'Freedom: Yesterday’s Legacy, Today’s Promise, Tomorrow’s Hope'
Vermont Business Magazine The City of Burlington’s Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB) invites community members from across Vermont and beyond to gather for Juneteenth Burlington 2026. This year’s celebration centers on the theme “Freedom: Yesterday’s Legacy, Today’s Promise, Tomorrow’s Hope.”
Juneteenth Burlington 2026 will be celebrated on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Downtown Burlington at City Hall Park and the Church Street Marketplace.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and two months after General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, on April 9, 1865.
Today, Juneteenth stands as both a celebration of liberation and a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equity, justice, and belonging.
The Burlington celebration will honor the history of emancipation, reflect on the continuing struggle for equality, and inspire future generations to advance the work of justice and inclusion. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live performances, cultural experiences, community engagement opportunities, food vendors, and family-friendly activities that celebrate Black history, culture, resilience, and joy.
“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not simply a moment in history—it is an ongoing commitment,” said Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Mayor of Burlington. “As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, we also recommit ourselves to building a city where every resident can thrive, belong, and participate fully in civic life. Burlington’s Juneteenth celebration is an opportunity to come together in reflection, learning, and community.”
“Freedom is both our inheritance and our responsibility,” said Dr. Kelli Perkins, Director of the REIB Office. “This year’s theme invites us to honor the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before us, recognize the work that remains today, and imagine a future where freedom is fully realized for everyone. We welcome the entire community to join us in celebrating Black history, Black culture, and Black futures.”
Juneteenth Burlington 2026 is produced by the City of Burlington’s REIB Office in partnership with Burlington City Arts, the Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO), and the Church Street Marketplace. Additional event details, schedules, volunteer opportunities, and updates are available at the Juneteenth Burlington website: https://www.btvreib.com/juneteenth.
Event Details
What: Juneteenth Burlington 2026
Theme: “Freedom: Yesterday’s Legacy, Today’s Promise, Tomorrow’s Hope”
When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: City Hall Park and Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, Vermont
Website: https://www.btvreib.com/juneteenth
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
Vermont Business Magazine