🎉Juneteenth 2025 In Hillsborough
June 9, 2025
With Juneteenth just around the corner, Hillsborough is hosting a powerful lineup of events this June—honoring history, uplifting culture, and bringing our community & visitors together to celebrate Black liberation and creativity. All are welcome!
🗓️ Events to Know
1. Orange County’s Full-Day Juneteenth Celebration
When: Friday, June 13, 2025 – 10 AM to 9 PM
Where: Three venues across Hillsborough—Davis Price Farmers Market Pavilion, Orange County Public Library (Main Branch), and Eno Arts Mill
What to Expect:
**Morning Opening Ceremony (10–11:30 AM):**
• Color Guard by Orange County Sheriff
• Keynote by Dr. Sonny Kelly on North Carolina’s Black veterans
• Performances by B.U.M.P. the Triangle and The Magic of African Rhythm
• Refreshments from B3 Coffee
**Afternoon Luncheon & Film (2:30–5 PM):**
• Screening of Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches
• Catered lunch and community storytelling session
• Inclusive atmosphere: ADA-accessible space & language interpretation
**Evening Block Party (6–9 PM):**
• Live DJ set by DJ Jay Mami, spoken word, and drum circle
• Marketplace featuring local vendors & food trucks (Oak City Fish & Chips, Ethio‑Indi Alkaline Cuisine, Quench 305)
• Activities for kids and families, plus water and rest areas
orangecountync.librarycalendar.com
This all-ages, all-access celebration invites the entire community & visitors to reflect, connect, and rejoice under the theme “Where Freedom Gathers, We Rise.”
2. BLAC Fest: Black Literature, Arts & Culture Festival
When: June 7–18, 2025 (All day)
Where: Orange County Public Library, Hillsborough (Main Library, 137 W. Margaret Lane)
As part of Juneteenth programming, BLAC Fest offers weeks of events celebrating Black voices, creativity, and history:
Guided Tours of Black & Indigenous History – Thursday, June 19, 10–11:30 AM
Interactive Visual Installations – June 15–July 30
Creative Writing Workshop – Sunday, June 15, 2 PM, led by author Zelda Lockhart
Book Discussions & special readings—like the June 10 discussion of Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson
orangecountync.librarycalendar.com
BLAC Fest is both a celebration of Juneteenth and a reflection of the library’s ongoing commitment to Black literature, arts, and cultural heritage.
3. Songs of the Freedom Bound: Poetry Celebration
When: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Where: Burwell School Historic Site, 319 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough
Join us for an inspiring poetry reading by Crystal Simone Smith (her book Runagate: Songs of the Freedom Bound brings to life haiku and tanka rooted in the enslaved people’s stories), followed by a thoughtful historical reflection from Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy. A Q&A and book signing will follow the reading
🌟 Why Attend a Juneteenth Event?
Celebrate Black Joy & Liberation: Each event centers the experiences, culture, and resilience of the Black community.
Engage & Reflect: Whether through history tours, film discussions, or poetry, there’s meaningful space to reflect on Juneteenth’s significance.
Support Local Creatives: From authors and artists to food vendors and performers, these gatherings uplift local talent.
All Are Welcome: Free, family-friendly activities with accessibility and interpretation options open to everyone.
Hillsborough’s Juneteenth events promise a rich tapestry of remembrance, creativity, and communal spirit. From festive mornings to contemplative evenings, each moment offers a chance to honor the past and build a future rooted in understanding and joy.