2026 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
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.