University City Juneteenth Art Fest 2026 presented University City Partners

Welcome to the 2026 University City Juneteenth Art Fest!

Join us for a vibrant, high-energy celebration of creativity, culture, and community at The Boardwalk at University City, Lakefront.

This free, family-friendly experience brings together live performances, interactive art activations, cultural experiences, and featuring over 70+ curated local vendors in honor of Juneteenth.

Experience the festival through immersive, hands-on activations, including:

• Create Your Own Juneteenth-Themed Painting
• Tie-Dye a Juneteenth Bandana
• Design with African and African American-inspired textiles
• Create your own custom bean bag for cornhole
• Live podcast station + red carpet interviews
• Free haircuts, interactive game stations, and community experiences

Enjoy a full day of live music, dance performances, visual art, games, giveaways, and immersive cultural experiences designed for all ages.

Want to "paint with us" or attend?

• Reserve a spot so we can have the materials and vibes ready for you!

Want to showcase your products or services?

• Vendors can apply here: bit.ly/JuneteenthArtFest2026-Vendor

Want to become a sponsor?

• Contact [email protected]

Presented by University City Partners, the nonprofit has once again teamed up with the Arts and Science Council’s Culture Blocks initiative, a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County in partnership with the University City Library. This year's event promises to deliver more activation stations, artists, performers, and vendors all championing creativity, culture, and social impact.

Janeva Tyree, @, Creative Director and multidisciplinary artist, leads the festival’s vision and creative direction and whose immersive approach helps shape the Juneteenth Art Fest into a vibrant celebration of Black culture, creativity, and community connection.

Host:

Our hosts Luna Love, @, professional MC, channeling high energy and elegance; and J.Reid, @, an award-winning, two-time Top 5 HBCU Host in the Nation, will be bringing the vibes all day long!

Performances Include:

• Jason Brown, @ - Event DJ and grandson of the legendary James Brown, continuing a powerful musical legacy with an electrifying, culture-driven sound.
• DJ BackSpinz (Claude Whitfield) ft. DJ Yung Prophet, @ x @ - Bringing youth-driven DJ energy and interactive music experiences to the PlayStation area.
• DJ JamxLiVe, @ - High-energy DJ delivering dynamic sets that keep the festival moving.
• DEVN, @ - Special Guest Host and multi-instrumentalist R&B veteran and Dreamville performer with Lute.
• The Gnarl3y Boyz, @ - Viral recording artists, redefining hip-hop with their electrifying blend of rock punk, rockstar energy, creating a bold immersive experience that captivates and inspires
• Dasan Ahanu, @ - An award-winning poet, playwright, cultural organizer, performing artist, and scholar., as a Southern storyteller
• TuKool Tiff, @ - Keynote Poet, known for her lyricism, incredible flows, and unique approach to hip hop
• TwinNation Dance Company x Legacy Lane Studios, @ x @ - 3-time World of Dance Champions bringing precision, power, and high-energy choreography to the stage.
• Mimi V (Mariana Vazquez), @ - Soulful vocalist blending contemporary and classic sounds with a captivating presence.
• DDA TINK, @ - Hip-hop and soul artist delivering high-energy, emotionally driven performances.
• Lady Scribe (Jasmine Gibson), @ - Poet merging spoken word and music to inspire and engage.
• Danny “DSquared²” Davenport, @ - Saxophonist and vocalist bringing smooth, expressive sound to the lineup.
• Will Adams, @ - R&B/soul vocalist known for engaging, crowd-connecting performances.
• ShanDaria (Shandy Massey), @ - Dynamic singer with soul-stirring vocals and an energetic stage presence.
• Kingston “Drummer King” Price @ - Rising youth percussionist delivering powerful rhythms and next-generation talent.

Featured Creative & Cultural Artists:

• Jarel Kingsberry, @ - Viral animation artist producing custom digital content to elevate the festival’s visual identity.
• Gordon Holliday, @ - Owner of The Textile Archives, leading an interactive African-inspired indigo design experience that blends culture and hands-on creativity, where attendees can create custom bean bags while exploring his indigo-inspired textile collection.
• Bernard Singleton, @ - Indigo Artist leading an Indigo Workshop Activation as a cultural technologist, land steward, and one of the leading voices in the revival of African indigo traditions in the United States.
• Gerald Fauntroy, @ - Nationally recognized live visual artist creating dynamic artwork in real time.
• Marquia Humphries, @ - A mixed media artist whose work centers the Black experience, blending visual storytelling and advocacy to amplify marginalized voices and make information more accessible.
• Inaya Washington, @ - Dynamic visual artist leading the community selfie art installation and tie-dye activation, creating vibrant, interactive experiences centered around creativity, self-expression, and community engagement.

Fashion Curator:

• Nira Love, @ - Returning fashion curator leading a high-energy runway experience featuring over 20 models and showcasing local designers and creatives.

Media & Interactive Experiences:

• Chrissy Doles of Wine, Wealth & Tea Magazine, @ - Live podcast station capturing conversations, culture, and community throughout the festival.
• Daja Star, @ - Media correspondent, hosting red carpet-style interviews, spotlighting artists, vendors, the community, and special guests.

Community Partners:

• Lucky Barber Shop, @ - The first Black-owned barbershop featured in Walmart, providing free haircuts to the community with barbers on-site.
• Trivia For Us, @ - Leading the “Trivia for Us” Game Station, engaging guests through culture and community-centered fun.
• Mr. Narwhals Magnificent Snoballs, @ - Giving away 100 free snow cones to the first attendees at thier station.
• Real African Art Gallery, @ - Curationg a beautiful display of Real African art!

The festival aims to educate attendees of all ages and backgrounds on the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth through African American art exhibitions, performances and activities, providing a platform for learning and fostering connections in the community.

For updates on the event and everything University City Partners is doing, sign up for the newsletter and follow @UnivCityCLT on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and @JuneteenthArtFest on Instagram.

The University City Juneteenth Art Fest is brought to you by our sponsors:

• University City Partners
• ASC Culture Blocks — a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County in partnership with the University City Library.
• Freedman Law Group
• Sol'Delish
• Truliant

The Food Trucks:

• Triple C Restaurant and Grill
• Bitty & Beaus Coffee Cruiser
• Quino’s Real Italian Ice
• Never Seen This Food Truck

Check out some of our Featured Vendors:

• Meme's Caribbean Flavour
• Efua Africa Fashions and Tours
• Divine Totes & Accessories
• Got Edibles
• Styled By Elegance
• Millz Dream Eventz
• Solarhumansinc
• Another Chance House of Refuge Inc
• Black Moon Co.
• DMEVENTCRAFTS
• Divine Craftology
• Legacy Body Wellness
• Ramzi's Refreshing Lemonade
• Sweet Serenity Creations by Divine
• Knowledge Is King LLC
• EBN'S Vegan Cuisine
• Monica's Kreations
• Fruit Lady LLC
• Polo’s Homemade Italian Water Ice

We can't wait to see you there!