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
4th Annual Juneteenth Community Read and Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
Sherrills Ford Terrell 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 Kin by Tayari Jones. Kin is a historical fiction novel about two motherless Black girls, Vernice and Annie, who grow up as best friends in rural Louisiana but take vastly different paths in the 1950s and 60s: Vernice to college and an affluent life in Atlanta, and Annie on a perilous search for her absent mother in Memphis. The book explores their deep, sister-like friendship, the "mother wound," and themes of chosen family, belonging, and the complexities of womanhood in the American South.
Create & Celebrate: Clack Fans| 6pm-7pm
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Celebrate Black Music Month and design your own clack fan just in time for Juneteenth. As we craft, experience a Summer of Soul, a documentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African American music and culture and promoted Black pride and unity.
Registration is required and opens three weeks before the event.
Royal D'lite Steppaz! Line Dance Class| 3:30pm-4:30pm
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music Month with a special performance by the Royal D'lite Steppaz! This talented group will showcase their incredible line dancing skills that you won't want to miss. Let's make this a vibrant celebration of culture and music together!
Freedom Unity Dance| 6pm
Keiser Center| 243 3rd Ave. NE, Hickory, NC 28601
The NAACP Hickory Branch presents an evening of culture and community at the Freedom Unity Dance! Join us on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM for a vibrant Juneteenth celebration filled with music, dancing, delicious food, unity and networking. Whether you’re coming to hit the dance floor, capture memories in the 360° photo booth, or simply connect with others, this is a night you don’t want to miss. Get your tickets now at www.hickorynaacp.org.
Lets Talk: Juneteenth with NAACP Hickory| 6pm-7pm
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library| 375 3rd St NE, Hickory, NC 28601
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.
4th 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 Kin by Tayari Jones. Kin is a historical fiction novel about two motherless Black girls, Vernice and Annie, who grow up as best friends in rural Louisiana but take vastly different paths in the 1950s and 60s: Vernice to college and an affluent life in Atlanta, and Annie on a perilous search for her absent mother in Memphis. The book explores their deep, sister-like friendship, the "mother wound," and themes of chosen family, belonging, and the complexities of womanhood in the American South.
Lets Talk: Juneteenth with NAACP Hickory| 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.
4th 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 Kin by Tayari Jones. Kin is a historical fiction novel about two motherless Black girls, Vernice and Annie, who grow up as best friends in rural Louisiana but take vastly different paths in the 1950s and 60s: Vernice to college and an affluent life in Atlanta, and Annie on a perilous search for her absent mother in Memphis. The book explores their deep, sister-like friendship, the "mother wound," and themes of chosen family, belonging, and the complexities of womanhood in the American South.
4th 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 Kin by Tayari Jones. Kin is a historical fiction novel about two motherless Black girls, Vernice and Annie, who grow up as best friends in rural Louisiana but take vastly different paths in the 1950s and 60s: Vernice to college and an affluent life in Atlanta, and Annie on a perilous search for her absent mother in Memphis. The book explores their deep, sister-like friendship, the "mother wound," and themes of chosen family, belonging, and the complexities of womanhood in the American South.
History and Storytelling Event with Julian Gooding| 5pm-6pm
Newton Main Library| 115 West C St, Newton, NC 28658
The library is welcoming back storyteller, Julian Gooding, to share his tales along with a foodways presentation. At 5pm there will be a free hot dog meal and community gathering with coloring sheets and games for kids. Storytelling will begin at 5:30.
Freedom Day Storytime| 6pm
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!
Motown Feel the Rhythm-Conover Juneteenth| 6pm-10pm
Conover City Park| 361 5th Ave Se, Conover, NC 28613
Join us for a family-friendly Juneteenth celebration hosted by the Southwest Community Watch in partnership with the city of Conover! Enjoy live performances by N-Spire, 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.
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. All are welcome to join us!
Juneteenth Festival:Stronger Together!| 3pm-8pm
Lenoir Rhyne University-Rhyne Building| 625 7th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
The City of Newton, City of Hickory, Town of Catawba,Conover Southwest Community Watch, Town of Maiden, and Longview have come together as the Catawba County Juneteenth Collaborative—celebrating 5 years of Juneteenth celebrations across Catawba County! This fun filled event will feature a diverse lineup of talented performers reflecting the richness, history, and contemporary expression of African American heritage, including Aquarius Moon and Friendz, Baby Black, DJ Lil Gee, and the Royal D’Lite Steppas. Enjoy family-friendly activities, resource vendors, delicious food, art and jewelry vendors, and engaging cultural exhibits. Bring the whole family for a day of unity, culture, and celebration!
4th Annual Juneteenth Community Read and Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
St. Stephens Branch Library| 3225 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601
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 Kin by Tayari Jones. Kin is a historical fiction novel about two motherless Black girls, Vernice and Annie, who grow up as best friends in rural Louisiana but take vastly different paths in the 1950s and 60s: Vernice to college and an affluent life in Atlanta, and Annie on a perilous search for her absent mother in Memphis. The book explores their deep, sister-like friendship, the "mother wound," and themes of chosen family, belonging, and the complexities of womanhood in the American South.
Jive After Five Juneteenth| 5:30pm-9pm
Downtown Maiden
Get ready to groove at Jive After Five - Maiden's family-friendly Juneteenth event! Join us for live performances featuring Chairmen of the Board. 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!