Mitchelville to host 11th annual Juneteenth celebration with weeklong events and headliner Leela James
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park will commemorate Juneteenth with a week of family-friendly programming culminating in a headline performance by acclaimed R&B artist Leela James on Saturday, June 14th. The celebration, running from June 12th to 19th, marks the 11th annual Juneteenth observance at the site of the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States.
Organizers say the event honors the rich legacy of freedom and community embodied by Mitchelville, while also highlighting the ongoing importance of cultural reflection and celebration.
“Events like this bring our community—both near and far—together in powerful ways,” said Ahmad Ward, executive director of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. “They offer an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and celebrate the progress we’ve made.”
Festival in the Park highlights – Saturday, June 14th
The main event, Festival in the Park, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes:
• Gospel music hosted by Marti Baker
• A special appearance by Marlena Smalls at the historic Praise House
• Family activities including a Kids’ Corner, karaoke, and an old-school dance contest
• Food trucks, local vendors, and community exhibitors
• A live performance by Leela James, known for hits such as “Fall For You” and “Complicated”
“Her soulful voice and dynamic performance will be the pinnacle of our weeklong Juneteenth celebration,” said Joyce Wright, program director at Mitchelville.
Weeklong schedule of events
Thursday, June 12th
• Naych and B’uhds | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A collaboration with Hilton Head Audubon featuring birding and nature education under the oaks and along the marsh. Free with registration.
• Sleep Under the Stars: The Juneteenth Sleepover Experience | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Optional overnight stay until 6 a.m.) $20 per person | $10 tent rental
A reflective overnight experience offering participants a unique connection to the historic grounds of Mitchelville.
Friday, June 13th
• Children’s Day: Dig Into History | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Children can step into the role of junior archaeologists in a hands-on, educational excavation. Free with RSVP.
• Feel the Beat: Juneteenth Drum Circle | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. An interactive, high-energy community drum circle led by master drummers. Free with RSVP.
Saturday, June 14th
• Festival in the Park | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission: $10 The marquee celebration includes performances, vendors, food, children’s programming, and a headline concert by Leela James.
Wednesday, June 19th
• Juneteenth 5K | 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Hosted by Palmetto Running Company. Registration available online. Event location and tickets
All events will be held at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, located at 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island.
General admission for the Saturday festival is $10, with other events during the week either free or low-cost with registration. For tickets, registration, and event updates, visit exploremitchelville.org.
