Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration 2022 Will Be A Two-Day Event In New Locations!

Durham, NC – The annual North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration, officially sanctioned by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, is now a two-day event…and it has new locations! The 17th Annual North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 18, 2022, and Sunday, June 19, 2022, in Durham, NC, presented by Spectacular Magazine and Triangle Cultural Awareness Foundation. Held on Main Street (between Roxboro and Dillard Streets) in downtown Durham for the past 10 years, the Saturday festival is moving to the Golden Belt Campus, still keeping the festival downtown. On Sunday, there will be an NC Juneteenth Barbeque Cook-Off, in another downtown Durham location. 

17th Annual North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration

This fun-filled, educational and uplifting event, from 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, kicks off with the official Opening Ceremony that includes a processional with dancers, drummers, and the community, is followed by a presentation by the United States Colored Troops, prayer, proclamations, pouring of the libation, and presentations on the origin and significance of Juneteenth. 

Entertainment throughout the day will feature national recording artists and local performers. Vendors sell an array of African and African-American clothing, art and artifacts, specialty items, crafts, and delicious foods. The Children’s Village has games, face painting, crafts, and other fun, educational activities and information. The Health Fair includes blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and HIV screenings. Medical professionals from area health centers and hospitals are available for consultations. The Fashion Show features Afro-centric and Urban clothing provided by local designers and retailers.

Organizations will have Exhibitor Booths to inform the men, women, youth, and families of services (mentoring, tutoring, mental health, substance abuse, job services, etc.) and activities (summer camp, day camp, after school, athletic teams, etc.) available in the surrounding areas. Experts in their respective fields provide information, activities, and demonstrations. 

NC Juneteenth Barbeque Cook-Off

On Sunday, June 19, 2022, enjoy a day of barbecue, entertainment, fun, and games at the NC Juneteenth Barbeque Cook-Off, from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Africans brought their homeland traditions with them, which manifested themselves through food and generations of Juneteenth celebrations. 

Smoked, sauce-covered barbecued meats are “the most important” feature on the Juneteenth table. Already a staple food of the South, the preparation methods that go into cooking and serving the savory proteins bring in the communal aspect of the holiday.

Building upon our traditional food, this inaugural event in NC gives recognition to Grill Master’s style of food preparation. Grill Master Teams will smoke a half-hog and Boston butts for judging and to sell. Attendees will select the winner of the People’s Choice Award.  The local winner, selected by a team of esteemed judges, will travel to Galveston on October 13-16, 2022, for the National Juneteenth BBQ Competition.

For more information, visit spectacularmag.com