Juneteenth Events and Celebrations in Orlando 2026
- Alastair Mac
- 2 hours ago
- 10 min read
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, and Orlando celebrates with events, activities, performances, educational talks and tours that honor the cities African American pioneers.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. A day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War, and has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s.
On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. and in 2026, the day takes place on Friday, June 19 2026.
Juneteenth, also referred to as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day. has grown in popularity in recent years, and in Orlando which is home to a vibrant Black community, there is numerous celebrations and commemorations honoring this important day in history that honor the area's African American pioneers.
We've rounded up the best Central Florida Juneteenth Celebrations and Events in 2026 that celebrates Central Florida's rich cultural heritage in honor of this historic day.
Enjoy a mix of events, activities, performances, educational talks and tours that honors the cultural and historical importance of Juneteenth.
Every event is a tribute to resilience, freedom, and the unyielding spirit of the African American community, and remember to check back often as we add newly announced events to the list!
Central Florida Juneteenth Events and Celebrations
June 13 - 14
Join Orlando Shakes at the Margeson Theater in Loch Haven Park for a night of nostalgia and powerhouse vocals. A Cabaret of Legends is a high-octane tribute to the black voices that shaped generations—brought to life by the incredible Tymisha Harris, who will be performing soulful classics and electrifying hits, paying homage to the greatest performers of all time. Audiences can expect a non-stop spectacle of music, dance, and pure entertainment.
June 13
The Kissimmee Juneteenth Festival at Kissimmee Lakefront Park is a community celebration recognizing African American culture and the significance of Juneteenth. Join us as we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and honor the history and contributions of our African American community. Enjoy live music, food, the KUA Kids Power Zone, and a variety of local vendors. This family-friendly event is open to everyone and offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and celebrate together.
June 14
As you visit the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, participate in a community arts workshop led by Form 2 Fashion to experience the ancient art of quilting, followed by a panel discussion to learn how this art form preserves sacred histories. All materials will be provided for you to contribute to a lasting quilt that will be on display in the Heritage Center following Juneteenth.
As we come together to celebrate and recognize the history of Juneteenth, we invite you to join a panel discussion featuring the following speakers:
Phyllis Elmore, Author of Quilt of Souls
Dr. Denise Evans-Sheppard, Executive Director of Oyster Bay Historical Society
Janice Gilyard, Genealogist and Historian
Keidra Daniels Navaroli, Independent Curator, specializing in textiles
June 17
Building Our Tech is hosting the 3rd Annual Sunset Soirèe at the Grape & Grain, 1110 Virginia Drive, Orlando featuring music with DJ Cierra, food from Knowles Creations, plus, games, dancing, and an issa vibe.
June 19 - 21
The 4th Annual 1887 Juneteenth Weekend returns to Eatonville, one of the first incorporated Black towns in the nation. The three-day celebration features live performances, cultural exhibits honoring Zora Neale Hurston, family-friendly entertainment, food vendors, and tours of historic Eatonville sites. The weekend pays tribute to the town's founding as a self-governing Black municipality in 1887.
Event Schedule:
Thursday, June 19 - Freedom Day Celebration at St. Lawrence AME Church
Friday, June 20 - Youth Jam Festival at Hungerford Field
Saturday, June 21 - Main Juneteenth Fest at Hungerford Field (featuring the Freedom Lounge)
June 19 - 20
The "biggest, brightest spot in town" is coming to Orlando's premiere music room, Judson’s Live, in concert! Set in the Harlem Renaissance and based on the poetry of Langston Hughes, Lenox Avenue is a critically acclaimed celebration of black creativity, resilience, and above all...JOY. After being named "Best Show" of 2025 Orlando Fringe, audiences will have an opportunity to experience a new version that will be submitted Off-Broadway. This production is presented in partnership with Central Florida Vocal Arts, in celebration of Juneteenth on June 19 & 20.
