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.

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

Host:

Luna Love, @ joins us as the official event co-host and professional MC, bringing high energy, elegance, and unforgettable vibes to the Juneteenth Art Fest stage.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Shakira Hodges x Trivia For Us, @ - Leading the “Trivia for Us” Game Station, engaging guests through culture and community-centered fun.

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

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Host or Publisher University City Partners