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 — Honoring, Educating, and Celebrating
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 and 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, hair cuts, local food and vendors, and more — featuring Danielle Ponder
- FREE admission and parking at the 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 help bring the festival to life as a volunteer, please submit your interest here. To participate as a vendor, parade participant, or sponsor, please complete our online form by June 5, 2026.
Clear Bag Policy *New for 2026
New this year: The Rochester Juneteenth Festival has implemented a Clear Bag Policy at all entry points to enhance safety and speed up entry for all guests.
Allowed Bags
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- Small clutch purses 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller (with or without a strap)
- Clear gallon-size zip-lock bags
- Medical and diaper bags (subject to inspection)
- Camera bags and accessibility equipment bags (subject to inspection)
Not Allowed
- Non-transparent bags of any kind
- Backpacks (including clear backpacks)
- Non-clear fanny packs
- Tote bags (unless clear and within size limit)
- Luggage or large coolers
- Bags with excessive external attachments or pouches
- All bag contents are subject to visual inspection at entry.
- Prohibited items found during inspection will be confiscated and may not be returned.
- Medical exception: Guests requiring non-clear bags for documented medical needs should contact Festival staff in advance or proceed to the ADA entrance on Manhattan Square Dr.
- Organizers reserve the right to deny entry to any bag that does not comply with this policy.
Prohibited Items
The following items are strictly prohibited from the festival grounds. Guests found in possession of prohibited items will be asked to remove them from the premises or will be denied entry.
Weapons & Dangerous Items
- Firearms or any deadly weapon (concealed carry not permitted regardless of license)
- Knives, box cutters, or bladed weapons
- Pepper spray, mace, or chemical irritants
- Tasers or stun guns
- Fireworks, explosives, or flares
Other Prohibited Items
- Outside alcohol (not purchased at the festival)
- Illegal substances or drug paraphernalia
- Glass bottles or containers
- Large (golf/beach) umbrellas — compact umbrellas permitted
- Unauthorized professional recording equipment or drones
- Laser pointers
- Bicycles, skateboards, or non-mobility scooters inside grounds
- Pets (ADA-certified service animals are welcome)
Prohibited items found at security will be confiscated. The festival is not responsible for storing or returning confiscated items. Please leave prohibited items at home or in your vehicle.
For additional information, see our safety and security guidelines here.
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!
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Health Care Education Project
YMCA of Greater Rochester
Molina Health Care
Beta Ci Chi
Helio Health