Juneteenth Freedom Walk
About This Event
The annual Juneteenth Freedom Walk crosses from Kittery, Maine to Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Friday, June 19, 2026. Walkers gather at 9:00 AM at John Paul Jones Memorial Park on the Kittery side of the Route 1 Memorial Bridge and step off at 9:30 AM for the 0.8-mile route to the African Burying Ground Memorial Park at 386 State Street, led by The Leftist Marching Band. Participants are encouraged to bring signs, tambourines, and friends. The walk arrives in time for the 11:00 AM Healing Rhythm of the Drums ceremony at the African Burying Ground. Co-presented by the Seacoast African American Cultural Center, Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, BLM NH, and Northstar AME Zion Church.
📅 When
June 19, 2026
📍 Where
John Paul Jones Memorial Park (Kittery, ME) to African Burying Ground, 386 State Street, Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, NH
💵 Price
Free
👤 Organizer
Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire and partners
Connect with Organizer
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Suggest a photo →What to expect at a Juneteenth Freedom Run / Walk
Juneteenth fitness events celebrate the journey to freedom through movement. 5K runs, fun walks, and unity walks are common. Most courses are flat and family-friendly. Pre-registration is usually required for a T-shirt and bib; race-day registration is often available for a small premium. Expect a warm-up at staging, a moment of reflection at the start line, and a community brunch or festival at the finish.
About Juneteenth in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, NH 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 Portsmouth.
Other Juneteenth events in Portsmouth
Frequently asked questions
- When is Juneteenth Freedom Walk?
- June 19, 2026. Confirm exact start times with the organizer (Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire and partners) before traveling.
- Where is Juneteenth Freedom Walk held?
- John Paul Jones Memorial Park (Kittery, ME) to African Burying Ground, 386 State Street, Portsmouth, NH, Portsmouth, NH. 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.