City of Lancaster Announces 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Featuring Kalan.FrFr

Lancaster, CA. June 10, 2026 - The City of Lancaster and its community partners invite the public to a celebration of culture, history, and community at the fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 13, at Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park™.

This year's event will be headlined by nationally recognized recording artist Kalan.FrFr, bringing one of Southern California's most influential voices in hip-hop to Lancaster for a special live performance. Known for hits including Scoring, Right Wit It, and No Stoppin, Kalan.FrFr's appearance marks a major highlight in the celebration's continued growth and commitment to showcasing Black culture, creativity, and excellence.

The 2026 Juneteenth event will feature a wide variety of engaging activities, including educational programming on the history of Juneteenth, family-friendly games, local vendors, food, live entertainment, dancing, and community resources.

"This celebration is a beautiful reflection of our community's unity and shared strength," said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. "We are thrilled to come together to amplify Black excellence, honor the rich history of freedom, and build a brighter, more inclusive future for every resident."

In addition to live entertainment, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several community-driven programs designed to celebrate creativity and self-expression.

Young creatives from across the Antelope Valley shared their perspectives through the Youth Art, Essay, and Video Contest. Centered around the theme "What does family and freedom mean to you?", the contest invited participants ages 10-18 to explore Juneteenth's legacy through visual art, writing, and video storytelling. Selected entries will be on display during the celebration.

Attendees can also enter the event's Opportunity Drawing for a chance to win gift baskets, self-care packages, youth books, haircut certificates, event tickets, and more. Opportunity drawing tickets will be available for purchase at the Info/Merch Booth throughout the event, with winners announced from the Main Stage between 4:40 and 5 p.m. Proceeds help support future community programs, events, and activities.

The historical significance of the day dates back to June 19, 1865, when news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved individuals in the Confederacy, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, perseverance, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

The 2026 festival is made possible through the generous support of sponsors Antelope Valley College, Kaiser Permanente, Edward's Federal Credit Union, Penny Lane Centers, Gather Blast, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and AVTA.

The Juneteenth Community Planning Commission, a dedicated coalition of residents, local businesses, and civic organizations, played a pivotal role in shaping and producing this year's celebration. Their leadership, vision, and commitment have helped make Juneteenth one of Lancaster's most meaningful and anticipated annual community events.

The festival is free to attend and welcomes guests of all ages. For additional information, visit the Juneteenth webpage at the City of Lancaster website.

About The City of Lancaster

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cityoflancasterca.gov.