2026 Coastal Bend Juneteenth Festival
About This Event
South Texas's largest Juneteenth gathering, the Coastal Bend Juneteenth Festival returns to Water's Edge Park June 19-21 for a three-day celebration themed "Waves of Liberation." Hosted by the Corpus Christi chapter of the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE-CC), the festival has grown from roughly 500 attendees in 2018 to more than 22,000 in 2025. Headliners include Texas hip-hop legend Bun B and Grammy-nominated R&B singer Elle Varner, alongside a main-stage concert series, art and culture showcases, a health and wellness pavilion, youth programming, and an expansive vendor expo spotlighting Black-owned businesses, food trucks, and Coastal Bend artisans. General admission is free; daily entry and VIP experiences are available via tabphecc.org. No ice chests; bring lawn chairs and blankets.
📅 When
June 19, 2026
📍 Where
Water's Edge Park, 402 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Corpus Christi, TX
💵 Price
Free general admission; $5 Saturday entry, $1 for kids 12 and under, VIP available
👤 Organizer
Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education - Corpus Christi Chapter (TABPHE-CC)
Connect with Organizer
Share This Event
Have a photo of this event? We’re using the Juneteenth flag as a placeholder.
Suggest a photo →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 Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX 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 3 additional Juneteenth events in Corpus Christi.
Other Juneteenth events in Corpus Christi
Frequently asked questions
- When is 2026 Coastal Bend Juneteenth Festival?
- June 19, 2026. Confirm exact start times with the organizer (Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education - Corpus Christi Chapter (TABPHE-CC)) before traveling.
- Where is 2026 Coastal Bend Juneteenth Festival held?
- Water's Edge Park, 402 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, Corpus Christi, TX. 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.