FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2026

12th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Four Days of Cultural Programming Headlined by GRAMMY-nominated artist Stokley

Event Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

WHAT: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park presents the 12th Annual Juneteenth Celebration — a multi-day series of events honoring the legacy of freedom, Gullah Geechee heritage, and the community that helped define self-governance in America. Programming spans three days and includes an evening campfire and conversation with nationally recognized historian Joe McGill, a Children’s Drum Camp and community Drum Circle, and a full-day festival headlined by GRAMMY-nominated artist Stokley. A Juneteenth 5K presented with Palmetto Running closes out the commemoration on June 19th.

“Having Stokley headline this year’s festival is something really special,” said Joyce Wright, Director of Programs and Interpretation at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. “He brings an incredible depth of artistry and a genuine connection to the music and culture that make this celebration so meaningful. We want every person who comes through those gates on June 13th to feel the joy and the weight of what this place represents — and Stokley’s performance is going to help us do exactly that.”

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park preserves and interprets the story of one of the first self-governed towns of formerly enslaved people in the United States. The Juneteenth Celebration brings together community members, families, descendants, visitors, and students each year to honor that history through cultural programming rooted in freedom, education, and Gullah Geechee heritage. Now in its 12th year, the celebration connects Mitchelville’s founding story to the ongoing work of preservation and community memory.

“Juneteenth at Mitchelville has always been about more than a single day,” said Ahmad Ward, Executive Director of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. “This weekend, we are asking families, neighbors, descendants, and visitors to come together on the very ground where freedom was built and lived. Each program — from the campfire conversation to the drum circle to the festival — gives people a different way to connect with that story. We hope the whole community will join us.”

MAIN CELEBRATION INFORMATION

Saturday, June 13 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 12th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Festival featuring Stokley Admission: $10 | Children 10 and under free | Tickets Here

The signature event of the weekend brings the full community together for a day of live music, cultural celebration, Gullah foodways, and connection on the historic grounds of Mitchelville. From the first performance to the final set, the festival is designed to honor history, uplift community, and celebrate freedom in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Guests can expect live music and performances throughout the day, local artists and vendors showcasing handmade goods, food trucks and traditional Gullah cuisine, community storytelling and cultural activations, dance contests, karaoke, interactive programming for all ages, and youth performances.

Headlining the festival is Stokley — GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, and lead singer and drummer of the legendary R&B group Mint Condition. Stokley has collaborated with some of the most celebrated names in music, including Prince, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson. His 2017 debut solo album, Introducing Stokley, produced two top-five Billboard singles, “Organic” and “Level.” His performance promises to be a fitting close to a day rooted in joy, resilience, and community.

Bring your chairs, umbrellas, and picnic blankets. Come early and stay all day. No outside food or drink permitted.

FULL EVENT LINE UP

Thursday, June 11 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Juneteenth Campfire, Conversation & Sleepover with Joe McGill An America 250 Event | Admission: $25 Adults | Children under 12 free | Tickets Here

Gather around the fire for an evening of meaningful storytelling, shared history, and community connection. Joe McGill of The Slave Dwelling Project leads this special program, inviting participants to reflect on life in the Lowcountry during the Revolutionary War era — including what daily life looked like for enslaved individuals on Hilton Head Island in 1776. As part of the national America 250 commemoration, the evening offers a thoughtful look at the past while creating space for honest dialogue and reflection in the present.

Guests will share a family-style dinner prepared with traditional Gullah recipes, gather around the campfire for guided conversation and storytelling, and have the option to extend the evening with a primitive-style sleepover on the grounds. Limited tents are available for $25, and guests are also welcome to bring their own camping equipment. Park restrooms will remain open overnight.

This is a rare opportunity to slow down, sit with history, and connect — both with the story of this place and with the people gathered to hear it. Registration is required. Bring your own chair and comfort items. Open to all ages.

Friday, June 12 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Children’s Drum Camp | Admission: Free |Register Here 

Children are invited to take part in this hands-on drumming experience where they will learn basic techniques, explore rhythm and movement, and prepare for a special parade through the park that leads directly into the evening’s Drum Circle. Children who pre-register by June 5, 2026 will receive a take-home keepsake. Open to children of all ages; a parent or guardian must be present. Advance registration is required to ensure materials and supplies.

Friday, June 12 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Juneteenth Celebration Drum Circle  Admission: Free | Open to all | No registration required

The energy of the Drum Camp carries into this vibrant, community-wide Drum Circle, an interactive evening of rhythm, movement, and celebration open to all ages. The program opens with a traditional libation ceremony, a practice of pouring water as a gesture of remembrance and gratitude, before the drums take over and the community comes alive. Experienced facilitators lead the circle, and everyone is invited to participate through drumming, dancing, or simply taking in the moment. Food and artisan vendors will be on site. Bring your own chair and comfort items. No outside food or drink permitted.

Friday, June 19 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Juneteenth 5K with Palmetto Running Registration: $35 Adults | $20 ages 13–18 | Children 12 and under free | Register Here

Close out the Juneteenth commemoration with a spirited 5K race celebrating freedom, unity, and progress. Walk, run, or jog — every step is a symbol of resilience and community. Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt and a unique keepsake finisher’s medal. Packet pick-up takes place at the park from 8:00–8:45 AM, followed by a pre-race group stretch session at 8:45 AM. The race begins at 9:00 AM. Awards will be given to the overall male and female finishers and first-place finishers in each age group. Post-race stretch sessions are available — sign up with StretchLab on site. Children 12 and under race free, but do not receive a t-shirt.

All Events Will Be Held At:
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
40 Harriet Tubman Way
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 

For More Information:
Visit exploremitchelville.org or call 843-255-7301.

PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES: Campfire gathering and storytelling with Joe McGill on Thursday evening; children’s drumming instruction and park parade on Friday afternoon; traditional libation ceremony opening the Friday Drum Circle; live performances, Gullah foodways, artisan vendors, and community gathering throughout Saturday’s festival; race start and post-race programming on June 19th.

PRESS MATERIALS: Additional press materials and graphics can be found here. 

Location: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

For More Event Information, Visit: ExploreMitchelville.org

We invite local artists, crafters, food vendors, and nonprofit organizations to join us for a day of culture, history, and community at the 12th Annual Juneteenth Celebration headlined by Stokely! This is a great opportunity to promote your business or mission to a diverse and engaged audience in a meaningful setting.

How to Register

Deadline to Register is May 15, 2026 

  1. Click the appropriate registration link below to register.
  2. Click the date (June 12, 2026) and choose the appropriate registration option. 
  3. Complete the registration form and payment (if applicable)