Estefania Salinas

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Jun 19, 2026, 5:51 PM

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Updated

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The smell of barbecue and the sounds of vendors preparing filled the air at Weeksville Heritage Center on Friday as organizers got ready for the fifth annual Juneteenth Food Festival. More than 31 Black-owned food vendors are expected to take part in the celebration, offering a variety of food while bringing the community together to honor Juneteenth.

Organizers say the event is about more than what is on the menu. The festival is being held at Weeksville Heritage Center, which preserves the legacy of the historic Weeksville community, founded by free Black New Yorkers in the 1800s. Weeksville became one of the nation's largest free Black communities, providing opportunities for Black families to own property, build businesses and thrive during a time when freedom and equality were still being fought for.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the history of Weeksville and its lasting impact on Brooklyn. Organizers say they hope people leave not only with a full stomach, but also with a deeper appreciation for the stories, resilience and legacy that continue to shape the community today.

The festival celebrates Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, and serves as a gathering place for culture, education and community connection.