Juneteenth Block Party
June 19, 2026
Centerpoint Plaza
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Celebrating Black excellence with rhythm, flavor, and soul.
The Juneteenth Block Party is a free, family-friendly celebration of culture, creativity, and community. CenterPoint Plaza lights up with live entertainment, bold flavors from local vendors, classic games, and more that honor Black history and joy.
From powerful storytelling spaces to crowd-favorite entertainment and performances, this event brings people together in a meaningful and memorable way.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned—full event details, performers, and activations will be announced closer to the date!
What You Can Explore
Artist Showcase
Watch these six artists create and experience the creative process happening in real time:
Craig Davoll
Lashaya Jeanee
Yashenia Gray
Nakari Syon
Fats
D. Washington
Main Stage Entertainment Schedule
Sponsored by Tempe Tourism
Hosted by DJ Rogers Jr.
7:00 PM
Opening Remarks from Mayor Corey Woods
7:10 PM
Musical Performance by Chizuko
7:25 PM
Musical Performance from Conscxous
7:40 PM
Musical Performance from Josh Moreland
8:00 PM
UNKNOWN UNION featuring Daru Jones: Convergence of fashion, hair & culture.
8:30 PM
Musical Performance by Malik Yusef
Dance Performances presented by APS
9:00 - 11:00 PM
9:15 PM
9:30 PM
Dance Battle hosted by Furious Styles Crew
10:20 PM
Dance Battle hosted by Furious Styles Crew
10:50 PM
Storytellers On The Porch Schedule
Hosted by Shoes Off Talk Podcast
7:00 PM
Welcome & Introductions
Opening remarks and introduction to the evening's storytelling experience.
7:10 PM
Shirley Fields & Michael Powell
Descendants of the historic Okemah community share personal memories and reflections on Arizona's Black history, education, faith, and community.
7:30 PM
Malik Yusef
Grammy Award-winning artist, poet, and cultural architect explores storytelling, creativity, ownership, and the power of culture to shape communities.
7:45 PM
Paige Alexandria
Founder of Zoni Girls discusses the cultural significance of roller skating within Black communities and the importance of creating spaces for self-expression and belonging.
8:00 PM
Emmett Boyd
Grammy Award-winning artist, poet, and cultural architect explores storytelling, creativity, ownership, and the power of culture to shape communities.
8:15 PM
AJ Odneal
Phoenix-based recording artist shares her journey through music, creativity, growth, and finding her voice as an artist.
8:30 PM
Councilwoman Berdetta Hodge
Longtime Juneteenth advocate and community leader reflects on the history of Juneteenth celebrations in Arizona and the importance of preserving the tradition for future generations.
Panels
Moderated by Mayor Corey Woods
9:00 PM
Panel 1: Inside the System
Leaders from business, technology, and culture discuss how systems are built, how influence is created, and how access and opportunity can be expanded from within.
Featuring:
Larry Miller, Chairman, Jordan Brand Advisory Board
Ken Cherry, Global VP of Operations, Planning, Logistics & Technology
Barbara Noble Howard, Cultural Strategist & Nonprofit Leader
9:25 PM
Panel 2: Navigating & Rebuilding the System
A conversation about overcoming barriers, creating pathways to opportunity, and using leadership, education, business, and sports to drive change.
Featuring:
Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group
Chris Howard, Executive Leader, Education & Public Service
Coach Butch Beard, Former NBA Player & Coach
Food & Drink Vendors
Block Party Highlights
Get Involved Event Applications Volunteer Sponsor
Find your way to the Juneteenth Block Party
Parking in Downtown Tempe is easy, with plenty of options nearby. Keep in mind there will be construction and road closures along Mill Avenue in June, so plan a little extra time when heading to Centerpoint Plaza.
Mill Ave & 5th Street intersection to south of 3rd Street, June 8 - June 21
For the smoothest access to the event, we recommend taking Ash Avenue to Downtown and parking at:
- Centerpoint Parking Garage
- West 6th Parking Garage
- Emerson Parking Garage
- Maple Avenue Lot - Small Surface Lot
- 201 S Ash Garage - A slightly longer walk but free on the weekends!
For real-time availability and the closest options as you arrive, check out Tempe TRiP. The interactive map makes it simple to find parking from your phone or desktop.
The most hassle-free way to get to Downtown Tempe is to ride the Valley Metro Rail. Light rail provides free parking at 13 Park-and-Ride locations, so you can ride the train directly into the Downtown district.
Exit at Station A14 at 3rd & Mill, or at Station A13 at the Tempe Transportation Center (one block east of 5th/Mill).
Park & Ride Locations:
- Metro Parkway- 250 spaces
- 19th Ave/Dunlap Avenue – 415 spaces
- 19th Avenue/Montebello Avenue – 794 spaces
- 19th Avenue/Camelback Road – 410 spaces
- 7th Avenue/Camelback Road – 123 spaces
- Central Avenue/Camelback Road – 135 spaces
- 38th Street/Washington Street – 189 spaces
- Dorsey Lane/Apache Boulevard – 190 spaces
- McClintock Road/Apache Boulevard – 300 spaces
- Price - 101 Freeway/Apache Boulevard – 693 spaces
- Sycamore Street/Main Street – 802 spaces
- Mesa Drive/Main St – 448 spaces
- Gilbert Rd/Main St- 250 spaces
Tempe Streetcar remains a convenient way to access Downtown Tempe this summer. While service may be temporarily adjusted or truncated during certain construction periods, riders can still utilize nearby stops to easily access Downtown on foot.
Recommended stops include:
- Stop 9: University Dr/Ash Ave
- Any other stop along Ash Ave
Streetcar Routes, Hours & Fares
Multiple Valley Metro Bus routes continue to serve Downtown Tempe throughout the summer, with service centered around the Tempe Transportation Center near 5th Street and Forest Avenue.
Free neighborhood circulators also provide easy access around Tempe and the ASU area:
- FLASH circulates around the ASU Tempe campus and Downtown area
- ORBIT connects Downtown Tempe to surrounding neighborhoods throughout the city
Some routes or stop locations may be temporarily adjusted during construction activity, so riders are encouraged to check schedules and service alerts before traveling.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
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