Reviewed by: Mary Helene Hall
History, music + food: 3 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Montgomery
Reading time: 4 minutes
Montgomery, Alabama is hosting several Juneteenth events in 2026, ranging from free museum access to live concerts and community block parties. The Equal Justice Initiative will open all its Legacy Sites at no cost on June 19, followed by an evening jazz concert featuring Nate Smith and Lizz Wright.
Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum will host its 11th annual block party on June 20, offering free museum admission, food trucks, live music, and a program commemorating the 1956 Browder v. Gayle ruling. B.B. King’s Blues Bar will hold a four-night celebration from June 18–21 featuring karaoke, live performances, and a Father’s Day wrap-up event.
Looking for the perfect way to honor and celebrate Juneteenth in the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement? Friday, June 19, 2026, marks Juneteenth, officially recognized as both a federal and Alabama state holiday, and the Montgomery area is gearing up with powerful history, live music and a family-friendly block party.
From world-class jazz performance to historic museum celebrations, here is your guide to Juneteenth 2026 events in the capital city.
Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Sites + Juneteenth Concert
The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is opening all of its Montgomery historical and cultural spaces for free on June 19, allowing visitors to experience American history and reflect on the journey toward racial justice. The celebration culminates that evening at the Peace and Justice Memorial Center with a powerful, one-night-only jazz concert featuring Grammy-award-winning drummer Nate Smith and acclaimed vocalist-songwriter Lizz Wright.
- When: All day Friday, June 19, 2026
- Evening concert doors open at 6:30PM
Where: EJI Legacy Sites, Montgomery, Alabama
- Legacy Museum
- National Memorial for Peace and Justice
- Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
- Montgomery Square
- Free admission to Legacy Sites; concert tickets required (purchase concert tickets)
“We are once again thrilled to open up our sites for free in celebration of Juneteenth. With new exhibits at all of the spaces and our recently opened Montgomery Square, there will be much to experience at the Legacy Sites.”
Bryan Stevenson, EJI Executive Director
Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum 11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
The Rosa Parks Museum is taking over Montgomery Street for its massive, 11th annual community block party.
This free, family-friendly event features complimentary admission to both the museum and the popular Cleveland Avenue Time Machine. Attendees can expect merchandise and service vendors, food trucks, a kids’ play area, giveaways, and live music, including a headline performance by Tuscaloosa-based band Brother 2 Brother at 1 p.m., emceed by Comedienne Joy.
Inside the museum auditorium at noon, a special program titled “We’re Making It Personal” will commemorate the landmark 1956 Browder v. Gayle court case that successfully challenged bus segregation in Montgomery.
- When: Saturday, June 20 | 11AM – 4PM
- Where: 252 Montgomery St. (in front of the museum)
- Free admission
“This represents one of our largest celebrations each year, and we welcome all to come out to tour the museum and take part in this important commemoration.”
Donna Beisel, Director of Operations, Rosa Parks Museum
‘For the Culture’ Juneteenth Weekend at B.B. King’s Blues Bar
If you are looking for a multi-day entertainment lineup, B.B. King’s Blues Bar is hosting a four-night celebration honoring Black culture through music, community and nightlife.
- When: Thursday, June 18 – Sunday, June 21
- Times vary by night
- Where: 1801 Eddie L. Tellius Dr. (inside Wind Creek Montgomery)
- Admission varies by event
The weekend itinerary includes:
- Thursday, June 18 (7–10PM): Culture Karaoke with Lit Visionz, featuring trivia and interactive games
- Friday, June 19 (7–11PM): Live musical performance by The 65 South Show
- Saturday, June 20 (7 –11PM): The All Black Affair featuring live music from Jalesa McRae
- Sunday, June 21 (6–9PM): Father Figures Father’s Day and Juneteenth wrap-up event featuring Trey Merritt
