City of Laurens to Host Juneteenth Weekend Celebration June 12-14
June 10, 2026
The City of Laurens will host its Juneteenth Weekend Celebration June 12-14, bringing together community members for three days of music, family activities, food and reflection in downtown Laurens under the theme “Honoring the Past, Serving the Present, Inspiring the Future.”
Juneteenth, observed nationally on June 19, commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom following the end of the Civil War, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The federal holiday has grown into a time for communities across the country to gather in celebration, remembrance and unity.
The weekend kicks off Friday, June 12, with a Talent Show at 7 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre, giving local performers a stage to showcase their skills.
Saturday, June 13, offers a full day of programming beginning with a Breakfast Panel at 9 a.m. at the Laurens County Museum. At 2 p.m., The Capitol Theatre will host a free screening of the film “Sarah’s Oil.” The afternoon continues with a Parade at 5 p.m. starting at Laurens Middle School, winding through the community before giving way to a Downtown Celebration at 6 p.m. featuring food, music and family-friendly activities.
The weekend concludes Sunday, June 14, with a Commemoration Service at 11 a.m. at St. Pauls First Baptist Church, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude for the progress made and the work that remains.
