Celebrating Juneteenth Across the Olde English District

Juneteenth is a time to reflect, celebrate, and honor the enduring legacy of freedom, resilience, and progress. Across the Olde English District, communities are coming together throughout June to commemorate the holiday with festivals, live music, cultural performances, educational programs, living history experiences, and family-friendly activities.

From vibrant downtown celebrations to immersive historical experiences, there are countless ways to honor the significance of Juneteenth while celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans throughout the region.

Chester Kicks Off the Celebration

The City of Chester, in partnership with the Chester Downtown Development Association, will host a Juneteenth celebration on June 5 featuring an evening of live entertainment, family fun, and community fellowship.

Guests can enjoy an impressive lineup of performers throughout the evening, including:

The celebration will also feature a Kids Zone, Fun N Foam, face painting, and free cotton candy, hot dogs, and drinks for attendees. Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs for an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and community as Chester kicks off Juneteenth celebrations across the OED.

Lancaster’s Freedom Festival Returns

One of the region’s largest Juneteenth celebrations returns to downtown Lancaster on June 12-13 with the annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival.

This two-day celebration will bring together community, culture, music, food, and family fun in the heart of downtown Lancaster. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, community organizations, and a Kid Zone packed with activities for all ages.

This year’s entertainment lineup promises two unforgettable nights of Southern Soul, R&B, and live music:

Friday, June 12

Saturday, June 13

Whether you’re coming for your favorite artist, the local vendors, or simply to celebrate with friends and family, Lancaster’s Juneteenth Freedom Festival is sure to create unforgettable memories while honoring the spirit and significance of Juneteenth.

Experience Juneteenth Through History at Historic Brattonsville

Also on June 13, visitors can celebrate Juneteenth through a unique living history experience at Historic Brattonsville.

This special Living History Saturday program honors emancipation and African American heritage through historical interpretation, music, and hands-on activities. Throughout the day, guests can participate in historic cooking demonstrations featuring traditional Juneteenth recipes, create their own quilt square, and enjoy traditional banjo music performed by local musician Stephen Hardy.

A military demonstration by the 25th Ohio Volunteers will showcase the role Federal soldiers played in York County at the end of the Civil War and their efforts to enforce emancipation. Visitors can also take part in specialized tours, including “The Hope of Emancipation” at 11 a.m. and a guided tour of the Enslaved Ancestral Burial Ground at 2 p.m.

York Celebrates Freedom in Downtown

Downtown York will host its Juneteenth Celebration on June 20 from noon until 6 p.m.

The family-friendly event will feature live music, cultural performances, food vendors, local businesses, community organizations, arts and crafts, and educational activities highlighting the history and significance of Juneteenth.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and spend the afternoon celebrating freedom, culture, and community in the heart of downtown York.

Rock Hill Hosts a Weekend of Celebration

Rock Hill will host a full weekend of Juneteenth festivities from June 19-21, bringing together residents and visitors for three days of culture, entertainment, food, and community pride.

The celebration kicks off Friday evening at Fountain Park with more than 26 food trucks serving a variety of flavors alongside performances by talented local artists. The festivities continue Saturday with the annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest. Attendees can enjoy live music on the main stage, a vendor market showcasing Black-owned businesses, food trucks, kid zones, and community speakers. The weekend concludes on Sunday with a joyful community worship service at Mt. Prospect Baptist Church, providing an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and fellowship.

Kershaw County Marks Its 6th Annual Celebration

On June 19, Kershaw County will host its 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Camden City Arena.

The event welcomes the entire community to come together for a day centered on education, achievement, and progress. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy complimentary food, including hot dogs and fried fish with fries.

The Liberty Stage will feature artists and community leaders sharing cultural expressions that celebrate the significance of Juneteenth. Visitors can also participate in the Empowerment Stroll, where local vendors and organizations will provide resources and information designed to enhance quality of life throughout the community.

Cheraw Celebrates Culture and Community

Downtown Cheraw’s annual Juneteenth Celebration will take place on June 18 at Centennial Park.

The evening will begin with cultural performances highlighting the history, heritage, and significance of Juneteenth. Following the presentations, attendees can enjoy live music from Level 10 Live Band & Show beginning at 7 p.m. Families and friends are invited to gather for an evening of culture, music, and community celebration in one of the district’s most charming downtown settings.

Union County Honors History and Resilience

The Union County Community Remembrance Project will host its 6th Annual Juneteenth Remembrance & Celebration on June 13 at Main Street Junction.

This year’s event honors the victims of lynching in Union County while recognizing the resilience and achievements of the Black community through the celebration of Juneteenth. The program will feature music, food, culture, and history while also serving as a participant in the inaugural Union County SC Humanities Festival.

Commemorating Freedom Throughout the Olde English District

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States and is a time to remember the ongoing journey toward equality, opportunity, and justice. It’s also a time to celebrate the culture, achievements, and contributions of African Americans across the country.

This June, join communities across the Olde English District as they come together to celebrate freedom, heritage, and unity. There is always something happening in the OED—view our events page to see what’s coming up.