The upcoming 2026 Juneteenth Heritage Festival theme, “Celebrate Freedom. Celebrate Every Mind,” reflects the festival’s commitment to honoring not only our shared history, but also the diversity, brilliance, and contributions of every individual throughout the community.
This year’s Grand Marshals will honor:
1. Autism Awareness
2. 2026 Lincoln Prep Championship Basketball Team
3. The Woodard Family
In an exciting addition, this year’s festival will also combine with the Grambling/Lincoln Prep All Class Reunion as alumni from near and far return home to celebrate memories, reconnect with classmates, and honor the rich legacy of Grambling.
The festival officially begins Sunday, June 7, with a Gospel Explosion at 4:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Throughout the week, attendees can enjoy a wide variety of events including community discussions, cultural programs, health initiatives, family activities, and live entertainment.
Highlights of the celebration include the Miss Juneteenth Pageant, Juneteenth Bake-Off, Genealogy Event, Health & Wellness Fair, Vendor Marketplace, Parade, Fish Fry, and Fireworks Celebration.
Festival Schedule
Sunday, June 7
· Gospel Explosion – 4:00 PM – Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Friday, June 12
· Official Opening Ceremony – 10:00 AM – Grambling City Hall
· Miss Juneteenth Pageant – 6:00 PM – T.H. Harris Performance Arts Center on the Grambling State University Campus
Saturday, June 13
· Fishing Tournament – 7:30 AM – 105 Park St., Grambling, LA
Sunday, June 14
· Poetry Contest – 2:00 PM – Grambling City Hall
· Living History -remembering the past and inspiring the Future – 4:30 -Grambling City Hall
Monday, June 15
· Grambling Chamber of Commerce Event: Building Grambling Together Community, Culture and Legacy – A Juneteenth Conversation Under the Tent – 6:00 PM at Grambling City Hall
Tuesday, June 16
· Juneteenth Bake-Off – 10:00 AM – Grambling City Hall
· Tracing Our Past, Celebrating Our Future – 12:00 PM – Grambling City Hall
Wednesday, June 17
· City-Wide Bible Study – 6:00 PM – Christ Temple Baptist Church
Thursday, June 18
· Health & Wellness Fair – 9:00 AM–1:00 PM – Grambling City Hall
Friday, June 19 — THE BIG EVENT
· 4K/5K Freedom Run –
o 7:00 AM – Grambling State University Campus
· Car Show – 8:00 AM – Christian Center
· Vendor Marketplace – 9:00 AM – all day- Village of Grambling
· Parade – 5:00 PM – Village of Grambling
· Fish Fry – 6:00 PM – Village of Grambling
· Line Dancing – 7:00 PM
· Fireworks – At Dusk – Grambling Park
Saturday, June 20
· Juneteenth Gala – 7:00 PM – Grambling State University Campus
Tickets for the Juneteenth Gala will be available at City Hall, through committee members, or online at Juneteenth Heritage Festival Website.
The continues to stand as a celebration of freedom, perseverance, history, and community while honoring the generations that helped shape Grambling’s proud legacy.
HIGHLIGHTS
– June 18th and 19th – they will be doing Free Heart wellness checks that includes a $45 free gift cards
-June 18th and 19th
Blood drive donations will be available
– Most events are free and all will serve refreshments..
– Fish Fry tickets available online or at city Hall
– Vendor/ Parade sign up text 318 514 8855 for link.