University City came alive on June 19, 2025, with over 9,500 attendees gathering at the Shoppes at University Place for the second annual Juneteenth Art Fest. This year’s celebration was nothing short of extraordinary—merging history, culture, and art in a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that captured the spirit of freedom and resilience.

The numbers tell a powerful story: we saw a 23.4% increase in attendance from 2024, and an incredible 81.9% growth over the past two years. Guests spent an average of 87 minutes exploring the event, engaging with dozens of local vendors, enjoying performances in dance, spoken word, and live music, and participating in our Paint Your Freedom art workshop.

Beyond the numbers, the Juneteenth Art Fest reaffirmed its importance as a cultural anchor for our community. The 2025 audience was more diverse than ever—demonstrating broader reach while remaining rooted in local pride. Notably, there was a significant rise in attendance from residents of the 28269 ZIP code, affirming strong local engagement.

“The energy was magnetic,” said one attendee. “You could feel the celebration in every performance, every painting, every conversation.”

The event also made a tangible economic impact. Post-event data showed nearby shopping centers nearly doubled their foot traffic, with locations like Belgate Shopping Center and Terraces at University Place seeing marked increases in visitors—further evidence of the event’s growing influence on the local economy.

We owe a tremendous thank you to all who helped make this event possible:

• To our sponsors: Your partnership powered every part of this event. Special thanks to Atrium Health, UNC Charlotte, TIAA, Publix, Belk, City Of Charlotte, Belgate Shopping Center, Terraces At University Place, Canvas Infographics, Project Lean Nation, Lake University Place, Shoppes At University Place, Uptown Yogurt, and the Arts & Science Council. Your support amplified our mission to celebrate culture, history, and community.
• To our vendors: Your creativity, flavors, and unique offerings brought energy and authenticity to every corner of the festival grounds. Thank you for your commitment to local commerce and culture.
• To our event planner, Janeva Tyree: A heartfelt thank you for your vision, coordination, and passion. As the Creative Director of the Juneteenth Art Fest, your leadership transformed a concept into a thriving celebration—from curated performances and interactive spaces to thoughtful community engagement.

As we look ahead, University City Partners remains deeply committed to honoring Juneteenth’s cultural roots while embracing the rich diversity of our community. With your continued support, we’re excited to see how the Juneteenth Art Fest continues to grow in 2026—and beyond!