June 19
Join the Orange County Regional History Center and celebrate Juneteenth at the History Center with this family-friendly day! Meet the trailblazers who shaped our region in unforgettable ways – from the musicians who lit up Orlando’s South Street Casino to activists and community builders whose legacies continue today. Engage with the evolving story of freedom in our ongoing exhibition How Distant Seems Our Starting Place, join a guided museum tour, and enjoy hands-on activities that highlight the Black Floridians who helped elevate Central Florida’s culture and history. Admission to this event is free.
Activities include:
Ray’s Rhythm Lab – Music great Ray Charles spent formative years in Florida and later made Orlando’s South Street Casino and the Wells’Built Hotel a frequent stop. Try your hand at making your own music and test your knowledge with Ray Charles trivia.
The Green Guide – During the era of segregation, The Green Book helped Black travelers find safe places, including Orlando’s Wells’Built Hotel. Explore our special History Center version of the guide, then complete a Florida map featuring notable Black Floridians and historic sites.
Build Like Bethune – Step into the inspiring life of Mary McLeod Bethune, educator, activist, and founder of Bethune-Cookman University. Match historic photos and milestones with key moments in her life to discover how her leadership and vision reshaped opportunities in Florida and beyond.
Guided museum tours – 10:30 am., Noon, 1:45 pm., 3:30 pm.
June 20
Join OurLegacy - Multicultural Affairs and Partnerships as they celebrate culture, community, and legacy through food, fun, and wellness at Barnett Park, 4801 West Colonial Drive, Orlando. FREE BBQ for the community. FREE Health Screenings, plus receive a gift card for every screening! Giveaways. Live DJ & Music. Poetry Performances from local artists. Family Fun Zone featuring Bounce House, Balloon Artist, Face Painting. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the day!
June 20
Orlando Pride invites you to Liberation & Love: A Boldly Unapologetic Juneteenth Pride Celebration at Orlando Central Florida Fairgrounds Pavilion. Liberation & Love is a fierce and joyful celebration at the intersection of Black and LGBTQIA+ identities—uplifting Black queer and trans voices, artistry, and activism while honoring the deep history and legacy of Juneteenth.
This free, family friendly event features cultural exhibits, storytelling, and space for reflection. Soul food and local favorites. Black-owned & LGBTQIA+ vendors. Music, movement, and joyful resistance.
June 20
Join Paving Pathways at Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando and celebrate Juneteenth and uncover the rich legacy of black history in Central Florida with this fascinating bus tour. This immersive experience delves into stories of resilience, achievement, and cultural vibrancy that have shaped Central Florida
Paving Pathways is offering a unique opportunity to explore historic landmarks and neighborhoods that played a pivotal role in Central Florida's Black history. Learn about the invaluable contributions of Black leaders and innovators who have left a lasting impact on the community.
June 20
Join Clermont and come together to honor freedom, culture, and community at the 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20! This year, Clermont will be celebrating at the beautiful Waterfront Park from 4 - 8 pm. Expect an evening filled with vibrant cultural performances, delicious food, local vendors, and a chance to connect with friends, family, and neighbors. It’s a time to reflect, celebrate, and raise our voices in unity. Bring your loved ones, your energy, and your joy as we celebrate this important moment in history and the strength of our community.
June 20
Join Winter Garfden at Charlie Mae Wilder Park, 1203 E. Plant Street for the Community Celebration in honor of Juneteenth. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the celebration includes family-friendly activities, entertainment, community resource booths, a variety of food & merchandise for sale, and more! Limited seating available. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome to sit back and enjoy the festivities.
June 20
The Fourth Annual A Night Under the Stars: Jazz & Jubilee returns to Shady Park in Winter Park, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 5 - 10 pm. Enjoy an unforgettable evening celebrating Juneteenth with live jazz, incredible food, specialty spirits, and a vibrant night of jubilee under the stars. Proudly sponsored by The City of Winter Park and The Equity Council Corp—a Black Owned & Operated nonprofit serving the citizens of Hannibal Square since 2018—this event honors history, culture, and community in a spectacular way.
June 20
Free Indoor event at Donald Bronson Community Center, 124 Bronson Trail, Polk City to celebrate the freedom of African Americans from slavery, a day of live entertainment, fashion, food and education.
