KNOXVILLE - The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission of Greater Knoxville reminds the community that the 2026 MLK Jr. Parade/March and Juneteenth Celebration will take place this Friday, June 19, 2026.

The annual event will begin with the MLK Jr. Parade/March at Chilhowee Park and continue with the Juneteenth Celebration at Dr. Walter Hardy Park. The day will bring together families, churches, schools, civic organizations, businesses, youth groups, community leaders, and residents from across Knoxville for a celebration of freedom, remembrance, culture, and unity.

Event Schedule:

Parade Lineup: 8:30 AM at Chilhowee Park

Parade Step Off: 10:00 AM

Juneteenth Celebration: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Dr. Walter Hardy Park, 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue

Parking and Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttle service from Knoxville Area Transit will be available for parade walkers beginning at 8:00 AM from the Knoxville Family Justice Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Tabernacle Baptist Church at the corner of Cruze Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to the parade lineup area at Chilhowee Park.

The Juneteenth Celebration will feature live music, performances, a local DJ, food vendors, retail vendors, informational booths, community organizations, youth engagement, family-friendly activities, and the $1,000 Band and Drill Team Competition.

Last year’s celebration brought together more than 2,000 attendees throughout the day and created an estimated economic impact of more than $40,000, with many food vendors selling out. Organizers expect another strong turnout this year as the community gathers in East Knoxville to celebrate freedom, legacy, and local culture.

Historical Feature: United States Colored Troops Representation

A special historical feature of this year’s parade will include representation of the United States Colored Troops, with volunteers portraying Union soldiers connected to the First United States Colored Heavy Artillery, which was mustered in Knoxville during the Civil War.

The Commission is working with The Beck Cultural Center to bring historical elements into the parade and celebration, helping connect the MLK Jr. Parade/March and Juneteenth Celebration to the deeper story of emancipation, Black military service, local African American history, and the ongoing meaning of freedom.

This tribute will honor the Black Union soldiers whose service helped carry the message of freedom to Galveston, TX, and whose legacy remains connected to both national and local history.