June 19-22, 2025
Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States were informed of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Celebrated for generations, Juneteenth is recognized as the oldest nationally observed commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S.; In Fayetteville, there are several events full of celebration, reflection, and jubilation, with music, cookouts, art, kids activites, and more!
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
Juneteenth Celebration
Presented by Let's Talk NWA
The 6th annual Juneteenth Celebration will take over the Spring Shop Studios space in Fayetteville in honor of the historic day. Everyone is invited to come out, learn about the importance of Juneteenth, and gather with the village in Fayetteville, AR! Even the kids will be thrilled, as the event always includes a widely popular play area just for them. In addition to free food and fun, the Juneteenth Celebration will be the site for a wide range of free community resources, including financial, mental health, and health coaching to assist our low-income community members. The festivities will take place at the Spring Shop Studios at 704 S. Washington Ave. in Fayetteville from 4:00 to 9:00pm on Thursday, June 19th.
You can find more details about the Juneteenth Celebration at the Facebook page here or by browsing the event poster below:
The Juneteenth Celebration is hosted each year by Let’s Talk NWA, a group whose mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Black community through education and awareness. You can learn more at nwasexualassault.org/lets-talk-nwa.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
NWA Juneteenth Celebration
Presented by University of Arkansas and the NWA Juneteenth Planning Committee
📅 Saturday, June 21, 1 PM – 5 PM
📍 The Gardens on the University of Arkansas campus, 521 S. Razorback Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701
🎉 This free, family-friendly celebration is open to everyone!
Since 1997, the University of Arkansas has hosted this annual event in honor of Juneteenth — a tradition started under the leadership of Dr. Lonnie R. Williams. This year marks 29 years of gathering as a community to reflect, rejoice, and connect. For 2025, we’re proud to return to our roots by once again presenting this celebration as a fully university-hosted event, bringing you the spirit of Juneteenth just as we’ve done for decades. Mark your calendar, bring your friends and family, and join us as we celebrate community and culture.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
🍗 An old-fashioned cookout
🎶 Live music & performances
🎈 Kids' activities & games
🛍️ Local exhibitors and more!
Learn more at juneteenth.uark.edu.
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
Juneteenth Rhythms of Resilience Festive March & Picnic
Presented by NWA Black Heritage
The community is invited to a celebration of freedom, resilience, and unity at the Juneteenth Rhythms of Resilience Festive March & Picnic on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, in the heart of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
This vibrant, family-friendly event invites participants to walk, dance, or bike through Fayetteville’s historic Black community, honoring Juneteenth and the enduring legacy of African American strength and joy. The celebration will begin at North Willow Avenue and East Spring Street, where the festive march will be led by the high-energy rhythms of The Cummins Group and members of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Marching Band.
Along the route, participants will experience an open-air art installation featuring large-scale photographs and paintings of historic and contemporary legends, turning the streets into a gallery of Black excellence and heritage.
The march will conclude at the Large Pavilion in Walker Park (South College Ave & 15th St) with a community picnic catered by local culinary talent Nate Walls.
The Juneteenth Rhythms of Resilience Festive March & Picnic is free and open to the public. All are welcome—whether you're marching, biking, dancing, or simply gathering in the park to celebrate.
