Brookgreen Gardens to host ninth annual Gullah Geechee Junkanoo Festival

Brookgreen Gardens(opens in new tab) will celebrate West African, Caribbean, and Gullah Geechee culture during its 9th annual Gullah Geechee Junkanoo Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Wall Lowcountry Center Complex.

Inspired by the Bahamian Junkanoo tradition, the family-friendly event highlights the cultural connections of the African Diaspora and the living heritage of the Gullah Geechee community through music, dance, storytelling, visual arts, and cuisine. Guests are encouraged to wear colorful, festive, or Afrocentric attire.

Event Highlights: 

• Live Performances: African drumming and dance by Wona Womalan, interactive dance tutorials, and the signature Junkanoo Mask Parade.

• Hands-On Crafting & Art: Mask making, live screen printing, Adinkra stamping, Maasai-inspired beadwork, musical instrument crafting, community indigo dyeing, and heritage seed packet art.

• Exhibitions & Market: An Artisans Market featuring local crafts, presentations on regional heritage, and access to two featured exhibitions: Regal Threads: The Majesty of Blue and Purple and Threads of Memory: African Textiles, Adornment & Identity.

• Local Cuisine: Gullah Geechee food tastings and desserts available throughout the grounds.

• Community Honors: Presentation of the Huntington Exemplary Service Award, honoring individuals from Georgetown County, Horry County, and South Carolina who have advanced equity, unity, and cultural understanding.

Admission is free for Brookgreen members and included with general Garden admission for non-members.

This project is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit Brookgreen Gardens’ official event page(opens in new tab) or call 843-235-6000.