Juneteenth is a time for celebration in Asheville as the community gathers to reflect on the end of American slavery 159 years ago and the work for equality that continues today.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville/Buncombe County and the City of Asheville host a weeklong Juneteenth celebration. This celebration, featuring educational and festive events, is a testament to our shared commitment to honor and remember the past while striving for a more inclusive future.
Juneteenth 2026 Events in Asheville
Check back soon: We’re updating this page with confirmed 2026 Juneteenth events as details become available.
Learn More: Asheville's Black Cultural Heritage Trail
Asheville's Black Cultural Heritage Trail officially opened to the public in December 2023, allowing travelers and locals to connect with the city's rich Black history. From well-known figures like Nina Simone, who attended boarding school in Asheville (her nearby childhood home will soon be open to the public), to community landmarks like the YMI Cultural Center, one of the oldest Black community centers in America, to everyday citizens like William R. “Seabron” Saxon, who refused to give up his bus seat four years before Rosa Parks, the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail unearths intimate and fascinating stories of dignity, struggle and resilience. The trail comprises 14 stops and 20 panels across three historically significant Black neighborhoods. You can experience all the digital content here.
