News Summary
The Upstate region in South Carolina is set to commemorate Juneteenth with a series of events from June 13 to June 21. Activities include the Juneteenth Royal Gala, a 5K run for veterans, a car and bike show, a homeownership empowerment initiative, a race seminar, a grand parade, and a Soul Food Festival. These events aim to honor the historic significance of the holiday and promote community engagement. Attendees can enjoy various cultural performances, educational resources, and family-friendly activities throughout the week.
Greenville, SC – The Upstate region will celebrate Juneteenth with a week full of events to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. This year, Juneteenth falls on June 19, and a variety of activities are scheduled to honor this federal holiday, which was officially recognized by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The week will kick off with the Juneteenth Royal Gala on June 13 at 6 p.m., held at the Embassy Suites at Verdae in Greenville. This elegant event will include the crowning of Mr. and Miss Juneteenth, keynote speeches, cultural performances, and networking opportunities. Tickets for this gala are priced at $133 per person.
The following day, on June 14 at 7 a.m., the community can participate in the 4th Annual 5K Juneteenth Run for Veterans, which will start from the Blues Boulevard Jazz Club on River Street. This event features a 5K run/walk along with CycleBar rides, health screenings, wellness workshops, and a Line Dance Party. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Upstate Circle of Friends and their Vet Forward initiative, which supports local veterans.
On June 15, the Upstate will host the Juneteenth Freedom Ride Car and Bike Show, commencing at 1 p.m. at Lakeside Park, located on the Piedmont Highway. Attendees can enjoy a sound competition and numerous food trucks while car and bike enthusiasts can register for the show at a fee of $22.87. Also taking place on the same day is an 11-mile or 22-mile bike ride starting from the Donaldson Center.
Continuing the celebrations, the “Keys to Freedom” Homeownership Empowerment Initiative will be held on June 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Upstate Circle of Friends resource center. The event, in partnership with Greenville County Habitat for Humanity, includes a homeownership panel, vendor showcases, and educational resources—all offered for free.
On June 18, a seminar on race will be held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Spartanburg, featuring free entry for all attendees. This serves to promote discussion and understanding around important societal issues.
As we approach the principal day of Juneteenth on June 19, the festivities will continue with a grand Juneteenth Parade scheduled for June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The parade will begin at Carver Middle School and feature floats, live music, bike and car shows, and numerous vendor booths—all available for free admission.
Additionally, a Soul Food Festival will take place on the same day from noon to 6 p.m. in Fountain Inn. This event will showcase local vendors and artists, including performances by spoken word artists, musicians, comedians, and dancers, with free entry for all who wish to attend.
Earlier this month, on June 11, a community build was held by Juneteenth GVL and Habitat for Humanity to construct an affordable home in Nicholtown, Greenville. This initiative exemplifies efforts towards economic empowerment and equity in housing, with support from local organizations such as the Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS and Crescent Surgical Supply.
With a wide range of activities that celebrate and educate about the significance of Juneteenth, the Upstate region welcomes everyone to participate and reflect on this important historical milestone.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Festivals and Events to Celebrate Juneteenth
- Fox Carolina: Upstate Events Planned for Juneteenth
- Greenville Journal: Habitat Greenville Juneteenth Events
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
- This is CNY: Syracuse Festival Guide 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
- Time Out: Things to Do in New York This Week
- Google Search: Juneteenth events 2025
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