July 24
Join Central Florida Zoo for an evening honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black & African American communities. Feel the rhythm of the night through music, art, and storytelling while exploring the Zoo after hours. It’s a celebration of culture, connection, and community in a truly unique setting. Experience a night that brings people together through culture, conversation, and shared celebration.
African American History in Orlando
Eatonville
Just 25 minutes north of Orlando’s main tourism districts, the historic town of Eatonville was incorporated in 1887, making it one of the first self-governing, all-Black municipalities in the U.S. — and the oldest still in existence today. The township’s core, the Eatonville Historic District, was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1998, drawing countless history and culture aficionados in the decades since.
Around the turn of the 20th century, Eatonville attracted a family whose daughter would go on to great acclaim as an author: Zora Neale Hurston. Her best-known novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is set in Eatonville and nearby communities.
Parramore District
The oldest and largest African American neighborhood in Orlando, the Parramore District is an area rich in culture, heritage and heart. Explore the district to see how Parramore residents are creating their own modern legacies.
One of the district’s newest additions, Luminary Green Park, shines a light on individuals who made outstanding contributions to the Parramore-Holden community throughout their lifetime, honoring them with 12 luminary art installations. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando’s Creative Village, Luminary Green is the perfect place to stop and reflect on the past while looking forward to the future.
Hannibal Square
Hannibal Square is part of Winter Park, a charming community about 25 minutes north of Orlando’s tourism districts and close to Eatonville. It’s also home to the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, where you can explore the district’s origins as an African American community.
Officially founded in 1881, Hannibal Square originally consisted of African Americans who worked for the South Florida Railroad and Winter Park’s wealthy families. On Oct. 12, 1887, it became the site of one of the country’s earliest Civil Rights marches when a group of Black residents crossed the town’s dividing railroad tracks to vote in the election that officially incorporated Winter Park, including Hannibal Square. What’s more, two Black residents were elected aldermen, serving from 1887 to 1893.
Tinker Field
Head to downtown Orlando to visit historic Tinker Field, a space next to Camping World Stadium that served as a baseball stadium from 1923 through 2015 and was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2004. It was also the site of a moving Civil Rights speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964.
Black History Museums in Orlando
Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts
Better known as The Hurston, the museum is run by the nonprofit Preserve Eatonville Community and specializes in art by individuals of African descent. The museum offers maps for self-guided tours of the area where Zora grew up and also sets up guided tours.
The modest town of 2,000 tucked just north of Orlando has preserved much of its historic roots, including Zora’s “home church,” St. Lawrence AME Church, 549 E. Kennedy Blvd., founded in 1881 and rebuilt in 1974, with 1920s-era murals depicting Eatonville residents at worship.
Hannibal Square Heritage Center
Established in 2007 and only minutes from Eatonville, the Hannibal Square Heritage Center offers over 100 photos and oral histories highlighting local and national African-American experiences, with visiting exhibits that explore quilt making, urban art and other elements of black heritage and Southern folklore.
Winter Garden Heritage Museum
The Winter Garden Heritage Museum features exhibits on Winter Garden’s Native American, early settler and citrus days, the museum boasts a permanent collection honoring the legacies of notable African American community members like Mildred Dixon, the first African American to serve on the city commission.
Wells Built Museum of African American History & Culture
Erected by one of Orlando’s first black doctors in 1921, Wells’ Built Hotel served black travelers during segregation, hosting the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Thurgood Marshall and Jackie Robinson. Today, it’s a museum showcasing memorabilia and African art from Orlando’s black community. It includes a historic hotel guestroom with authentic furniture, beading and decorations straight out of the 1930s, when Zora spent time as an adult in the area.
Orange County Regional History Center
Housed in a renovated 1927 courthouse in downtown Orlando, the museum features four floors of exhibits, including a permanent display of 14 paintings by a group of self-taught African-American artists known as The Highwaymen who sold their Florida landscape paintings from the trunks of their cars in the 1950s and 1960s. Most of the artists came from Fort Pierce, where Zora died in poverty in 1960.
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