Juneteenth Foodways Festival: What to Expect for 2026

On Friday, June 12th the Juneteenth Foodways Festival is back for its fifth year at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. From 4:30 to 8:00 p.m., over 20 different food and beverage vendors will come together to celebrate the heritage of Black American cuisine. 

The festival, which is funded through the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, shines a spotlight on the history of former White House Chef Dolly Johnson. Johnson originally began working at the White House in 1889 during the Harrison Presidency, and went on to serve her signature all-American cuisine through multiple administrations. 

There will be live cooking demonstrations from Tinker Street, and live performances from Freetown Village and BRAVE Drumline.

Things to Know Before You Go

This event is free for General Admission, but for $20, an early access ticket allows you to enter the event an hour early, and get a welcome bag full of vendor goodies. 

Retail and food vendors will operate booths on the presidential site grounds, and the gardens will be open to the public. Additional tables and seating will be available throughout the grounds, so there’s no need to plan ahead with picnic gear or folding chairs. 

There will be limited street parking around the festival grounds, but the nearby red line and connected pathways make it easy to bus or cycle to the presidential site. 

For the kids, a Dolly Johnson Recipe Hunt helps them explore the festival, with a chance to win a Dr. Opal Lee Barbie doll. Dr. Opal Lee was one of the activists leading the charge to make Juneteenth a recognized federal holiday. 

The first floor of the Harrison home will be open to the public for festival tours, and the visitor center will also greet guests during the event. Additionally, guests can walk through the pop-up exhibit “No Compact of Silence: Black Civil Rights Advocates in the Harrison Era”, which will be on display in the parking area of the presidential site. 

Food Trucks will line up behind the welcome center on the west side of the property. They include Golden Spatula, Paul’s Kitchen,Good Vegan Bad Vegan, Brown Sugar Cakery, Mrs. Fe’s Soulfood and Catering, Twisted Daiquiris (21+),  PharmFree Life Coffeehouse, and It’s Those Egg Rolls.

Food Tents will be scattered throughout the south lawn, and include offerings from The Alkaline Electric Goddess, Betty’s Country Cooking, EZ Boyz Corner Store, Glittergirls Catering and Events, Big Mike’s Barbeque, Big Bear Shaved Ice, Cotton Cute, Blend Bistro, Market Square Popcorn Company, Gip Got Tips, Popcorn Queen Popping with a Purpose, The Cookie MD, DebbieKakes and More, and RMYS Soul/Comfort Food.

Retail and community partners include Rooted with Ruby, The Elephant in the Room, SootheLuxe Co., A-Team Party Rental, Divine Grace Fashion Hub, Helmer & Huggins Pet Apparel & Accessories, Rub It Up Spice Blend, Beadbody Waistbeads & Permanent Jewelry, Golden Essence Raw Honey, Nyla Nova STEM, Southside U.S. Colored Troop Coalition, Opulent Radiance, and Guys Cooking Creation.

The Juneteenth Foodways Festival will be June 12th from 4:30 to 8:00p.m. For more information and early-entry tickets, visit bhpsite.org.