Redlands Juneteenth Festival set for June 21 at Sylvan Park

REDLANDS, Calif. — The city’s 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration returns to Sylvan Park on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a full day of entertainment, education, and family fun.

Presented by the city of Redlands in partnership with Unity in the Community, Common Vision Coalition, the Redlands Police Department, The Village Second Baptist Church, and Portrait Church, the free event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates Black culture and community.

Live music will fill the park throughout the day, including gospel, jazz, soul and a live DJ between performances. Educational presentations from A.K. Smiley Public Library, the 97th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, and other partners will explore the significance of Juneteenth.

Jay Stovall, pastor of Portrait Church in Redlands, said his congregation is honored to be part of the celebration for a third year. This year, Portrait Church is contributing financially, helping with entertainment planning and organizing more than 50 volunteers to serve on-site.

“We’re not there to promote Portrait—we’re there to serve the city,” Stovall said. “We want to show up in spaces where people might assume the church isn’t. Juneteenth is an opportunity to be present, listen and support.”

Stovall will also deliver a short message on the theme of Juneteenth and reconciliation during the event. A gospel choir assembled from local connections will perform as part of the musical lineup.

Children can enjoy a Kids Zone featuring bounce houses, obstacle courses, a video game truck, carnival games with prizes, and foam cannon fun.

Local vendors and artisans will offer handcrafted goods, including:

• The Knit-Wit: stuffed animals, key chains, and table toppers
• Kat Co Creates: wooden magnets, recycled glassware, and jewelry
• Carlie’s Candles
• Nancy Lunsford’s seasonal baskets and Juneteenth gifts, and
• Carol Barber’s hand-crafted fabric items

Food options include Dawgs for Dogs hot dogs, Nate’s Fruit Fusion juices, Kona Ice, and comfort fare from Loaded Up.

"We’re thrilled to welcome the community for a day of celebration, reflection and connection," said Recreation Supervisor Dave Jaffe in an email.

Sylvan Park is located at 601 N. University St., at the intersection of University
Street and Colton Avenue.