Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ — The city’s Juneteenth celebrations feature a lineup of events that reflect Natchez’s rich Black history and vibrant cultural identity. With community gatherings, educational programs, performances and celebrations, this year’s schedule honors the significance of Juneteenth and continues Natchez’s ongoing commitment to unity, reflection and progress.

“Juneteenth gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past while celebrating the cultural identity and resilience of Natchez’s Black community, both past and present,” said Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage and tourism manager at Visit Natchez. “These events not only educate and inspire but also bring our community together in meaningful ways. We are honored to support and promote these important programs.”

Events include:

Aldermen Meeting at NAPAC Museum

Tuesday, June 10, 11 a.m.

Each June, the Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen Meeting is held at the NAPAC museum, which is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of African Americans in Natchez and throughout the southern United States. This annual tradition, which began in June 2021, underscores the city’s commitment to honoring and elevating Black history and voices, reflecting Natchez’s ongoing progress toward equity, inclusion and cultural recognition. The meeting starts at 11 a.m. at 301 Main St.

2nd Annual Juneteenth Cheeseburger Challenge Cook-Off

Friday, June 13, 3 – 7 p.m.

97.7 FM and 1240 AM will kick off Juneteenth weekend with the second annual Cheeseburger Challenge on The Bluff – a Father’s Day and Juneteenth celebration. This fun-filled fundraiser and competitive cook-off will determine who makes the best cheeseburger in Southwest Mississippi and Central Louisiana. Multiple teams will grill live on-site in downtown Natchez between 3 and 7 p.m., with judging taking place at 5 p.m. WTYJ and WMIS will broadcast live on site, with DJ Buzz providing the soundtrack for the event. The contest will be held on N. Broadway St., in front of the Natchez Grand Hotel. The grand prize is $1,000 and ‘Bragging Rights.’ This event is organized by New Vision Broadcasting in partnership with the City of Natchez. For more information, contact Malcolm Innis at info@newvisionbroadcasting.com or by calling 601-442-2522.

Fishin’ with Fathers … and Friends

Saturday, June 14, 8-12 p.m.

The City of Natchez and Natchez Parks and Recreation will host Fishin’ with Fathers … and Friends at Bob M. Dearing Natchez State Park, a free community event designed to give children and families the opportunity to enjoy a morning of fishing together. Participants who need a fishing pole, bait, or a fishing buddy will be accommodated to ensure everyone can take part. Free transportation will be provided by Natchez Transit, with pickup at the Armory at Liberty Park. The bus will depart at 7:30 a.m. Advance registration is required and can be completed at bit.ly/Register-NtzParksAndRec. For more information, call 601-597-4495.

Natchez Day of Unity

Monday, June 16, 12 p.m.

The City of Natchez will host its sixth annual Day of Unity event at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church, located at 511 Jefferson Street, continuing a meaningful tradition initiated by former Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell. “This tradition has become an integral part of the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration, with the location rotating each year,” stated Mayor Dan Gibson. “We celebrate harmony with both song and spoken word. One of my favorite parts of this event is when the sounding of the bells of churches throughout the city ring out as a reminder that we are all children of God made uniquely in His image.”

Kick-Back at NAPAC

Thursday, June 19, 6 p.m.

Kick-Back at NAPAC is a special event hosted by the City of Natchez and the NAPAC Museum, honoring citizens and businesses for their contributions to the community. The event takes place at the museum, where the public is encouraged to explore the fascinating artifacts on display. Refreshments will be provided. The program will be held at the museum located at 301 Main St. For more information, please contact Bobby Dennis, the museum’s executive director, at 601-445-0728.

The Carlton Family African Art Collection

Thursday, June 19, 9 a.m.

In recognition of Juneteenth 2025, the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture is hosting a West African art exhibition titled, “The Carlton Family African Art Collection.” Curated in honor of Dr. Virginia Carlton, professor emeritus of Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana the collection showcases a variety of artifacts dating back to the 1800s in Ghana and Liberia. Dr. Carlton spent more than two decades traveling and teaching in West Africa, where she collected the featured works over the course of three extended stays. The exhibition offers a rare and meaningful glimpse into the artistry and cultural heritage of the region. The exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Bobby Dennis, executive director of the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, at 601-445-0728.

Juneteenth Youth Fest 2025

Thursday, June 19, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The community is invited to join the excitement at Juneteenth Youth Fest 2025, a free, full-day celebration of youth talent, teamwork, and cultural pride. Hosted by Frazier Extended Education and Cultural Enrichment Center in partnership with Pretty Girls with Brains, the event will take place at the Frazier Center located at 1445 George F. West Blvd. in Natchez. Designed to bring together young people of all ages, the festival will feature high-energy competitions and performances in a fun, welcoming environment. Activities will include sports, dance, step, and talent showcases—all aimed at uplifting and celebrating youth in honor of Juneteenth. For more information, call Bettye Bell at 601-334-4104.

Bridging the Gap from Past to Present: A Community Juneteenth Celebration

Friday, June 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

A community Juneteenth celebration featuring cultural exhibits, activities for children, live entertainment, storytelling, food, vendor booths, and other family events will be held at Concord Quarters at 301 Gayosa Street. The program is open to the public. It is sponsored by the Natchez-Adams County Branch of the NAACP. The NAACP will lead a motorcade from the Forks of the Road at 105 Liberty Road to Concord Quarters. Line-up will begin at 10 a.m. at the Forks of the Road. Vendor information is available by calling 601-493-3018.

Juneteenth African American Tours

Entire month of June

Special tours focusing on African American history are offered in June in recognition of Juneteenth. They’re led by Rev’s Country Tours who tells the dramatic and significant stories of African Americans in Natchez.