Juneteenth celebrations planned across Alabama in 2026

Alabama is preparing for another wave of Juneteenth celebrations as the state marks the occasion for the second year since Governor Kay Ivey signed it into the official state calendar. Communities across Alabama are gearing up with parades, festivals, and educational programs to commemorate the emancipation of more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865.

While President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 set a course for freedom, many African Americans remained in bondage until Union troops arrived in Galveston to enforce the end of the Civil War. Today, Alabamians honor that resilience with festivities that span throughout the weekend.

Birmingham Celebrations

Birmingham offers a robust schedule, headlined by the National Juneteenth of Alabama Festival & Parade. The procession kicks off at 9 a.m. on June 19, following an 8 a.m. lineup at Kelly Ingram Park, featuring step teams, bands, and youth groups. Earlier that week, a Unity Breakfast is set for 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, at East of the Mississippi Diner.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Juneteenth Jubilee will provide a day of block parties, music, and food. On June 19, heritage sites like the 16th St. Baptist Church, the AG Gaston Motel gallery, and the Civil Rights National Monument will offer free admission and tours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For those looking for high-energy events, A Vibe Called Black takes place June 20 at the Birmingham Museum of Art, celebrating Black entrepreneurship. Sports fans can head to Rickwood Field for the 3rd annual East-West Classic on June 19, with the first pitch at 1:10 p.m. Additionally, the Juneteenth Family Fun Celebration brings vendors and music to the Ensley neighborhood from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Montgomery and Central Alabama Events

The Rosa Parks Museum hosts live music and educational activities on June 20, including a performance by Brother 2 Brother at 1 p.m. B.B. King’s Blues Club will keep the energy high with a four-night concert series running from June 18 through June 21. Meanwhile, the Equal Justice Initiative celebrates on June 19 with a 7:30 p.m. performance by Nate Smith and Lizz Wright.

Events Across the State

In Anniston, the Anniston Heritage Festival brings Ginuwine and TK Soul to Zinn Park on June 27. Meanwhile, Huntsville’s Black Restaurant Week, running from June 12 to 21, highlights the city's small business community.

Mobile is hosting several events, including the City of Mobile Juneteenth Celebration at Mardi Gras Park on June 19, and the Mobile County Commission’s presentation with artist Charles Smith. The Freedom Monologues and Open Mic Night at the Africatown Heritage House will feature poet laureate Alex “Huggy Bear” Lofton. In Prichard, a two-day celebration includes a Freedom Day Parade on June 20, and the MAMGA Block Party takes place the same day.

Finally, Tuscaloosa’s NAACP Parade and Festival on June 20 will feature a parade starting at Westlawn Middle School, followed by a community celebration at Palmore Park.