Northampton Juneteenth Festival
Northampton Juneteenth Festival 2026
A Celebration of Black Freedom, Art, and Community
Overview
The Northampton Juneteenth Festival is a vital community gathering dedicated to honoring Black liberation and excellence. By centering Black artists, business owners, and community leaders, we create a space for joy, education, and connection that is free and open to all.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Location: E.J. Gare Plaza, 2 Brewster Ct, Northampton, MA 01060
Marketplace & Pouring Station: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Live Performances & Art Installations: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Accessibility: This event is 100% free to the public, ensuring no economic barriers to participation.
Performance & Event Schedule
11:00 AM | The Marketplace & Provisions Pouring Station Open (Come early to shop and explore!)
12:00 PM | Festival Welcome with Host Tim Lovett & DJ TRENDS Kick-off Set
01:00 PM | Pamela Means | Live Performance
01:30 PM | Mid-day Mix with DJ TRENDS & Stage Check-in with Tim Lovett
02:00 PM | Mtali Banda | Live Performance
02:45 PM | Afternoon Groove with DJ TRENDS & Community Spotlights with Tim Lovett
03:15 PM | Kimaya Diggs | Live Performance
04:00 PM | DJ TRENDS | Final Set & Wind Down
04:30 PM | Closing Remarks with Kendal & Tim Lovett
05:00 PM | Stage Programming Concludes
06:00 PM | Marketplace & Refreshment Stations Close
Featured Hosts, Artists & Performers
Tim Lovett (Host & MC): Your Master of Ceremonies for the day, bringing vibrant energy, community connection, and guiding us through this incredible celebration of freedom and art.
Pamela Means: Award-winning singer-songwriter and activist.
Kimaya Diggs: Acclaimed vocalist known for her soulful folk-soul fusion.
Mtali Banda: Renowned jazz saxophonist and storyteller.
DJ TRENDS: Premier regional DJ providing the baseline soundtrack, transitions, and energy for the festival throughout the entire day.
Chelvanaya Gabriel: Featured visual artist whose work explores identity and resilience.
Edwina Polanco: Local powerhouse and community advocate presenting a custom visual art installation that blends social justice with her dedication to the Valley arts scene.
Community & Economic Impact
This festival serves as a platform for economic empowerment and cultural visibility:
The Marketplace: Dozens of Black-owned businesses and makers will be on-site as vendors. Highlighting the Juneteenth Marketplace is key community partner Positively Africana By Aimee, a prominent destination for authentic African retail and handcrafted gifts, community and cultural experiences, and fitness and wellness. Based in Northampton, Massachusetts and shipping nationwide, Positively Africana By Aimee (https://www.positivelyafricana.com) directly supports women entrepreneurs operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through 25% profit sharing. In alignment with the festival's mission of empowerment, this reflects the brand's dedication to authentic cultural connection and economic justice, alongside this year's incredible vendor lineup:
Auntie Elsie's Oatmeal Crisps
Exotic Scentsations
Gándara Center
Grounded In Wellness 365
Izmprizm Studio
Liv Nu Accessories
LyricxLabz
Robin G. Photo Art
The World Famous Artoonist
Youth Leadership: Co-organized by the Northampton Youth Commission, the festival fosters civic engagement and leadership among the next generation of local residents.
Provisions Hospitality Station: Provisions will join the festival to host a curated hospitality station, offering a selection of their signature specialty items and refreshments for attendees to enjoy.
Organizers & Sponsors
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
