Juneteenth Fest 2026 — Home Base: Freedom at 161

HOUSTON FREEDMEN'S TOWN CONSERVANCY / JUNETEENTH FEST / 161Get Tickets

Home Base: Freedom at 161

Celebrate Juneteenth in the place where freedom took root.

Date: Wed, Jun 17
Time: 12 – 5 PM
Location: 1204 Victor St
Admission: Free

About the Festival

Coming Home to Where Freedom Began

This year's theme, "Home Base: Freedom at 161," ties into the larger Juneteenth Houston 2026 theme of "Homecoming" centering Freedmen's Town as sacred ground and the place where formerly enslaved Black Texans built lives, institutions, commerce, culture, and community following emancipation.

"Home Base" also nods to HFTC's current BLACKBALL: Baseball, Barbeque, and Blues exhibition, on display through January 5th, 2027, evoking both Black cultural joy and the deeper meaning of returning to a place built by our ancestors, brick by brick.

Join Us

Help Bring Juneteenth Fest 161 to Life

Whether you want to support the festival, serve on the ground, or share your products and services with the community, there's a place for you at Juneteenth Fest.

Sponsor

Sponsor the Festival

Help sustain a free community celebration rooted in Black freedom, history, culture, and the preservation of Freedmen's Town.

Become a Sponsor

Volunteer

Volunteer With Us

Join the team helping welcome guests, support programming, and bring the Juneteenth Fest experience to life on the ground.

Vendor

Become a Vendor

Share your food, products, services, or community offerings with festival guests in the heart of historic Freedmen's Town.

Apply as a Vendor

Full Program

FULL LINE-UP

Programming spans the Gregory Stage, the Visitor Center, and the Gregory School Library and Conference Room. Use the tabs below to explore each venue.

Kick off the festival on the Gregory Stage with an opening DJ set from DJ Tazz as guests arrive and settle in.
Official program kickoff and welcome from the day's emcee, Jessica Georges.
An energizing all-levels Zumba workshop led by Kacee Nikole Rose inside the Visitor Center (12:35–1:30 PM).
Remarks from Council Member Joseph Panzarella, Grant Patrick (on behalf of Commissioner Rodney Ellis), and a representative from United Airlines.
Recognition ceremony honoring this year's Hometown Hero awardees, followed by a featured performance from Ensemble Theatre.
The annual Juneteenth Fest Talent Showcase, hosted by Tatianna Mott and presented by Houston Grand Opera and a second sponsor. Performers compete for a cash prize.
Presented by Houston Grand Opera + 2nd Sponsor. Apply here by June 1st for a chance to win a cash prize.
Talent Sign-Up →
An arts & family workshop at the Visitor Center. Programming details to be announced.
An intimate Fireside Chat with actor and activist Kendrick Sampson at the Gregory School Library.
Live performance from A Major Band on the Gregory Stage.
DJ Tazz returns to lead line dancing and an open dance party on the Gregory Stage. All ages welcome.
Workshop hosted by BAM (Black at Microsoft) inside the Visitor Center.
Closing announcements, thank-yous, and the official wrap-up of Juneteenth Fest 2026.
The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) presents their Juneteenth Program, 5:00–8:30 PM.

Juneteenth Fest Talent Show — Apply by June 1st

Apply Here

With Gratitude

Partners & Sponsors

Juneteenth Fest 161 is made possible through the generosity of our partners and sponsors.

Partner

Juneteenth Houston

Sponsor

Amazing Awards, Inc.

Sponsor

Chic Collective Group

Looking Back

Juneteenth 2025

Last year's Juneteenth Fest was a landmark moment — drawing more than 1,000 guests from across Houston and around the country. Here's a look back at the day.

1,000+

Attendees

Volunteers

Vendors

Partners

Press Highlights

Photo Gallery - 2025 - Photos by Rodney Glynn & Troy Ezequiel

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58 photosClick any image to enlarge

Watch

2025 Fireside Chat ft. Dr. Marc Lamont Hill

Find Us

Freedmen's Town Visitor Center

The festival is centered at the Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy Visitor Center in Houston's historic Fourth Ward — the heart of Freedmen's Town.

Address: 1204 Victor St, Houston, TX 77019
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 · 12 – 5 PM

Get Directions →View on Google Maps

Please Note

Due to ongoing construction for Phase II of the Rebirth in Action Initiative, outdoor space and parking will be more limited this year. Scroll down for further details.

New This Year

The African American Library at the Gregory School will be fully open and activated with workshops, a Fireside Chat, and self-guided tours.

Know Before You Go

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I park?+

Due to Phase II of the Rebirth in Action Initiative, on-site parking is very limited this year. We strongly encourage rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or carpooling. Street parking is available on surrounding blocks of the Fourth Ward — please observe posted signs and respect neighbors' driveways. Further parking instructions can be found in our Parking Guide.

Is the festival accessible?+

Yes. The Visitor Center, the African American Library at the Gregory School, and main programming areas are wheelchair accessible. Accessible drop-off is available directly in front of 1204 Victor St. If you need additional accommodations, email us in advance and our team will be happy to assist.

What's happening with the construction?+

Construction for Phase II of the Rebirth in Action Initiative is actively underway on the new Cultural Hub. Outdoor footprint and parking are reduced, and some pathways may be rerouted. Look for festival volunteers with volunteer badges and clear signage to guide you between venues.

What should I do when I arrive?+

Start at the Visitor Center (1204 Victor St) to pick up a program and get oriented. From there, programming flows between the Gregory Stage, the Visitor Center, and the Gregory School Library and Conference Room — all within a short walk.

Is the event really free?+

Yes. General admission is free, but we ask that you reserve your free ticket in advance so we can plan for capacity. Donations to support the Conservancy's work are always welcome.

Is the Fireside Chat included in general admission?+

No — the Fireside Chat with Kendrick Sampson is a separately ticketed event held at the Gregory School Library and has limited capacity. A free general admission ticket does not include entry to the Fireside Chat; please reserve a Fireside Chat ticket in advance.

How do I apply to participate in the talent show?+

Sign up for the Juneteenth Fest Talent Showcase by June 1st, 2026 using our Talent Show Sign-Up form. Selected performers will compete on the Gregory Stage for a cash prize.

Will there be food and vendors?+

Yes — local food vendors and makers will be on-site throughout the day. Bring cash and a card; most vendors accept both.

Is it kid-friendly?+

Absolutely. The festival is a family event with programming, music, and activities welcoming all ages.

What if it rains?+

The festival is rain or shine. Indoor venues (the Visitor Center and the Gregory School) provide shelter, and the program will adjust as needed. Dress for Houston June weather — light layers, a hat, and water.

Get Free Tickets →

Coming Home to Where Freedom Began