Massive Farmington Valley Juneteenth Celebration Returns This Weekend In Simsbury

SIMSBURY, CT — The Farmington Valley’s largest Juneteenth celebration will return to Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 20, bringing together residents from four towns for an evening of live entertainment, food, family activities and fireworks.

The free event, scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., is organized by the Simsbury DEI Council, with entertainment programming produced by June Archer’s Eleven 28 Entertainment.

The celebration is supported by the towns of Avon, Farmington, Granby and Simsbury.

Organizers said the event is designed to commemorate Juneteenth while creating opportunities for education and community gathering.

“Our goal is both to educate a wider audience and celebrate together the importance of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of chattel slavery on June 19, 1865,” said Dr. Tayarisha Batchelor, director of equity and access for Simsbury Public Schools and a member of the planning committee. “Juneteenth is a great time to gather together and celebrate freedom for all of us.”

Planning committee members Chari Chester-Anderson and Batchelor invited residents throughout the region to attend.

“Join us as we celebrate food, folks and fireworks at the Farmington Valley’s largest Juneteenth Celebration,” they said in a statement.

Simsbury First Selectman Wendy G. Mackstutis said the event reflects collaboration among municipalities, civic organizations and businesses throughout the Farmington Valley.

“The Town of Simsbury is excited to host our fourth Juneteenth celebration,” Mackstutis said. “We thank Simsbury's DEI Council, our neighbors in Avon, Farmington, and Granby, and numerous local businesses and civic groups, all of whom are contributing to this celebration.”

The entertainment lineup will feature DJ K-Otic, The Rahsaan Langley Project, Mr. Khair, Cruz Angel, winner of the 2026 Hartford Got Talent competition, and Hartford’s Jumoke Drum Line.

Family activities include a LEGO Black Brick Play Zone and a full-sized LEGO Black Panther photo display provided by LEGO Systems Inc.

Attendees will also be able to purchase food from several vendors offering soul food, vegan dishes, seafood, Caribbean-inspired fare, snacks and desserts.

Rhythm Brewing Co. founder Alisa Bowens-Mercado will host a beer tasting area, while the Simsbury Meadows pub will also be open.

Historian John Mills of the Alex Breanne Corp. will share information about the contributions of Black families in the Farmington Valley.

The event concludes with fireworks scheduled for 8:45 p.m.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Organizers noted that outside food and beverages are not permitted at Simsbury Meadows.

For weather updates and additional event information, visitors can check the Simsbury Meadows website or the venue’s social media accounts.