2026 J.O.Y | Juneteenth on the Yard
Join the International African American Museum for J.O.Y. | Juneteenth on the Yard - our signature Juneteenth celebration and an annual gathering centered on joy, reflection, culture, and community. Commemorating June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history. Through music, storytelling, food, art, and fellowship, J.O.Y. invites visitors to honor the past while celebrating the enduring creativity, resilience, and cultural contributions of African American communities.
Museum admission opens at 10:00 AM, with complimentary admission available throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance beginning June 1, though walk-ups will be welcomed based on capacity. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to explore the Museum and enjoy the opening of outdoor activations beginning around 11:00 AM in the African Ancestors Memorial Garden. The official J.O.Y. celebration begins at 12:00 PM, when the Garden comes alive with live music, family activities, food experiences, local vendors, and community activations.
Beginning at 12:00 PM, the Garden comes alive with a live broadcast from Z93 JAMZ's Riecy G., featuring music by DJ Rubin, interviews, giveaways, and real-time audience engagement. Beginning at 1:15 PM, the mainstage program launches with artist performances, reflections, and celebrations of Black freedom, culture, and expression.
Mainstage Performances
Hosted by Riecy G. of Z93 JAMZ
D Smoke (Headliner)
Three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist, songwriter, and cultural storyteller D Smoke has become one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music. Known for his lyrical precision, genre-spanning artistry, and thoughtful reflections on identity, family, community, and self-discovery, D Smoke blends hip hop, soul, and storytelling into performances that are both powerful and deeply personal. His appearance at J.O.Y. promises an unforgettable conclusion to the day's celebration.
Benny Starr Presents: The Table – A Juneteenth Feast of Memory & Soul
Curated by acclaimed artist and storyteller Benny Starr, The Table is a unique multimedia performance experience inspired by the cultural tradition of gathering around a shared table. Presented in connection with IAAM's third anniversary theme, Soul Food of Freedom, the performance uses food as a metaphor for memory, culture, and community. Through music, storytelling, movement, and reflection, audiences will journey through a series of "courses" that honor the traditions, creativity, and collective spirit that continue to shape African American life and culture.
DJ Rubin
A longtime favorite known for his ability to blend genres, generations, and musical traditions, DJ Rubin provides the soundtrack for the day's celebration, keeping the energy high from the opening moments of the program through the final performance.
The Yard Experience
Explore a variety of activations, gathering spaces, and cultural experiences throughout the African Ancestors Memorial Garden.
Ubuntu Village
Rooted in the African philosophy "I am because we are," Ubuntu Village is a vibrant family-centered space designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. Through hands-on activities, cultural crafts, storytelling opportunities, and interactive learning experiences, children and families are invited to explore history while celebrating Black joy, heritage, and community.
Vendor Bazaar
Curated by Charleston Black Expo, the Vendor Bazaar showcases a diverse collection of local Black-owned businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs. Guests can browse unique products, discover emerging brands, and support a marketplace that celebrates creativity, innovation, and economic empowerment.
Food Hall
Featuring a curated collection of local food vendors, the Food Hall highlights culinary traditions rooted throughout the Global African Diaspora. From beloved regional favorites to contemporary interpretations of cultural classics, this experience invites guests to explore how food serves as both sustenance and storytelling.
Visions of J.O.Y.
Made possible through the support of TD Bank, Visions of J.O.Y. transforms moments of celebration into lasting memories. Through a live photography experience, families and friends are invited to capture and share their own vision of joy, creating keepsakes that reflect the spirit of the day.
The J.O.Y. Exchange
The J.O.Y. Exchange is a dynamic digital platform that invites audiences to share, explore, and celebrate expressions of joy. As we prepare for this year's Juneteenth celebration, we invite you to revisit and share your favorite memories from past J.O.Y. experiences while helping us build anticipation for what's to come.
Share photos, reflections, and moments that capture your vision of joy by visiting https://my.walls.io/iaamuseum or posting on Instagram or Facebook, tagging us @iaamuseum and using #JoyOnTheYard2026 or #VisionsofJOY. Throughout Juneteenth on the Yard, the J.O.Y. Exchange will come alive across digital screens throughout the Garden, creating a living community portrait shaped by the stories, smiles, and celebrations of our guests.
Program Information
Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
Museum Admission: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Garden Activations: Begin opening at 11:00 AM
Official Program Start: 12:00 PM
Mainstage Program: Begins at 1:15 PM
Location: International African American Museum
14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Parking Information
Paid parking is available at the South Carolina Aquarium Parking Garage (24 Calhoun Street), located just a short walk from the Museum. Once the Aquarium Garage reaches capacity, guests are encouraged to utilize the Charleston Gaillard Center Parking Garage (33 Alexander Street), which is also conveniently located within walking distance of the Museum.
Walk-ups are welcome based on capacity. We encourage guests to arrive early and enjoy all that the day has to offer.