2026 Juneteenth Festival
The Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and Rochester Area Community Foundation are excited to invite you to the 2026 Juneteenth Festival, taking place June 19-20, 2026. This year’s theme, “Beloved Community,” honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one’s fellow human beings.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates the ongoing journey toward equality and justice. Our two-day festival has become a cornerstone event, bringing together thousands of community members for celebration, education, and unity.
Festival Highlights:
- Two days of cultural celebrations and activities
- Live performances, music, and entertainment
- Food vendors, merchandise, and community booths
- Family-friendly activities for all ages
Day 1 — Education, Honoring, & Performances
Friday, June 19 | 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park
- Elders circle
- Education on the history and significance of Juneteenth
- Honoring past and present MLK Jr. Commissioners
- Performers and entertainment
Day 2 — Parade & Festival
Saturday, June 20 | 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park
- 11:00 am – Freedom parade begins (lineup starts at 10:00 am)
- 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Festival and performances
- Rock climbing, face painting, free hair cuts, local food and vendors, and more
- Free admission all day at nearby Strong National Museum of Play
Parade Route:
- Lineup on Main Street between Plymouth Ave and State Street, with the parade starting at State Street
- We will march up Main Street to East Ave
- Turn right on East Ave
- Take East Ave to Chestnut Street
- Make a right on Chestnut Street
- Marching on to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14607)
Ways to Get Involved
✓ Sponsor the Event – Support this important cultural celebration while gaining valuable community visibility. Sponsorship levels range from $600 to $12,000+ with excellent benefits.
✓ Become a Vendor – Share your products, services, or information with thousands of attendees. Food vendors, merchandise vendors, and information booths welcome.
✓ Volunteer – Help make this festival a success by contributing your time and talents.
✓ Join the Parade – March with us on June 20! We welcome walking groups, performance groups, vehicles/floats, and community organizations.
✓ Attend the Festival – Free and open to all! Bring your family and friends for this meaningful celebration.
Registration & Deadlines
To participate as a vendor, parade participant, or sponsor, please complete our online form by June 5, 2026.
For More Information:
Contact Nikia Washington, Festival Coordinator at Grmlkcommission@gmail.com or (585) 224-6746.
Join us in celebrating freedom, unity, and Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. Together, we honor our past and build a more just future. We look forward to seeing you there!