CITY OF NATCHITOCHES TO HOST 5TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION FEATURING PARADE, BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN, FESTIVAL, AND FIREWORKS

The City of Natchitoches invites residents and visitors from across the region to join in celebrating the 5th Annual Natchitoches Juneteenth Celebration on June 19-20, 2026, with two days of events honoring freedom, culture, history, and community.

The celebration will begin on Friday, June 19, with the annual Juneteenth Parade beginning at Ben Johnson Park. This year’s parade will honor Natchitoches native Felicia Shantel Hardison, owner and master trainer of Shantel Hardison Sports Center, as the 2026 Juneteenth Grand Marshal. Parade participants will line up at Ben Johnson Park beginning at 5:00 p.m., with the parade rolling out from Ben Johnson Park at 6:00 p.m. through the streets of Natchitoches.

On Saturday, June 20, the festivities continue with the Juneteenth Basketball Showdown from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Natchitoches MLK Recreation Center. The event will feature a celebrity basketball game hosted by Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr., entertainment by The Glam Dolls, music by DJ Royal, and several exciting matchups, including a Sheriff vs. Police showdown, Northwestern Demons vs. Team 1865, and an NCHS vs. Lakeview Alumni game.

The celebration will conclude Saturday evening with the 5th Annual Natchitoches Juneteenth Festival on the downtown Riverbank from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Admission is free for this family-friendly event, which will feature live music, food vendors, children’s activities, a carnival, community exhibits, and a spectacular fireworks display over Cane River Lake.

Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. said the Juneteenth celebration has become one of the city’s premier annual events.

Festival entertainment will feature performances by regional favorites J. Paul, Tipsey the Band, and DJ Royal, providing an evening filled with music, celebration, and community fellowship.

In addition to the entertainment, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy local food vendors, browse community exhibits, support local businesses, and participate in activities designed for guests of all ages.

A fireworks display will conclude the evening’s festivities at 10:00 p.m.In the event of inclement weather on Saturday, June 20, festival activities will be relocated to the Natchitoches Events Center. City officials will provide updates and additional information through the City of Natchitoches’ website and social media platforms should weather conditions require any changes to the event schedule.

For additional information about the 2026 Natchitoches Juneteenth Celebration, visit the City of Natchitoches social media pages or contact the City of Natchitoches at (318) 352-2772.

Event Schedule

Friday, June 19

· 5:00 p.m. – Juneteenth Parade Lineup (Ben Johnson Park)

· 6:00 p.m. – Juneteenth Parade

· Grand Marshal: Felicia Shantel Hardison

Saturday, June 20

· 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Juneteenth Basketball Showdown (MLK Recreation Center)

· 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Juneteenth Festival (Downtown Riverbank)

· Live Music Featuring J. Paul, Tipsey the Band, and DJ Royal

· Carnival

· Food Vendors

· Kids Activities

· Fireworks Finale