Party in the Park: Juneteenth Edition

Soak up family activities, live entertainment and community spirit at Party in the Park: Juneteenth Edition—a free celebration honoring culture, creativity and connection. Head to Hub RTP (3151 Elion Dr., Durham, NC 27713) on Thursday, June 19, for an afternoon filled with high-energy performances, interactive experiences and family-friendly fun. 

From high-stepping Double Dutch sessions and a splashpad perfect for cooling off to mouthwatering food trucks and a curated artist market, this event offers something for everyone. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, catch performances throughout the day and connect with local partners doing meaningful work in the community. 

🎉 What to Expect 

• Curated jams from DJ Damu  

• Rotating lineup of performers on the main stage, including:
  • 🎤 Dasan Ahanu – An award-winning poet, playwright and named the 2023 Piedmont Laureate for poetry in North Carolina. This Southern storyteller uses powerful spoken word to deepen our understanding and awareness of what’s happening around us. 
  • 🎶 Arvetra D. Jones – A soulful singer-songwriter and founder of Writer’s Block Music Academy, Arvetra blends themes of faith, resilience and transformation into his music, resonating deeply with listeners navigating their own life journeys.
  • 💃 Empower Dance Studio – Based in Durham, this vibrant studio champions confidence and community through movement.
  • 🕺 Marvis Henderson Daye – Line dance instructor, author and joy advocate, Marvis invites everyone to dance through life’s challenges and have fun doing it. 
    

• Double Dutch sessions with the 40+ Double Dutch Club: Watch this incredible crew of women take on the ropes—and join them if you’re feeling bold! 

• Family splashpad—don’t forget swimsuits, towels, or dry clothes 

• Lawn games 

• Artist vendor market with handmade goods
  • 🖌️ Ceramic art from Sweet Hive Pottery
  • 🖌️ Timeless vases, pots and more from Eric Debrah Pottery
  • 🖌️ Statement pieces from AA The Beautiful
  • 🖌️ Fragrance + design from Fleur a Noor
  • 🖌️ Nature-inspired crafts and florals from Piipe Flowers and Crafts
  • 🖌️ Mixed media art from Frankaono
  • 🖌️ Beaded creations from Booget Bracelet
  • 🖌️ Art and adornments from Wanderlust Bee

• Food trucks and sweet treats from local favorites:
  • The Flat Drum
  • Boricua Soul
  • The Naked Empanada
  • Lornett’s Southern Kitchen
  • Gator on the Grille
  • Same O Dame O’s
  • Fired Up Pizza and BBQ
  • OMG Lemonade
  • OMG Banana Pudding
  • CocoCrissi Tropical Icees.

• Connect with local leaders and nonprofits:
  • Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People (DCABP)
  • Urban Ministries of Durham
  • GoDurham
  • Communities in Partnership
  • Duke OBGYN 

🎁 Come Early!
The first 50 attendees to check in will receive a voucher for a free Icee—perfect for beating the heat. Check-in starts promptly at 12 p.m. sharp!
Know Before You Go  

What to Bring 

• Lawn chairs or blankets 

• Swimwear or splash-friendly clothing  

• Sunscreen, water and good vibes 

Restrooms 

• Restrooms will be available on-site. Indoor restrooms will be available in the Horseshoe building. 

Inclement Weather 

• If there is inclement weather, the event will be postponed and held on June 20, 2025. Registered participants will be notified through TicketTailor. 

Parking 

• We highly encourage visitors to use the free parking available at 3150 Elion Dr.