Hampton, VA - Spend Juneteenth in Hampton exploring African American history and heritage and celebrating. The first Africans in English North America arrived in Hampton in 1619 and Hampton is home to the first southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, underneath Emancipation Oak at Hampton University. With this deep history, there are lots to explore from the Hampton History Museum to historic Fort Monroe. 

Juneteenth: Emancipation and Celebration

Facebook Live

Wednesday, June 16, 7:00 p.m.

The Fragments of Freedom Theatre Productions presents "Juneteenth: Emancipation and Celebration through Spoken Word Theatre and Music," featuring the talents of spoken word artists and award-winning soul/R&B artist K'bana Blaq. Written and directed by Hampton playwright, Marie St. Clair, this moving and memorable experience will illuminate the origins and meaning of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865 the last of the enslaved in Texas were told that slavery had been abolished and that they were now free.

Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Reopening 30 Ingalls Rd. 

Friday, June 18

The Visitor & Education Center will reopen to the public Fridays-Sundays from 9:30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., beginning June 18. Start your visit at the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center where you can get information about the area, pick up guided maps for the walking tour and the Fort Monroe National Monument.  Experience the galleries that tell the profound stories of Captain John Smith, the arrival of the first enslaved Africans and the culmination of 242 years of slavery as the first contrabands came to Fort Monroe to receive their emancipation.

The Casemate Museum will also reopen to the public Fridays-Sundays beginning June 18. The Casemate Museum is located within the walls of the largest masonry fort constructed in the United States. A timed ticketed entry to the museum is required. You can make a reservation online or you can pick up same-day tickets, as available, at the Visitor & Education Center.

The following businesses are also hosting events in celebration of Juneteenth:

Juneteenth Jubilee - Determined to Rise Noir: A Simply Panache Lounge

Saturday, June 19, 5:00 p.m

Join NOIR for our Juneteenth Jubilee in Celebration of the Emancipation of the enslaved.

Enjoy music by Hampton University Brass Band, Gina Payne and The Step Up Band, The Fuzz Band & DJ Mad Skills. There will also be a historical culinary presentation by Executive Chef Jermaine Booth, Cultural Host Nina Brewton, family activities, food, history & more. Adult admission is $19, children 6 & under is $6. Purchase tickets here.

2nd Annual Juneteenth Commemoration Oozlefinch Beers & Blending

Saturday, June 19, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Bring a lawn chair and commemorate Juneteenth with speakers, live music, vendors,  food, and family fun. Free and open to the public.

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Partially bordered by the Hampton Roads harbor and Chesapeake Bay, Hampton, with the 344,000 sq. ft. Hampton Roads Convention Center and the award-winning Hampton Coliseum, is located in the center of Coastal Virginia and the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Hampton is the site of America's first continuous English-speaking settlement, the site of the first arrival of Africans in English North America, and is home to such visitor attractions as the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, Fort Monroe National Monument, Hampton History Museum, harbor tours and cruises, Hampton University Museum, The American Theatre, among others.