Anniston's Free Juneteenth Festival Features Ginuwine

What started as a small community gathering has grown into one of Calhoun County's biggest celebrations of history and hope.

Anniston's Heritage Festival returns to Zinn Park on June 27, bringing together thousands for a free day of music and community in honor of Juneteenth. The celebration runs from 2 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., with organizers expecting between 5,000 and 8,000 people.

R&B star Ginuwine will headline the event, closing out the night at the Martin Luther King Jr. Pavilion. Southern soul favorite T.K. Soul joins the lineup, along with local artists and gospel groups creating a full day of live entertainment.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the freedom of enslaved people more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Alabama officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2023 when Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 165 into law.

Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston said the festival has become a defining tradition for the city. "What began as a small community gathering has become one of Anniston's signature events, bringing people together to celebrate history, culture and community," she said.

The celebration kicks off with a Juneteenth Gospel Hour featuring the Pooh & Allstar Group of Artists at 3 p.m. Jazz flutist Sherry Reeves, Southern soul artist Tim Bo, and international recording artist Dea'Love fill out the afternoon and evening schedule.

The Ripple Effect

Smith-Roston emphasized how the festival strengthens the entire community beyond its cultural significance. Local vendors set up throughout the park, giving small businesses a boost while visitors discover what Anniston has to offer.

The free event supports local entrepreneurs, attracts visitors from across the region, and showcases the city's continued growth. "Beyond its cultural significance, the festival supports local vendors, attracts visitors and highlights the positive momentum happening in our city," Smith-Roston said.

Admission is completely free, though attendees should note that personal grills, generators, pets and unauthorized vehicles aren't allowed on site. Tents are permitted only in designated areas, with setup beginning at 4 p.m. Friday.

The festival represents both celebration and reflection, honoring a pivotal moment in American history while building connections across the community today.