African American Museum of Iowa Juneteenth Festival 2026
About This Event
The African American Museum of Iowa hosts its annual Juneteenth Festival at NewBo City Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The free festival features live music and performances, local nonprofit and business organizations, food and merchandise vendors, and family-friendly activities celebrating Black freedom and Iowa's African American heritage.
📅 When
June 20, 2026
📍 Where
NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Cedar Rapids, IA
💵 Price
Free
👤 Organizer
African American Museum of Iowa
Connect with Organizer
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What to expect at a Juneteenth festival
Juneteenth festivals are the heart of the holiday — multi-hour, family-friendly, and densely programmed. Expect a main stage with rotating performances, vendor rows featuring Black-owned businesses, food trucks heavy on barbecue and Southern cuisine, kids’ zones with face painting and bounce houses, history exhibits or living-history performers, and community resource booths. Plan to spend two to four hours if you want to see the lineup; longer if you’re bringing children. Entry is free at most festivals, but tipping vendors and supporting local businesses is part of the day.
About Juneteenth in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, IA marks Juneteenth alongside hundreds of other US cities, with celebrations rooted in local Black history and shaped by the people, churches, and community organizations that have sustained the day for generations. Whether you’re attending your first Juneteenth or your fortieth, the goal is the same: gather, remember, and celebrate freedom together. Our directory currently lists 2 additional Juneteenth events in Cedar Rapids.
Other Juneteenth events in Cedar Rapids
Frequently asked questions
- When is African American Museum of Iowa Juneteenth Festival 2026?
- June 20, 2026. Confirm exact start times with the organizer (African American Museum of Iowa) before traveling.
- Where is African American Museum of Iowa Juneteenth Festival 2026 held?
- NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, Cedar Rapids, IA. Check the event website for parking and accessibility details.
- Is this event free to attend?
- Yes. This Juneteenth event is free and open to the public. Some sub-events (food, vendor purchases, optional workshops) may have separate costs.
- What should I bring?
- Plan for outdoor weather. Bring sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, a hat or umbrella, cash for vendors (some are cash-only), and a portable phone charger. If chairs aren’t provided, a foldable seat or blanket is useful.
- Is the event family-friendly?
- Most Juneteenth celebrations welcome all ages. Family-specific programming varies by event — many include kids’ zones, face painting, and family activities. Strollers are usually welcome at outdoor venues.