Middletown To Stage Juneteenth Flag Raising, Liberation Day Parade, Harbor Park Festival

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The City of Middletown is inviting residents to take part in its sixth-annual Juneteenth Celebration, which will include a flag raising ceremony, the fourth-annual Liberation Day Parade and a daylong festival at Harbor Park.

The observance begins Thursday, June 11, 2026, with a Flag Raising Ceremony at 11 a.m. on the front lawn of City Hall, according to the city announcement. The event is planned to honor the significance of Juneteenth and recognize individuals whose service has made a lasting impact on the community.

The main celebration is set for Friday, June 19. The Liberation Day Parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. from Prince Mortimer Avenue and proceed to the South Green, according to the announcement. After the parade, the celebration will continue at Harbor Park with what the city described as a full day of culture, community engagement, music, food and family-friendly activities.

During the Harbor Park festival, the organization will present Ujima Honors Awards to selected individuals for outstanding past and present contributions to community service, according to the announcement. The event also will include five scholarships for recipients that include graduating high school seniors and continuing education students, in support of their academic and professional aspirations.

The city said Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and serves as a celebration of freedom, resilience, achievement and hope. The annual events are intended to bring together residents of all backgrounds while honoring the history and contributions of the African American community.

"We are looking forward to having the community come out and enjoy a beautiful day of culture, community, and music as we celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of liberation that continues to inspire us all."

The festival is scheduled to conclude at 5 p.m. Additional information about the Juneteenth Celebration, Liberation Day Parade, Flag Raising Ceremony or scholarship program is available from Erika Hunter at 860-789-7681. City Hall is at 245 deKoven Drive in Middletown.