Juneteenth Is Coming — Here's How to Celebrate With Your Kids

Every year around this time, I find myself in the car with my kids and a question I want to answer really well: Mom, what is Juneteenth?

It's one of those questions that deserves more than a quick answer at a red light. Juneteenth - celebrated every June 19th - is one of the American holidays you may not have grown up with front and center. But it belongs to all of us, and this year, our corner of the Carolinas has some truly wonderful ways to experience it together as a family.

Let's start with the story.

The Story Behind the Holiday

The Civil War ended in April 1865 when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered. President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier, in January 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate states legally free.

But here's the part that matters for Juneteenth: freedom on paper didn't always mean freedom in practice. In remote parts of the country, word traveled slowly - or was deliberately withheld by enslavers who had no intention of giving up their workforce. It wasn't until June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and formally announced that the war was over and all enslaved people were free. For thousands of people in Texas, that day was the first time they actually, truly experienced freedom.

That day - June 19th, or "Juneteenth" (a blend of June and nineteenth) - became a day of celebration, joy, remembrance, and community. It has been observed ever since, and in 2021 it became a federal holiday.

How to explain it to your kids:

• Little ones (ages 3-6): "A long time ago in our country, some people weren't allowed to be free. On June 19th, they finally heard the news that they were free. Juneteenth is our way of celebrating that freedom every year!"
• Elementary age (7-10): "Even after the law said people were free, some didn't find out for a long time. When they finally heard the news, people celebrated with music, food, and joy. We still celebrate that moment today."
• Tweens and older: "Juneteenth is about the gap between what the law says and what people actually experience - and it's also a celebration of resilience, Black culture, and community. It's a day to learn, reflect, and come together."

Celebrate Locally- Events Near You

The good news: you don't have to go far. Both Union County and Charlotte have meaningful, family-friendly celebrations happening right now and through the weekend.

  In Union County

Monroe Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 13 | 3-7 p.m. Belk Tonawanda Park, Monroe

Monroe's city-hosted celebration is a free, community-centered event right in the heart of Union County. Great for all ages!

Waxhaw Juneteenth Celebration Friday, June 19 | 6-9 p.m. Downtown Park, 301 Givens St., Waxhaw

This one is a gem for families in our area. Waxhaw's free celebration features three stage performances, an interactive drum circle, an interactive coloring mural, and a story walk with the Union County Library — plus vendors and food trucks. It's a wonderful way to spend a summer evening with the kids.

Indian Trail Juneteenth Celebration Friday, June 19 | 6-9 p.m. Crossing Paths Park, Indian Trail

Free and open to all, right in Indian Trail.

Marshville Juneteenth Celebration Parade Saturday, June 13 This year's parade honors a very special Legacy Grand Marshal — Mrs. Queen Sturdivant, a 92-year-old Marshville resident. What a meaningful moment to witness with your children.

  In Charlotte

Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas June 18-21 | House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Ave., Plaza Midwood

This free, multi-day festival is one of Charlotte's signature Juneteenth celebrations. The weekend includes a Youth Culture Camp (June 18), a drum circle and opening ceremony (June 20, noon–10 p.m.), and a Gospel Fest to close things out on Sunday, June 21 (11 a.m.–9 p.m.). Free shuttles run on Saturday from Little Rock AME Zion Church and Skyla Credit Union.

Harvey B. Gantt Center - Juneteenth: An Ode to West Fest Thursday, June 19 

The Gantt Center's 6th Annual Juneteenth celebration pays homage to Charlotte's historic West Fest, with exhibitions, live music, talks on freedom and art, giveaways, a kids corner, and a senior citizens area. Free for all ages - a wonderful, meaningful stop for the whole family.

University City Juneteenth Art Fest Thursday, June 19 | 4-8 p.m. Shoppes at University Place

A free art-focused festival near UNC Charlotte featuring local visual artists, live performances, and a scenic lakefront setting. A great low-key option if you want something festive but manageable with little ones.

Huntersville/Mecklenburg County Parks Celebration Thursday, June 19, Veterans Park, Huntersville

The Town of Huntersville and Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation are hosting a family-friendly celebration with guest speakers, local food trucks, and a concert by Envision. Perfect for families on the north side.

A Few Tips for Celebrating With Kids

Before you head out, consider making it a learning moment at home first. Look up Galveston, Texas on a map together. Read a picture book like Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free or All Different Now by Angela Johnson. Ask your kids: What do you think it felt like to finally hear that news?

Then go celebrate. Eat good food, listen to music, and let your kids watch their community come together. That's what Juneteenth has always been about - joy and freedom, shared out loud.

Always verify event details before you go, as times and locations can change. Have a wonderful Juneteenth, Union County and Charlotte families!