The community is invited to celebrate freedom under a Friday night sunset at the second annual Juneteenth in the Park.
The free, family-friendly celebration takes place on the federal Juneteenth holiday, Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park, located in historic LaVilla at 120 N. Lee St.
Guests are invited to enjoy food, music, games, and vendors. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and relax on the Lifted Lawn.
Featured Activities and Entertainment
- Music by Mr. Al Pete and DJ Nate
- History Tour with Yollie of Explore Jax Core
- Line Dancing with Sean B.
- Culture Games hosted by Molding Minds, including Spades and UNO
- Food vendors and local businesses
The event is free and open to the public.
As the historic homesite of brothers James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, creators of Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing, the park serves as a premier cultural destination in Jacksonville.
Juneteenth in the Park is organized by the Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park Collective, a dedicated group of community leaders and cultural stewards working to activate the park. The Collective includes Carol Alexander, Lloyd Washington, Mariano Mendez, Carla Jones, Erin Kendrick, Charmion Thrasher, and Terrance Patterson.
The Ritz Theatre and Museum serves as the event's lead sponsor. Community partners include Jax Parks, Molding Minds, and Post FX Visuals.
History
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a federal holiday and a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality, making it a time for communities to reflect, learn, and come together.
As a special acknowledgment during Caribbean American Heritage Month, the event will also recognize the Bahamian roots of James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson.
About Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park is a City of Jacksonville public park that incorporates elements of the Johnson brothers’ and LaVilla’s cultural and built history while making space for a more inclusive future. The park was designed by world-renowned MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” recipient Walter Hood and officially rededicated to the community in summer 2024. Visit levsparkjax.org to learn more.