News Summary
Columbia, SC, is preparing for its 9th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest and Parade on June 21. This family-friendly event features live music, food trucks, and community engagement activities to promote cultural awareness. Additionally, other events leading up to Juneteenth include accessibility mornings at the South Carolina State Museum and a youth golf program. Nearby Magnolia, SC, will also host celebrations, allowing families to enjoy various activities while commemorating the significance of Juneteenth.
Columbia, SC: Upcoming Events Celebrate Juneteenth and Engage Youth
The 9th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest and Parade in Columbia, South Carolina, is set to take place on Saturday, June 21, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The vibrant celebration, which will be held on Sumter and Gervais Streets, is free to attend and is expected to attract a large crowd with its diverse array of activities. Highlights of the fest include live music, food trucks, games, and various community engagement activities that will promote cultural awareness and education about the significance of Juneteenth.
In addition to the Freedom Fest, several other engaging activities are planned in the lead-up to Juneteenth. The South Carolina State Museum will host accessibility mornings on Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This program will create a quieter, sensory-friendly environment intended for guests with disabilities to ensure they have an inclusive experience.
Summer Events and Youth Golf Program
The South Carolina State Museum is also expanding its summer hours, opening late on selected Fridays to showcase various exhibits and films, further enriching the community’s cultural offerings.
For younger community members, Bank of America has introduced the ‘Golf with Us’ program, which provides affordably priced rounds of golf for kids aged 6 to 18 for $5 or less per round. Participants will also have the opportunity to acquire a registered handicap with the U.S. Golf Association. Parents are reminded to sign up their children for this program by Sunday, June 15.
Regional Juneteenth Celebrations
Further celebrations of Juneteenth are also taking place in nearby Magnolia, SC, organized by the United Community Organization. The festivities will run from June 19 to June 21, featuring the theme “And Still … We Thrive!” The kickoff event will be the Miss Juneteenth Pageant at Albemarle Stage in Square Park, scheduled for Thursday, June 19, starting at 7 p.m. The following evening, the Juneteenth Gospel Explosion will occur at the Magnolia Performing Arts Center, also at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, June 21, the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom 5K Run/Walk will commence at 7:30 a.m., with an entry fee of $30. After the race, the main parade will take place at 10 a.m., following a route from Main Street to Pine Street, continuing the celebration of freedom.
Additional Activities for Families
Families can enjoy various activities tailored for children on June 21, including a Storytime & Movie for Kids event at the Columbia County Library at 11:30 a.m., and a Canvas & Kicks art program designed for teenagers aged 13-19, which will take place at 12:30 p.m. inside the Southern Arkansas University Student Event Center.
A community festival at the Columbia County Fairgrounds from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. will feature live music, entertainment, and local vendors showcasing their products. Additionally, a Juneteenth Rib Cook-Off will be hosted at the fairgrounds, with an entry fee of $60 and potential prize awards of up to $700 for the first-place winner.
Merchandise and Community Engagement
Community members interested in commemorating the occasion can purchase festival T-shirts for the Juneteenth celebration, which are available online and at local businesses. This serves as both a souvenir of the events and a way to support local economic initiatives.
Overall, the upcoming events in Columbia and its surroundings offer a comprehensive way for families and individuals to engage in community celebration, cultural education, and youth-focused programs during this important commemoration of freedom and resilience.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Local Living – Juneteenth Freedom Fest
- WAVY: Newport News to Host Free Juneteenth Freedom Festival
- ColaToday: Plan Ahead – Upcoming Events in Columbia
- WIS TV: Get Ready to Celebrate Juneteenth in Columbia
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
