City of Keene to Celebrate Juneteenth with Free Community Events

KEENE, NH — The City of Keene, in partnership with the Keene Family YMCA, W.S. Badger Company, and Keene Public Library, will host a series of free community events in celebration of Juneteenth from Friday, June 12 through Monday, June 22.
 
The celebration begins with the opening of the Freedom Journey Trail at the Keene Family YMCA on Friday, June 12. The self-guided interpretive trail invites visitors to explore the history and experiences of Black Americans through an approximately quarter-mile outdoor walking experience.
 
The trail will remain open through Monday, June 22 and is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
 
On Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m., the Keene Public Library will host a free screening of the documentary Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It in Huntress Auditorium. The film explores the life and legacy of legendary musician Billy Preston through archival footage, studio recordings, and interviews highlighting his influence on artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Sly Stone, and Aretha Franklin.
 
The main celebration event will take place Friday, June 19 at 5:00 p.m. at Fuller Park, located at the Keene Recreation Center on Washington Street. The evening will feature spoken word performances by Jazzlyn Mota and Samirah Evans, followed by a live musical performance from JohnLu & The Band. Originally from Zambia, JohnLu and his band blend genres including reggae, Afrobeats, jazz, R&B, and rock.
 
The series concludes on Saturday, June 20 at 11:00 am with a free screening of the animated film Arco at Huntress Auditorium in the Keene Public Library. The film follows a boy from the future who unexpectedly travels to the year 2075, where he forms a friendship with a girl named Iris.
 
The City of Keene’s 2026 Juneteenth celebration is presented by the City of Keene, the Keene Family YMCA, W.S. Badger Company, and the Keene Public Library, with additional support from the Monadnock International Film Festival and The Savings Bank of Walpole.
 
For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit keeneymca.org/juneteenth. Pre-registration is encouraged for the film screenings.