6th Annual Newton Juneteenth Celebration 2026

Come celebrate. Come connect. Come feel the JOY—this is more than an event, it’s a celebration of resilience, unity, and community pride.
About this Event

Kick off Juneteenth with an exciting New England Patriots Skills and Drills Clinic at Newton North High School hosted by Newton Community Education, and then join us at the Hyde Community Center from 3PM for an unforgettable celebration of culture, heritage and tradition.

Starting at 3 PM you can look forward to:

🎤 A party atmosphere hosted by DJ Firestarta

🛍️ Shopping unique finds from local artisans & craft vendors

🎶 Live performances that move your spirit (African dancing by Afro Diamond, Newton reggae artist DJ Everla$t)

📣 Meet the New England Patriots cheerleaders

🍴 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 an 8PM 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.

Want to get involved?

• 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!

Thank you to our partners and sponsors!

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.