Bluffton’s annual Juneteenth Festival is next week. Here’s what to know

Bluffton’s eighth annual Juneteenth Festival will be held next week featuring art, food and performances commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Africans in America.

The three-day festival will start at 5 p.m. on Friday June 16, at Buckwalter Commerce Park.

Day one will host an array of Black-owned food trucks and venues, according to a press release from the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee Menus will range from “Gullah inspired to Caribbean flared” the press release said.

Besides food, there will be live entertainment from musical artists Smooth-N-Groove and the Soulmate, as well as a DJ, water slides, bounce houses and games will be in a dedicated Kids Zone.

Day one is free and open to the public.

Featured will be DJs, a gospel shout hour, performances by the MAJ Drum Circle, John Simmons and Gullah/Africana Historian Dr. Amir Jamal Touré and readings by Mayor Lisa Sulka and Town Councilperson Fred Hamilton.

Shuttles from Red Cedar Elementary School will be provided to and from the event starting at 3:30 p.m. Personal lawn chairs are welcomed and encouraged, the press release said.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., ticket holders will have access to a catered buffet from Melly Mel’s and a mimosa bar at Burnt Church Distillery. Further alcohol, wine and beer will be available for purchase as well

Advanced tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite now through midnight on June 15. Advanced tickets cost $75 and tickets at the gate are $100.