University City’s Juneteenth Art Fest was more than a commemoration of freedom—it was a powerful expression of economic empowerment and cultural pride. Held at University Place, the free festival drew thousands of residents and visitors from across the Charlotte metro area to celebrate history, community, and entrepreneurship.

This year’s celebration, hosted by University City Partners, spotlighted over 60 small businesses, primarily Black-owned, many of whom saw a significant return from the event. With steady foot traffic, family-friendly programming, and broad community support, vendors shared stories of not just meaningful engagement, but measurable success. 

Watch the celebration unfold:
University City neighbors enjoy Juneteenth celebration on boardwalk (Queen City News)
Local artists celebrate Juneteenth through art, culture and entrepreneurship (Queen City News)

“It’s not just about making money,” one artist shared. “It’s about being seen and building something lasting—together.”

From custom artwork and handcrafted jewelry to cultural attire and wellness products, the Juneteenth Art Fest created a curated retail experience reflective of Charlotte’s diverse and creative economy. Zakia Sergeant, owner of Styled by Elegance, was one of many vendors who exceeded their sales goals. “I really wanted to be here because it’s in such a central location,” she said. “Just being a part of all these Black-owned businesses—during a time where many of us are building from the ground up—means everything”. 

The Numbers Behind the Celebration

University City Partners estimates that direct vendor sales during the one-day event totaled more than $75,000, based on self-reported figures and average vendor transaction volume. When accounting for ancillary economic activity—such as restaurant and retail traffic at University Place and surrounding businesses—the overall local economic impact likely exceeded $100,000.

These numbers underscore the vital role community events play in driving small business success and revitalizing neighborhood economies. The festival not only helped vendors meet new customers and build brand awareness but also fostered new collaborations and repeat business opportunities.

“There’s a whole community of us that we can rely on—people who can make, sell, and support each other with real economic impact,” said one participating artisan.

A Celebration with Staying Power

Juneteenth is now a federally recognized holiday, but in University City, its celebration is both historic and forward-looking—uplifting culture, creativity, and commerce. The event also provided University City Partners with real-time insights into public space activation, small business needs, and how to build inclusive, scalable economic opportunities through placemaking.

A full recap of the Juneteenth Art Fest—including attendance totals, performance highlights, photos, and testimonials—will be featured in the July edition of the University City Partners newsletter. The momentum from this event will also help shape ongoing support for local creators and entrepreneurs throughout the year. 

In University City, celebrations don’t just make memories—they make markets, build connections, and fuel growth.