Juneteenth is coming up on Wednesday, June 19 — and before the federal holiday is here, the Upstate is hosting a variety of events to engage the community and commemorate the legacy of emancipation.
Here’s a look at the events on the docket.
The Royal Gala, Festival, and Scholarship Fundraiser | Friday, June 14 | 6 p.m. | Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr., Greenville | $125-$3,000 | Honor freedom and unity with a night of elegance and joy at this gala.
Inaugural Light the Night Red Carpet Gala: A Celebration of Juneteenth | Friday, June 14 | 7-11 p.m. | Cannon Centre, 204 Cannon St., Greer | $50 | Honor the significance of Juneteenth by walking the red carpet, dancing, and dining.
Juneteenth Wellness Event | Saturday, June 15 | Times vary | Multiple locations, Greenville | Prices vary | Take a workout class or run a race during this Juneteenth wellness celebration.
Juneteenth Step Fest | Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Relentless Life Center, 635 Haywood Rd., Greenville | $35-$50 | Wear black, yellow, red, or green + get ready to sweat with a workout that is sure to get your feet moving and cardio pumping.
Juneteenth Soul Food Festival | Saturday, June 15 | 12-6 p.m. | Main Street, Fountain Inn | Free entry | Enjoy a variety of live performances, dine on local soul food, and shop locally.
IP Juneteenth Paint and Social Fundraiser | Saturday, June 15 | 4-9 p.m. | Judson Mill Social Innovation Center, 701 Easley Bridge Rd., Ste. 6070, Greenville | $17.50-$50 | Professional artist Jackie Jackson will be instructing the painting session + painting supplies are included — all proceeds go towards providing services for displaced and vulnerable youth and their families.
Juneteenth | Wednesday, June 19 | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville | Free | Attend a walking parade kicked off by a poetry reading and a dance performance, followed by a panel discussion.
3rd Annual FREEDOM RIDE: Car and Bike Show with Sound Competition | Wednesday, June 19 | 5-9:30 p.m. | Rocky Creek Community Park, 931 S. Garrison Rd., Simpsonville | $0-$25 | Watch as a convey rides around the Upstate commemorating Juneteenth, enjoy a car show, and grab a snack.
City of Mauldin Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 22 | 2-6 p.m. | Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater, 101 E. Butler Rd., Mauldin | Free entry | Enjoy live performances, food trucks, market vendors, and children’s activities in a celebration of Black history and culture that is intended for all community members to enjoy.
