Juneteenth Celebrations (Local Area)
Irondequoit –
- Sat. June 20, Irondequoit Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk
- $32.80 entry, starts 8:30AM, 940 Ridge Rd East, Rochester, 14621, NY
- This race is hosted by Irondequoit E.R.A.S.E. (Eliminating Racism And Seeking Equity). Registration fees will go towards our annual scholarships for college-bound Black and Brown students from Irondequoit and Eastridge High Schools.
- “Race day festivities kick off at St. Josaphat’s Church, where registration and packet pickup begin at 7:15 AM, leading up to the race start at 8:30 AM. Early packet pickup is also available on June 19th at Salvatores Pizzeria. After crossing the finish line, celebrate with us at the post-race gathering featuring music, refreshments, and an awards ceremony recognizing top finishers in various age groups. With ample free parking and an engaging atmosphere, the Irondequoit Juneteenth 5K is not just a race—it's a celebration of community, culture, and achievement!”
Rochester –
The 2026 Juneteenth Festival in Rochester, NY, will be a major two-day celebration on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20, at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, featuring a "Beloved Community" theme, a Freedom Parade, and performances. Additional events include a June 7th Jazz Festival at Highland Bowl and a 5K on June 19th.
Key 2026 Juneteenth Events in Rochester, NY:
- 2026 Juneteenth Festival & Parade (MLK Park):
- Day 1 (June 19, 12 PM - 5 PM): Located at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, featuring an Elders Circle, history education, and performances.
- Day 2 (June 20, 11 AM - 8 PM): Parade begins at 11 AM, followed by a festival with live music, local food, and vendors.
- ROC Juneteenth Jazz & Black Music Month Festival: June 7, 2026, 1 PM at Highland Bowl.
- Juneteenth at the RMSC: June 19, 2026, noon-5 PM at the Rochester Museum & Science Center Eisenhart Auditorium. Features a Black-Owned business bazaar, crafts, and food. This event is free.
- Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk: June 19, 2026, 1 PM at Genesee Valley Park.
- Caribbean American Heritage Month Juneteenth Reggae Party: June 19, 2026, 5 PM at Tropix.
- Ron Carter & Foursight Concert: June 19, 2026, 6 PM at The Hochstein School.
- For more information:
- Follow the Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission on Facebook
- https://www.cityofrochester.gov/departments/bureau-communciations-and-special-events/juneteenth-celebrations-rochester
- https://www.racf.org/about/events/2026-juneteenth-festival/
Ways to Get Involved
✓ Sponsor the Event – Support this important cultural celebration while gaining valuable community visibility. Sponsorship levels range from $600 to $12,000+ with excellent benefits.
✓ Become a Vendor – Share your products, services, or information with thousands of attendees. Food vendors, merchandise vendors, and information booths welcome.
✓ Volunteer – Help make this festival a success by contributing your time and talents.
✓ Join the Parade – March with us on June 20! We welcome walking groups, performance groups, vehicles/floats, and community organizations.
✓ Attend the Festival – Free and open to all! Bring your family and friends for this meaningful celebration.
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Wayne County
Several events are scheduled in Wayne County, NY, for Juneteenth 2026 to celebrate freedom and community, including a major UNITY festival and historical commemorations.
Key 2026 Wayne County Juneteenth Events:
- Unity Festival 2026 - Newark
- Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Perkins Park, 311 1/2 Washington St, Newark, NY 14513
- Description: A community-focused festival featuring music, food, local vendors, and activities celebrating history and culture.
- Juneteenth Celebration with the "Seneca Chief" - Lyons
- Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Location: 27 Water St, Lyons, NY 14489 (Museum of Wayne County History).
Regional Context
- Wayne County's Connection: The town of Joy, NY, in Wayne County, is known for its connection to General Gordon Granger, who issued the order that initiated the Juneteenth celebration in 1865.