Festival About Freedom
On June 16 from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Louisiana Afro-Indigenous Society will hold the annual NOLA Juneteenth Festival in Louis Armstrong Park. The festival, which is free and open to the public, will host upwards of 50 vendors and live performances.
The NOLA Juneteenth Festival, which began in 2020, is a local non-profit organization designed to grow liberation within Black communities and uplift black businesses in New Orleans.
From performers like DJ Rav Smoove and R&B singer Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph to vendors such as Main Squeeze Juice and NoLa Cookie Co., the fifth annual NOLA Juneteenth Festival will have no shortage of entertainment. Presented by the Rise My Child Foundation, local youth interested in production or management will have special access to the NOLA Juneteenth Fest Youth Stage in Congo Square from 12:45-1:45 p.m. Youth interested can sign up at docs.google.com/forms.
Couples looking for vow renewals or marriage ceremonies will have the unique opportunity to participate in a free Juneteenth Community Marriage Ceremony at 4 p.m. Officiated by initiated priest and internationally acclaimed poet Sunni Patterson, participating couples are asked to wear white and will enjoy a multitude of African-centered cultural traditions and rituals. Those interested in signing up can visit nolajuneteenthfestival.org/vowexchange.
Showcasing the rich cultural heritage and history of New Orleans, this vibrant celebration offers attendees a diverse array of food, music, and activities that honor the significance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Freedom Gala
To kick off Juneteenth celebrations, the fourth annual Juneteenth Freedom Gala will be held on June 16 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Treme Market Branch. Gala attendees will have access to live music, performances, food, and North Star Award honorees to commemorate and reflect on the importance of Juneteenth in American history. Tickets for the event can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
For more Juneteenth events, visit nolajuneteenthfestival.org.
