Join Us in Celebrating Juneteenth in Keene and the Monadnock Region!
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It marks the day when all enslaved individuals became aware of their freedom. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, it took two and a half years for enslaved people in Texas to learn of their freedom.
Join us as we celebrate freedom with a variety of free family-friendly events and activities!
2026 Event Highlights
FRIDAY, JUNE 12TH
12:00PM | Keene Family YMCA | 200 Summit Road, Keene
The Freedom Journey Trail opens for self-guided tours
Take a walk through history to learn about important historical events that have shaped the ongoing freedom journey of Black Americans. The trail, located on the grounds of the Keene Family YMCA at 200 Summit Road, Keene, is a ¼ mile scenic walk through the fields which will be open through Monday, June 22nd.
THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH
6:00-8:15PM | Huntress Auditorium @ Keene Public Library | 60 Winter Street, Keene
Film Screening – Billy Preston: The Way God Planned It
Join us for a very special screening and New Hampshire premiere of the documentary, Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It (2026), an exhilarating film about the legendary GRAMMY-winning musician whose signature sound shaped the work of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Sly Stone, Aretha Franklin, and countless others. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, studio outtakes, and rare photos, acclaimed director Paris Barclay interweaves the complicated aspects of this artist’s extraordinary life and musical career. A private man who turned to drugs to dull the pain of personal trauma, his poignant story unfolds through insights from Billy Porter, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr, complemented by rare footage and an original score by Robert Glasper.
Run time: 105 minutes
The screening will be followed by a Q&A session.
Pre-registration is recommended. Click here to get your free tickets.
FRIDAY, JUNE 19TH
5:00PM | Fuller Park @ the Recreation Center | 312 Washington Street, Keene
Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted by the City of Keene and co-hosted by W.S. Badger and the Keene Family YMCA this free, family-friendly community event will feature live music, good vibes, and family fun! Featuring performances by Jazzlyn Mota, Samirah Evans, and JohnLu & The Band.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH
11:00AM-12:30PM | Huntress Auditorium @ Keene Public Library | 60 Winter Street, Keene
Film Screening – Arco
Join us for a magical and beautifully animated journey through time, Arco is a dazzling adventure about a 10-year-old boy from a peaceful, distant future who accidentally travels back to the year 2075 and discovers a world in peril. The film debuted at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and won The Cristal Award for Best Feature Film at the 2025 Annecy Awards.
Run time: 89 minutes
Pre-registration is recommended. Click here to get your free tickets.
The City of Keene’s 2026 Juneteenth events are presented by the City of Keene Human Rights Committee, Keene Family YMCA, and W.S. Badger Company, and are sponsored in part by Savings Bank of Walpole.
Come together with us to honor this important occasion and celebrate freedom!