2026 Juneteenth Festival

The Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and Rochester Area Community Foundation are excited to invite you to the 2026 Juneteenth Festival, taking place June 19-20, 2026. This year’s theme, “Beloved Community,” honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one’s fellow human beings.
 
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates the ongoing journey toward equality and justice. Our two-day festival has become a cornerstone event, bringing together thousands of community members for celebration, education, and unity.
 
Festival Highlights:

• Two days of cultural celebrations and activities

• Live performances, music, and entertainment

• Food vendors, merchandise, and community booths

• Family-friendly activities for all ages

Day 1 — Honoring, Educating, and Celebrating
Friday, June 19 | 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park

• Elders circle

• Education on the history and significance of Juneteenth

• Honoring past and present MLK Jr. Commissioners

• Performers and entertainment

Day 2 — Parade and Festival
Saturday, June 20 | 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park

• 11:00 am – Freedom parade begins (lineup starts at 10:00 am)

• 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Festival and performances

• Rock climbing, face painting, hair cuts, local food and vendors, and more — featuring Danielle Ponder

Parade Route:

• Lineup on Main Street between Plymouth Ave and State Street, with the parade starting at State Street

• We will march up Main Street to East Ave

• Turn right on East Ave

• Take East Ave to Chestnut Street

• Make a right on Chestnut Street

• Marching on to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607)