• The Smoky Mountain District of the United Methodist Church will host a Conference-wide  JUNETEENTH Freedom Celebration from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, at Lake Junaluska. https://www.wnccumc.org/newsdetail/15238433 

• The Juneteenth Journey to Freedom Together 5K and 1K Fun Walk will step off at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 19, at Mark Watson Park in Sylva. It is organized by the Jackson County NAACP and will raise money for student scholarships and to bring the Harriet Tubman Journey to Freedom Sculpture to Sylva. In addition, a virtual bike ride will be held June 14-19. Cost is $30 for the 5K or bike ride and $20 for the 1K. Register by June 6 at www.jacksonncnaacp.org

• There will be music, children’s activities, vendors and motivational speakers at a Juneteenth Celebration from noon to 8 p.m. June 19, at Martin Luther King Jr Park in Asheville. The event is sponsored by My Daddy Taught Me That in cooperation with the City of Asheville. https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/city-of-asheville-to-observe-its-first-juneteenth-holiday/

• GRINDfest will take place June 18 -20, a celebration of Black Business and Entrepreneurship. Conveniently located in the River Arts District, there will be a weekend full of fun and learning: "Savagery" (the play), a poetry slam, local storytellers, game tournaments, a lip sync battle, vendors selling unique items, Black food from around the world and an outside dance party with local DJs. This event promises to be one of the most fun and enlightening of the year. https://blackwallstreetavl.com/grindfest-1