6th Annual Newton Juneteenth Celebration 2026

Start your day with an exciting kickoff at Newton North High School hosted by Newton Community Education (there's a big surprise coming - details to follow), and then join us at the Hyde Community Center from 3PM for an unforgettable celebration of culture, heritage and tradition.

🎤 A party atmosphere from 3 PM hosted by DJ Firestarta

🛍️ Shopping unique finds from local artisans & craft vendors

🎶 Live performances that move your spirit

🍴 Two food trucks serving up delicious Caribbean flavors: Reggae Foods and Gourmet Kreyol

🎤 A Summer Concert Series event featuring hip-hop cover band sensation The GRV from 6–8 PM

🎬 Stretch out under the summer sky for a 9PM screening of Black Panther, the critically acclaimed box office delight that defines Black Excellence.

This year we reject division and instead embrace 'JOYFUL RESISTANCE!' Together, let's uplift the value and richness of African-American culture and Black Excellence. All residents and visitors are invited to help celebrate 161 years since the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans.

Speaking of excellence, we honor the service of featured guest, Dr. Henry Turner, Newton North High School Principal of 10 years who departs to assume his new role as Superintendent of Reading Public Schools.

We are proud to partner with the Hyde Community Center to seamlessly incorporate Juneteenth into their Friday Summer Concert Series.

• Are you a Black-owned business or a community partner? Sign up for a booth here or email questions to [email protected].
• Want to help with preparations beforehand and/or join our fun crew on the day of the event? Volunteer here.
• Help fund the festivities! Please click here to donate. Donate a minimum of $10 and get a free stylish Juneteenth waterbottle while supplies last!

Our partners include our fiscal sponsor, Families Organizing for Justice (FORJ), the Newton Coalition of Black Residents (NCBR) and FORJ@Newton North High School (FORJ NNHS). We are grateful for generous support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Harmony Foundation and Village Bank. This Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts program is supported by Spark Newton in collaboration with The City of Newton.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)