St. Joseph Museums receives $53,000 grant to support expanded Juneteenth 2026 festivities

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph Museums and local organizations announced a packed slate of events for this year's Juneteenth festivities with the help of a sizable grant from the state.

The St. Joseph Museums and the Black Archives Museum, in collaboration with the Bartlett Center and community partners, unveiled an official schedule for the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration taking place from May 15 to June 21 in St. Joseph.

Local residents will see an expanded multi‑day lineup this year honoring the legacy of freedom, resilience and African American heritage, including various performances, athletic events, cultural programming and family‑centered events.

This year’s festivities are made possible in part by a $53,430 grant from the Missouri Division of Tourism, awarded to support cultural programming and to attract visitors to St. Joseph.

"The 2026 Juneteenth Celebration arrives at a meaningful moment for our region and our nation. As communities prepare for America 250 and Kansas City hosts the FIFA World Cup, St. Joseph is uniquely positioned to share its rich cultural history with both local residents and global guests," a statement from the museum reads.

City leaders and museum officials are hopeful that paired together, the two historic events can help position St. Joseph as a welcoming destination for global guests.

2026 Juneteenth Event Schedule

• Juneteenth Golf Tournament - May 15, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. Fairview Golf Course - A community-wide tournament kicking off the season’s celebrations.
  
• Juneteenth Play - June 13 and 14, 2026 MWSU Spratt 101 – A Conversation written by local historians Loes Hedge, Gary Wilkinson, and JD Soil about local and national Black history.
  
• Juneteenth Basketball Shoot-Out - June 14, 2026 Bartlett Center - A spirited competition for athletes and spectators alike.
  
• Juneteenth Race - June 19, 2026 — 10 a.m. Bartlett Center - A community race promoting health, unity, and celebration.
  
• Juneteenth Gala - June 19, 2026 — 6 p.m. Bartlett Center - An elegant evening of food, fellowship, and reflection. Featuring a performance by the Tribe Band.
  
• Juneteenth Parade - June 20, 2026 — 10 a.m. From Bode Middle School to the Bartlett Center - A vibrant procession celebrating culture, community, and freedom.
  
• Family Festival & Vendor Fair - June 20, 2026 — 10 a.m. Bartlett Center - Local vendors, food, entertainment (featuring Trilemma), and family activities.
  
• Juneteenth Fashion Show - June 20, 2026 Bartlett Center - A showcase of creativity, culture, and community pride.
  
• Juneteenth Talent Show - June 20, 2026 Bartlett Center - Featuring special guest emcee Kevin Strickland, whose story of resilience and justice has inspired communities across Missouri.
  
• Family Picnic - June 21, 2026 Bartlett Center - A relaxed, free, family-friendly gathering to close the celebration weekend.

For questions or additional information, residents are encouraged to contact the museum at 816‑232‑8471 or sjm@stjosephmuseum.org.