Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to proclaim that all enslaved people were free. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is our country’s second independence day and honors the end to slavery in the United States. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
All throughout the month of June, Catawba County agencies and organizations will commemorate Juneteenth with celebrations, performances, parades, guest speakers, revival, resource fairs, informative programing, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for empowerment and excellence. It is a time for community and togetherness. Please join in the celebration by participating in the events listed below, click on each tab for event details by date.
*For more information about the Catawba County Juneteenth Collaborative contact Candi Dula@ candidula@catawbcountync.gov
Trail Ride Line Dance| 6:30pm-7:30pm
Conover Branch Library| 403 Conover Station Southeast, Conover, NC 28613
Come out and throw down in the Library’s Trail Ride Line Dance class to get warmed up for upcoming area events celebrating Juneteenth. Though not required, cowboy boots, hats and clacking fans are welcome. Open to anyone 14+ (parental signature required for teens under 18).
Lets Talk: Juneteenth| 6pm-7pm
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Learn about the history of Juneteenth before attending one of the many celebrations happening all across Catawba County! Members of the Hickory NAACP will lead a meaningful, community focused conversation about Juneteenth.
Throwdown in Motown: Catawba Juneteenth| 2pm-6pm
Main street Catawba| S Mainstreet. Town of Catawba, NC 28609
Join us for Throwdown in Motown, a vibrant Juneteenth celebration full of rhythm, joy, and community! Get ready for an unforgettable day featuring high-energy Motown lip-sync performances, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and plenty of fun for the kids. Celebrate freedom, culture, and the soul of Motown in a festive atmosphere for all ages.
Lets Talk: Juneteenth with NAACP Hickory| 6pm-7pm
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library| 375 3rd St NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Join us to learn about Juneteenth and enjoy in-depth conversations with members of the community. There will be a short film viewing followed by discussion and light refreshments.
Create & Celebrate: Clack Fans| 6pm-7pm
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Got your boots, but not your fan? No worries, we got you! Customize and assemble your own clack fan for all the Juneteenth celebrations and Trail Ride events to come! Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Saddle Up with Conover Juneteenth| 5pm-9pm
Conover City Park| 361 5th Ave Se, Conover, NC 28613
Join us for a family-friendly Juneteenth celebration hosted by the Southwest Community Watch! Enjoy live performances by N-Spire and GMRV, delicious food, exciting games and vendors. Plus, explore the Catawba County Library to Go for engaging activities and resources. Come together with neighbors and friends for a day of fun, unity, and commemoration of freedom and equality.
Trail Ride Line Dance Class| 2:30pm-3:30pm
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Saddle up and bring your fans! Learn step-by-step moves from instructor Maria Phillips-Robinson in this fun Trail Ride style line dance class. All experience levels welcome. Individuals must sign a safety waiver to participate in this workshop.
Juneteenth Festival| 5:30pm-9pm
Samuel Davis Multipurpose Field| 730 3rd St SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Celebrate Juneteenth with the whole family featuring live performances by Baby Black, delicious food trucks, joyful dancing, and valuable community resources. Don't miss the electrifying Greek step show showcasing the talent and unity of our local Divine 9 Fraternities and Sororities. Join us for a day filled with music, food, culture, and camaraderie as we honor freedom and diversity together.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Community Read and Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
Southwest Branch Library| 2944 S Hwy 127, Hickory, NC 28602
In honor of the Freedom we all cherish, and to celebrate the work of African American authors who continue to help shape our culture, we’re hosting community gatherings to talk about The American Queen by Vanessa Miller, a North Carolina Humanities selection for 2025, with a story based on actual events in Appalachia from 1865-1889. Light refreshments provided.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Community Read and Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
Newton Main Library| 115 West C St, Newton, NC 28658
In honor of the Freedom we all cherish, and to celebrate the work of African American authors who continue to help shape our culture, we’re hosting community gatherings to talk about The American Queen by Vanessa Miller, a North Carolina Humanities selection for 2025, with a story based on actual events in Appalachia from 1865-1889. Light refreshments provided.
Freedom Day Storytime| 10am
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Celebrate Juneteenth with a community-led story time. Bring your family and friends to enjoy stories, music, dancing, and crafts as we celebrate the freedom accomplished and the freedom to come!
Juneteenth Big Block Party| 5pm-9pm
Downtown Newton| 30 N College Ave, Newton, NC 28658
A Juneteenth celebration featuring the sweet sounds of the soulful band Aquarius Moon & Friendz
3rd Annual Juneteenth Community Read and Book Discussion| 10am-11am
Sherrills Ford Branch Library| 9154 Sherrills Ford Rd, Terrell, NC 28682
In honor of the Freedom we all cherish, and to celebrate the work of African American authors who continue to help shape our culture, we’re hosting community gatherings to talk about The American Queen by Vanessa Miller, a North Carolina Humanities selection for 2025, with a story based on actual events in Appalachia from 1865-1889. Light refreshments provided.
African American Geneaology Resource Workshop| 11am-12pm
6pm-Newton Main Library| 115 West C St, Newton, NC 28658
Join us for a special African American Genealogy Resource Workshop! Learn how to trace your family history using specialized research tools, historical records, and expert guidance. Whether you're just starting your journey or breaking through brick walls, this workshop will provide valuable resources to help uncover your ancestors' stories.
Juneteenth Praise and Worship Celebration| 12pm-3pm
Brown Penn Recreation Center| 735 3rd St. SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Praise and Worship service hosted by the Greater Hickory Ministerial Alliance. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Diane Conley and the Hickory Community Choir will bring their ministry of music to the celebration. After the program a covered dish dinner will be provided by our member churches. All are welcome to join us!
3rd Annual Juneteenth Community Read and Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
Maiden Branch Library| 11 S A Ave, Maiden, NC 28650
In honor of the Freedom we all cherish, and to celebrate the work of African American authors who continue to help shape our culture, we’re hosting community gatherings to talk about The American Queen by Vanessa Miller, a North Carolina Humanities selection for 2025, with a story based on actual events in Appalachia from 1865-1889. Light refreshments provided.
Jive After Five Juneteenth| 5:00pm-8:30pm
Downtown Maiden
Get ready to groove at Jive After Five - Maiden's family-friendly Juneteenth event! Join us for live performances featuring The Tams with Lil Red, indulge in tasty treats from local food trucks and vendors, and keep the little ones entertained with exciting activities. Come together with friends and neighbors for an evening of music, food, and fun as we commemorate Juneteenth in style!