Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Charlottesville and Albemarle County

Juneteenth is one of the most meaningful celebrations on the Charlottesville calendar, and in 2026, the community is showing up in a big way!

From a community parade and Black business expo to live music on the Downtown Mall, wine country gatherings, sneaker culture, and intimate literary events, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a longtime local or visiting for the first time, this is a beautiful time to experience the depth, joy, and creativity of Charlottesville's Black community. Explore the full lineup of events below. UPDATED 6/3/26

1. Attend Local Events

2. Explore Local Sites

Take a Public Walking Tour of the Downtown Mall

Seasonally, we offer historic walking tours that take guests through the history of Court Square, the Downtown Mall, or Charlottesville’s Black barbers and barbershops...

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Take the ​‘From Slavery to Freedom’ Tour at Monticello

This small-group, guided tour has a specific focus on slavery at Monticello and its legacies. Guests will participate in a facilitated dialogue on race and the legacies of slavery in the United States...

Visit the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers at UVA

The Memorial to Enslaved Laborers (MEL) acknowledges the work and individual lives of the enslaved African Americans who built the University of Virginia...

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Visit the ​“Pride Overcomes Prejudice” Exhibit

Visit the Jefferson School’s permanent exhibition, Pride Overcomes Prejudice. The exhibition presents the history of the African American communities of Charlottesville and Albemarle County through the lives of those students and teachers who built and fostered the Jefferson School...

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Take the ​‘Enslaved Community Tour’ at Montpelier

This walking tour of significant sites examines one of America’s largest paradoxes: a nation where “all men are created equal” built by those who are denied the exact freedoms they were laboring to establish...

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3. Support Black-Owned Businesses

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