The St. Joseph Museums and the Black Archives Museum, in partnership with the Bartlett Center and community collaborators, have announced the full schedule for the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration.
This year’s event has been reimagined as an expanded, multi-day series designed to honor the legacy of freedom, resilience, and African American heritage. The scale of this year’s festivities is made possible in part by a $53,430 grant from the Missouri Division of Tourism, awarded to bolster cultural programming and draw new visitors to the St. Joseph area.
The 2026 celebration arrives at a unique intersection of local and national milestones. As the United States prepares for America 250, communities across the nation are reflecting on the full spectrum of American history—acknowledging both its struggles and its triumphs.
St. Joseph’s Juneteenth festivities serve as a contribution to the national dialogue. Furthermore, the FIFA World Cup taking place in Kansas City is expected to host a global audience. This creates a unique opportunity for international travelers to experience the culture and history of Northwest Missouri.
The scheduled festivities feature a lineup of events intended to educate, inspire, and foster community unity. The celebration includes everything from high-energy athletic competitions to immersive cultural showcases, all leading up to a signature weekend of family-centered activities.
2026 Juneteenth Event Schedule:
• Juneteenth Golf Tournament – May 15 — 1:30 p.m., Fairview Golf Course – A community-wide tournament kicking off the season’s celebrations.
• Juneteenth Play – June 13 and 14, MWSU Spratt 101 – A Conversation written by local historians Loes Hedge, Gary Wilkinson, and JD Soil about local and national Black history.
• Juneteenth Basketball Shoot-Out – June 14, Bartlett Center – A spirited competition for athletes and spectators alike.
• Juneteenth Race – June 19, 10:00 a.m. at Bartlett Center – A community race promoting health, unity, and celebration.
• Juneteenth Gala – June 19, 6:00 PM Bartlett Center – An elegant evening of food, fellowship, and reflection. Featuring a performance by the Tribe Band.
• Juneteenth Parade – June 20, 10:00 a.m. – From Bode Middle School to the Bartlett Center – A procession celebrating culture, community, and freedom.
• Family Festival & Vendor Fair – June 20, 10:00 a.m. Bartlett Center – local vendors, food, entertainment (featuring Trilemma), and family activities.
• Juneteenth Fashion Show – June 20, Bartlett Center – A showcase of creativity, culture, and community pride.
• Juneteenth Talent Show – June 20, Bartlett Center – Featuring special guest emcee Kevin Strickland, whose story of resilience and justice has inspired communities across Missouri.
• Family Picnic – June 21, Bartlett Center – A relaxed, free, family-friendly gathering to close the celebration weekend.