City of Bloomington and Community Partners Invite Residents to 2026 Juneteenth Celebration

The City of Bloomington, in partnership with Indiana University’s Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Indiana University’s African American Arts Institute (AAAI), and Food Truck Friday, invites the Bloomington community to attend the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19, at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. This free, family-friendly event is open to all and will feature live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, educational activities, and opportunities to connect with community organizations. 

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and Jubilee Day, marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday has long been recognized as a celebration of freedom, resilience, culture, and progress within Black communities across the United States. Today, Juneteenth offers communities across the country an opportunity for celebration, reflection, and shared learning. In 2021, Juneteenth became the nation’s 11th federal holiday, recognizing its enduring importance in American history and culture.

The celebration will feature food trucks and vendors from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., along with community organizations and informational booths sharing local resources, services, and ways to get involved. A 21-and-over beer garden will be available from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Live performances will begin with a matinee performance by Indiana University Camp S.O.U.L. students at 12:30 p.m. Camp S.O.U.L. is sponsored by the Indiana University African American Arts Institute (AAAI), which supports Black artistic expression and cultural education through music, dance, theatre, and performance programs.

As part of the Summer Performing Arts Series of free concerts, evening entertainment will continue with a live, acoustic, multi-genre performance by The Lucky Sevens at 6:15 p.m., followed by headliner Jenn Cristy’s pop-rock performance at 7:15 p.m.

Community organizations, nonprofits, and vendors interested in tabling or participating in the event must register through the City of Bloomington website by June 15.

All activities will take place outdoors at Switchyard Park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets and enjoy an evening of entertainment and community connection.

For more information and vendor registration details, visit the City of Bloomington webpage at bloomington.in.gov/CFRD or contact Shatoyia Moss at [email protected] or 812-349-3430.