2026 MLK Association Juneteenth Events
Celebrate, remember, observe, and honor the feelings of hope and progress Juneteenth inspires.
Hosted by the Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, all of the events listed below are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Celebrating the Community
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 –
A memorial program honoring civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, who were murdered on June 21, 1964. The evening also marks the debut of a documentary video on the history and work of the MLK Association, highlighting the life of Dr. Oralene Simmons, the creation of the Asheville Prayer Breakfast, and the Association’s impact on Western North Carolina. Held from 5:30-8 p.m. at Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave. in Asheville.
Black Asheville 411
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 –
Representatives from some of Asheville’s most beloved African American organizations, including Just Folks, The Block Collaborative, Grind AVL, YMI Cultural Center, and Legacy Neighborhoods Coalition, will discuss their organizations’ history, purpose, and goals. Held from 5:30-7 p.m. at Stephens-Lee Community Center.
Legendary: Celebrating The Legacy of John R. Hayes.
Thursday, June 18, 2026 –
After John R. Hayes passed in 2021, the City of Asheville proclaimed June 18 as John R. Hayes Day to honor his decades of racial justice leadership.
This event features a live performance by the John R. Hayes Highsteppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corps at 6 p.m., followed by remarks from community leaders and screenings from an in-progress documentary about Elder Hayes and his legacy.
Cash bar; free food provided by Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ. General admission (standing room only) is $15 suggested donation. Limited reserved seating is $50. Proceeds benefit the Umoja Health Wellness & Justice Collective. Held from 6-9 p.m. at Eulogy, Burial Beer’s event space, 10 Buxton Ave. in Asheville.
Juneteenth Gala and Fashion Show
Saturday, June 20, 2026 –
Join the Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County for an evening of food, music, fashion, and community. Featuring a fashion show of African and cultural attire, music from the Freeflow band, and food by Kente Kitchen. Held from 6-9 p.m. at A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville.
For more information, please go to mlkasheville.org/events/juneteenth-2026-events. To reserve tickets, please Contact Dr. Oralene Simmons by calling (828) 281-1624, or email [email protected].
