The Juneteenth Festival will take place on Saturday, June 21, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center from 12-6 p.m. This event is a vibrant celebration of community, honoring the historical, educational, and cultural expressions of the African American experience.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865—the day the last enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Recognizing the significance of this moment, RPCA proudly celebrates Juneteenth to honor the community we serve, the dedicated staff who provide essential services, and the city we call home—reflected in this year’s theme, "Celebrating Freedom."
This year, the Charles Houston Recreation Center is partnering with the Office of Historic Alexandria, Momentum Collective Inc., and the NAACP to bring this live event to the community.
Open Call for Vendors!
RPCA is seeking vendors to participate in the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Festival hosted by Charles Houston Recreation Center.
If you're a small local business looking for an opportunity to serve the community, this could be the perfect chance for you!
Vendor applications will be reviewed and selected by a citizen-led Merchant Vendor Task Force in collaboration with City staff, with the City retaining final selection authority. For the 2025 festival, we anticipate welcoming between 10 and 15 vendors.
Fees & Requirements: Selected merchant vendors shall pay the $50 flat-rate vendor fee to the Charles Houston Advisory Council prior to event date. Selected vendors must be fully licensed to vend in the City of Alexandria.
- Friday April 11: Vendor submits application through online City portal no later than 11:59 p.m.
- Monday, May 5: Vendors are notified of selection.
- Friday, June 13: Selected vendors submit registration payment ($50).
- Saturday, June 21: Juneteenth Festival
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact calvin.simpson@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5545, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.