Celebrate Juneteenth in Virginia Beach

Juneteenth is a national holiday to celebrate and reflect upon the rich history and culture of African Americans. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, making it a significant milestone in our nation's journey toward equality. By acknowledging and honoring Juneteenth, we recognize the struggles and resilience of those who came before us and reaffirm our commitment to justice and freedom for all.
 

Juneteenth is also a time to educate ourselves about the past, work toward a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and to come together as a community. Some ways to honor Juneteenth in Virginia Beach include participating in community events, supporting black-owned businesses in the area and by exploring the ViBe Creative District, the city’s hub for arts and culture.
 

Below are some events in Virginia Beach as well as nearby Norfolk (just a 20-minute drive from Virginia Beach), where you can take part in a variety of community activities.

Juneteenth Events in Virginia Beach

Juneteenth at the Beach Events
 

June 18-22, 2025

 

Don’t miss Juneteenth at the Beach, a series of fun, free events held in celebration of this important holiday in Virginia Beach. Join in family-friendly activities, games, live entertainment and panel discussions, plus enjoy food and shop for goods offered by local vendors and small businesses. Check out the jam-packed schedule:

June 18: “Past, Present, and Future: The Legacy, Spirit, and Longevity of Juneteenth”

Listen to a compelling panel discussion at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), 2200 Parks Ave., Virginia Beach. The discussion will take place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m. for exhibition viewing). Free event, but RSVP requested.

June 21: Juneteenth at the Beach Events

A day full of free events celebrating Juneteenth, held at the 24th Street Stage & Park, 2400 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach. Don’t miss:

·  Parade – noon

·  Juneteenth introduction – 1 p.m.

·  Youth Forum – 1:30 p.m.

·  Liberation Save the Youth Day Party – 2:30 p.m.

·  Black Brand Panel – 4 p.m.

·  Pitch competition – 5 p.m.

·   Gospel Explosion Concert with headliners Anike and Flawless Real Talk – 6:30 p.m.

June 21: After Party – the Overflow Kingdom Concert

Continue the celebration at Elevation27, 600 Nevan Rd., Virginia Beach, beginning at 10 p.m.

Sunday, June 22: Juneteenth at the Beach Events Continue

A second day full of free events celebrating Juneteenth, held at the 24th Street Stage & Park, 2400 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach. Check out:

·  Miss Tidewater Pageant – noon

·  Car Show – 2:30 p.m.

·  MC Fashion Show – 3 p.m.

·  Juneteenth Trivia – 5 p.m.

·  Poolside Cookoff – 6 p.m.

·  Camp Wav Concert – 7:30 p.m.

·  Drum Circle – 9 p.m.

·  TEAMLAMB Salute – 9:30 p.m.

·  Art & Vendor Market – all day

Additional Juneteenth Events

June 14: The Family Reunion, a Juneteenth Celebration

 Live music, adult games, food and drink will round out the fun at this 21+ event from 3 to 8 p.m. at ViBe Park, 1800 Cypress Ave., Virginia Beach. Get tickets.

June 14: Virginia Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet Concert

This free Juneteenth celebration and brass quintet performance will take place outdoors at the Virginia African American Cultural Center (VAACC), 744 Hampshire Lane, Virginia Beach, at 4 p.m. Refreshments will be available.

June 18: Artist Masterpiece Series with the I. Sherman Greene Chorale

See an inspirational performance of music honoring Juneteenth by the singers and instrumentalists of the I. Sherman Greene Chorale. The event will be held at the Zeiders American Dream Theater, 4509 Commerce St., Virginia Beach, at 7 p.m.  (You can also watch online on VAACC’s Facebook page.) This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged if you wish to attend the performance in person.

June 18: Juneteenth Celebration Bracelets

Kids in grades 4-6 can make their own celebration bracelets at the Kempsville Area Library, 832 Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach, at 5:30 p.m. Free, all materials supplied. Preregistration required.

June 18: Juneteenth Wreath Making

Create a welcome wreath in honor of the holiday at Vibrant Shore Brewing Co., 505 18th St., Virginia Beach, at 7 p.m. Free, all materials supplied. Must be 21+.  Registration required.

June 19: Virginia African American Culture Center 4th Annual Golf Tournament

Put together a team (or join one), and enjoy a fun day of golf, including lunch, raffles and more at Cypress Point Country Club, 5340 Club Head Rd., Virginia Beach. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t miss a chance to get a hole-in-one on the 18th hole and win $1 million. Register for the tournament.

June 21: VAACC & VBGIGs Juneteenth Celebration with Duane Smith & Maxmillion

The ViBe Creative District comes alive with music from 9 a.m. to noon at the Art & Eco Market at the Vibe Stage, 1810 Cypress Ave., Virginia Beach. Performing first is international solo artist Maxmillion, known for his moving operatic performances. Next up is the talented multi-instrumentalist Duane Smith (from the Fuzz Band), performing with the new Virginia Jazz Experiment Band.  This event is free, family-friendly and open to the public. See more details.

June 21: New Jerusalem Ministries Juneteenth Festival of the Arts

Featuring a talent show showcasing singers, musicians, dancers, spoken word artists and more. In addition, live music, vendors, a bounce house, a talent show, and food trucks will round out the fun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at New Jerusalem Ministries, 5184 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach. Free, open to the public, no tickets required.

June 28: African American Music Month Celebration

Hear steel drum vibes by the Mosaic Steel Orchestra, followed by headliner Plunky & Oneness playing Afrobeats and Jazz. The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center at Virginia Wesleyan University. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors (advance registration is encouraged.)

Juneteenth Events in Norfolk
 

Juneteenth in the Park
 

Town Point Park
 

June 14, 2025 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
 

The 5th Annual Juneteenth in the Park is free and open to the public and will feature various activities on topics from education and healthy living to financial literacy. There will also be career development opportunities, music, health and wellness sessions and more.
 

Juneteenth Community Celebration
 

Ingleside Field
 

June 14, 2025 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
 

Come join Helping Hands Resource, Inc. & Empowering Youth 20/20 for a fantastic day of fun, music and togetherness at the Norfolk Ingleside Recreation. At the Juneteenth Community Celebration, you can celebrate African American culture with live music, food vendors and activities for all ages.