Lite 105 Celebrates Juneteenth

Celebrate freedom and community this Juneteenth. Discover local events and ways to honor the holiday below!

8th Annual Juneteenth RI Festival (Providence, RI)

This is Rhode Island’s premier, largest statewide Juneteenth celebration. Held at the historic Temple to Music, it features incredible live music (headlined this year by musical guest Jon Hope), local Black-owned food trucks, local artisan pop-up shops, and community networking.

When: Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Roger Williams Park (Temple to Music), F C Greene Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI
Admission: Free
More Info: Visit the Juneteenth RI Official Event Page or check out Go Providence.

250th Juneteenth Living History Celebration at Fort Adams (Newport, RI)

A massive milestone living history event held at the historic coastal fort. The day includes interactive historical storytelling, live cultural music, dramatic presentations, food vendors, and family activities. Organizers have partnered with Bike Newport for dedicated “Park & Bike” lots to help guests avoid traffic.

When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI
More Info: Check the logistics and routes on Bike Newport

Third Annual Taste of Juneteenth New England (Providence, RI)

An amazing food-centric event celebrating culinary arts, heritage, and regional Black-owned food businesses.

When: Friday, June 19, 2026 | Starts at 11:00 AM
Where: Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave, Providence, RI
More Info: You can search for ticket updates via Eventbrite.

University of Rhode Island Juneteenth Celebration (Kingston, RI)

Hosted by the URI Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity. It features cultural food, live music, games, and a brief speaking program to honor the history of the holiday.

When: Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: President’s House Lawn, 56 Upper College Rd, Kingston, RI (Rain location: Memorial Union Ballroom)
More Info: Details and RSVP requirements can be found on the URI Events Calendar.

The Legacy Market & Juneteenth Celebration (Fall River, MA)

Organized by the Bristol Black Collective, this event is designed as a celebration of Black entrepreneurship, culture, and economic empowerment. It spans a marketplace environment with diverse local vendors.

When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Note: There is a follow-up market event on June 27 at 5:00 PM on Purchase St.)
Where: Kennedy Park, Fall River, MA
More Info: Check vendor and schedule updates at the Bristol Black Collective.

The Juneteenth Black Party at The Vault (New Bedford, MA)

A high-energy cultural nightlife event geared toward a 40+ crowd. Music is provided by DJ Edward Blendz playing old-school, hip-hop, Afrobeats, reggae, and reggaeton. Guests are asked to wear black attire in honor of the holiday.

When: Friday, June 19, 2026 | 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM (Kitchen closes at 10 PM)
Where: The Vault Music Hall and Pub, 791 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA
More Info: Read about the details on the New Bedford Light Culture Calendar.

Juneteenth Brunch (Fall River, MA)

A daytime gathering offering a celebratory holiday menu.

When: Friday, June 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Where: Duke’s Bakery and Cafe, Fall River Station, Fall River, MA
More Info: Available on Eventbrite.

ArtsFalmouth “Arts Alive” Juneteenth Recognition (Falmouth, MA / Cape Cod)

A massive three-day festival on the library lawn celebrating regional performing, visual, and literary arts. This year, the festival embeds dedicated programming, live jazz/Afro-Cuban sets (including the Andrew Sue Wing Duo and Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor), and specific reflections honoring Juneteenth and Pride Month.

When: Friday, June 12 – Sunday, June 14, 2026 | All Day
Where: Falmouth Library Lawn & Peg Noonan Park, Falmouth, MA
More Info: Schedules and performance lineups are at ArtsFalmouth

Juneteenth Maritime Heritage Day (Mystic, CT)

Commemorate the holiday on the water at the world-renowned Mystic Seaport. The museum features public boarding tours of the historic schooner Amistad, a local Black Heritage Trail lecture by Nicole Thomas, freedom-themed scavenger hunts, and live cooking demonstrations featuring historic 18th-century Black culinary recipes (like Duchess Quamino’s plum cake). Admission is free to the public after 2:30 PM.

When: Friday, June 19, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Mystic Seaport Museum, 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT
More Info: View the full America 250 programming calendar at Mystic Seaport Museum

Space Night at the Museum: Juneteenth and the Summer Solstice (Mystic, CT)

A unique evening event celebrating the intersection of science and history. Under the stars, guests can participate in astronomy craft stations, view planetarium mini-shows, and look through telescopes while explicitly exploring and honoring the immense historical achievements of African Americans in aerospace and astronomy.