Charlotte This
Weekend.
June 19–22, 2026 — Juneteenth celebrations across the city, River Jam at the Whitewater Center, farmers markets, the Brew Dash, Wunderground Festival, and live music from The Fillmore to Middle C Jazz. Here's your curated guide to the best things to do in Charlotte this weekend.
This is a Juneteenth-heavy weekend in Charlotte — and that's a great thing. The 29th annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas wraps up through Sunday in Plaza Midwood, the Gantt Center is hosting programming, and neighborhoods across the metro are celebrating with art festivals, gospel performances, and community events. Add in River Jam at the Whitewater Center, farmers market mornings, the Brew Dash obstacle run, and live music from The Fillmore to Middle C Jazz — and you've got one of the most vibrant weekends of the summer. Here's everything happening June 19–22 in the Queen City.
Friday, June 19.
Juneteenth anchors the day with celebrations at the Gantt Center, the Carolina Theatre, and across University City. Live music fills The Fillmore, The Underground, and Middle C Jazz, while River Jam kicks off at the Whitewater Center.
Juneteenth at the Gantt Center
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture — 551 S Tryon St, Uptown
The Gantt Center hosts its annual Juneteenth celebration with special exhibitions, live performances, and community programming honoring African-American heritage and culture. A meaningful way to spend the holiday in Uptown Charlotte.
Lullabies & Life: A Poetic Juneteenth Celebration
Carolina Theatre — 310 N Tryon St, Uptown
An evening of poetry, spoken word, and music celebrating Juneteenth at one of Charlotte's most historic venues. A powerful, community-centered way to honor the holiday through art and expression.
The Hip Abduction
The Fillmore Charlotte — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
St. Petersburg's The Hip Abduction brings their infectious blend of worldbeat, reggae, and indie rock to The Fillmore. Expect Afro-pop rhythms, lush melodies, and an undeniably danceable set.
Reuben Vincent
The Underground — 900 NC Music Factory Blvd
Charlotte's own Reuben Vincent brings his genre-blending hip-hop and R&B sound to The Underground. One of the QC's most exciting rising artists, delivering a hometown performance.
University City Juneteenth Art Fest
The Boardwalk — University City
A community art festival celebrating Juneteenth in University City with local artists, live demonstrations, music, and food vendors. Free and open to the public.
Marion Meadows
Middle C Jazz Club — 300 S Brevard St, Uptown
Smooth jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows brings his signature sound to intimate shows at Middle C Jazz Club. Two seatings — an elegant way to celebrate a Friday evening in Uptown.
River Jam: Billy Allen + The Pollies
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Free live music on the river. Billy Allen + The Pollies kick off the weekend edition of River Jam at the Whitewater Center. Bring a blanket, grab food from the on-site vendors, and enjoy live music in one of Charlotte's most stunning outdoor settings. Free admission.
Ada Jenkins Juneteenth Celebration
Ada Jenkins Center — 212 Gamble St, Davidson
The Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson hosts its Juneteenth celebration with community programming, food, and live entertainment. A family-friendly way to honor the holiday just north of Charlotte.
Wunderground Festival 2026 — Night 1
The Bridge Studios at Northlake — Northlake area
The Wunderground Festival brings electronic and experimental music to Charlotte for a two-night run. Night 1 features a lineup of electronic, bass, and experimental artists in an immersive setting.
Saturday & Sunday.
The weekend peaks with the Juneteenth Festival's main day in Plaza Midwood, the Brew Dash at the Whitewater Center, farmers markets across the city, and the Gospel Fest wrapping up the celebration on Sunday.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas — Main Event
House of Africa — 1215 Thomas Ave, Plaza Midwood
The heart of the 29th annual Juneteenth Festival: drum circles, opening ceremony, history presentations, live entertainment, food vendors, and community gathering. This is one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the Carolinas — a beloved Charlotte tradition. Free admission.
Brew Dash 6K, 12K & Half Marathon
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
An obstacle course race through the Whitewater Center's trails, paired with craft beer tastings. Run the 6K, 12K, or half marathon, then celebrate with local brews. A uniquely Charlotte summer event.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market — 1801 Yorkmont Rd
One of the Southeast's largest farmers markets, open year-round. In late June, expect peak-season NC peaches, blueberries, summer squash, fresh herbs, artisan baked goods, honey, and handmade crafts. A Saturday morning staple.
South End Farmers Market at Atherton
Atherton Mill — 2140 South Blvd, South End
A popular neighborhood market in South End with local produce, prepared foods, baked goods, and artisan vendors. Browse Atherton's shops and grab a coffee while you're there.
Cotswold Farmers Market
4921 Randolph Rd, Cotswold
A midweek-turned-weekend favorite in the Cotswold area, running May through October. Local produce, artisan goods, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
SouthPark Library Juneteenth Festival
SouthPark Regional Library — 7015 Sharon Farms Rd
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library hosts a Juneteenth Festival at the SouthPark Regional branch with author readings, family crafts, music, and a Black-owned vendor pop-up. Free and family-friendly.
Wunderground Festival 2026 — Night 2
The Bridge Studios at Northlake — Northlake area
Night 2 of the Wunderground Festival brings another lineup of electronic, bass, and experimental artists for an immersive closing night.
River Jam: Saturday Night Show
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Free live music continues at the Whitewater Center. Saturday's River Jam features another lineup on the outdoor stage along the Catawba River. Free admission — arrive early for the best spots.
Juneteenth Festival — Gospel Fest
House of Africa — 1215 Thomas Ave, Plaza Midwood
The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas wraps up with a Gospel Fest featuring regional choirs and live gospel performances. A powerful, joyful close to one of Charlotte's most important cultural celebrations.
Ongoing & recurring.
River Jam at the Whitewater Center
US National Whitewater Center
Free concerts every Friday & Saturday, May–September
Charlotte Ballet — Flip
Charlotte
Contemporary dance performances through June 20
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
House of Africa, Plaza Midwood
Runs through Sunday, June 21 — free admission
Harvey B. Gantt Center Exhibitions
551 S Tryon St, Uptown
Ongoing Juneteenth programming and rotating exhibitions
Don't miss these.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
The 29th annual Juneteenth Festival is wrapping up this weekend in Plaza Midwood. Saturday is the main event — drum circles, history presentations, food vendors, and live entertainment from noon to 10 PM at the House of Africa. It's free, it's meaningful, and it's one of Charlotte's most important community traditions. Put it on your calendar.
River Jam at the Whitewater Center
Free live music every Friday and Saturday night through the summer. Friday features Billy Allen + The Pollies, and Saturday brings another lineup on the river stage. Arrive early, grab food from the vendors, and settle in along the Catawba River. This is peak Charlotte summer living.
Farmers Market Saturday
Hit the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, the South End Farmers Market at Atherton, or the Cotswold Farmers Market early Saturday morning. It's peak season for NC peaches, blueberries, and summer squash — go before 10 AM for the best selection and the coolest temperatures.
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