The Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Committee is inviting the community to attend the 2026 Freedom Day and Juneteenth celebrations, a series of events honoring history, culture, freedom, unity, and community empowerment throughout Northern Kentucky.
The celebration will bring together families, churches, educators, businesses, elected officials, entertainers, and community leaders for a weekend focused on remembrance, restoration, and rising toward the future together.
Freedom Day celebration and parade, Sunday, June 7
Lineup Begins at 9:30 a.m. at Dixie Highway and Garvey Avenue in the U.S. Bank Parking Lot. Parade begins at 10 a.m. The parade route will end at the First Baptist Church Elsmere, located on Garvey Avenue.
The Freedom Day Parade will officially kick off the 2026 Juneteenth season in Northern Kentucky. Following the parade, the community is invited to join in Kids Fest, a community cookout including games, family activities, music and fellowship. The event is free and open to the public.
Juneteenth career fair and expungement clinic, Thursday, June 18
The event will take place at the Kentucky Career Center in Covington from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. and is designed to provide resources, employment opportunities, second chances, and support services for individuals and families throughout the community. Community organizations, employers, and service providers will be available to assist attendees with workforce development, career opportunities, and expungement information.
Juneteenth celebration and Black Excellence Awards, Saturday, June 20
Known as the “Gateway to Freedom,” Covington Landing, located at 100 Madison Avenue, will serve as the centerpiece of this year’s celebration, scheduled from noon-7 p.m.
The event will feature the Black Excellence Awards, live entertainment, community speakers along with vendors and food trucks, youth activities and giveaways and more. The Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Committee will also recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through leadership, education, service, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
“Juneteenth is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of how far we have come, the sacrifices made before us, and the responsibility we have to continue building stronger communities for future generations,” said Phyllis Tyler, founder and organizer of the Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Celebration. “We invite the entire community to come together in unity as we remember the past and rise toward the future.”
Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Committee