Memorial Day Events; Juneteenth Events; Connolly Funeral Details

May 24, 2025

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From the family of Congressman Gerry Connolly: We wish to share the details of funeral arrangements for Congressman Gerry Connolly.

Public Visitation
Date: Monday, May 26
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home
9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032

Memorial Day Events - Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony, Compiled by RTD

The Virginia War Memorial will be hosting the 69th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, starting at 11 a.m. More info: Click here for more information.

Say Their Names Marathon

Shortly after the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony, the Virginia War Memorial will also be hosting an event allowing people the opportunity to say one of around 12,000 names of fallen Virginia veterans. The marathon will start at 12:30 p.m. and is expected to last until 12:30 a.m. Registration is required, so be sure to click here for more information and to secure a time slot.

National Memorial Day Ceremony

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hosts public Memorial Day ceremonies at over 130 national cemeteries throughout the country including at Cold Harbor National Ceremony in Hanover County at 11 a.m. on May 26. More info: click here.

Sandston Memorial Day Parade

Henrico County Recreation and Parks will be hosting a Memorial Day Parade through Sandston at 1 p.m. on May 26. The parade will start on Williamsburg Road where it intersects with Beulah Road. More information: Click here for further details.

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Hampton Juneteenth Events

Hampton Celebrates Juneteenth with Week of Culture, Community, and Commemoration. Come enjoy powerful events including the Virginia Black Film Festival

Hampton, VA - Make Hampton your Juneteenth destination with a week-long lineup of events honoring the emancipation of African Americans with a powerful lineup of events highlighting Black culture, history, arts, wellness, and community empowerment. From theater, a film festival and live music to historical tours, this year’s programming offers something for all. For a full list of Juneteenth events, visit: 400yearsforward.com/events.

Sankofa's 14th Annual Remembrance Ceremony
June 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe
Near 310 Fenwick Road

Join us as we honor the African Ancestors of the Middle Passage in this sacred and deeply moving ceremony. The event will feature a special dedication to the Tree of Remembrance, providing a space to reflect, remember, and reconnect with our shared history. Come together to learn untold history, celebrate rich cultural traditions, and pay tribute to those who came before us.

This event is free and open to the public. African or cultural attire–or white clothing–is encouraged. Guests are also asked to bring fresh flowers for the ancestral offering.

A Juneteenth Pageant: The Play!
June 14, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
American Theatre
125 E. Mellen Street

Written and directed by Marie St. Clair, and presented by the Hampton History Museum Association and Hampton Arts, this moving, humorous, and unforgettable stage production illuminates the origins and enduring significance of Juneteenth–the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. You will laugh, you may cry, but most of all, you will leave enlightened to the true meaning of Freedom Day. Tickets are $10, and are available for purchase here.

The 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival - Peninsula
June 15, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Mill Point Park
100 Eaton Street

A full day of family fun and community empowerment! Enjoy health and wellness resources, live music, cultural arts, dance, storytelling, youth activities, health screenings, games, job fair, book author meet-and-greets, voter registration, and so much more. This event is free and all are welcome!

For all sponsorship, food trucks, vendor and volunteer opportunities, please call 757-287-0277 or email Celebratehealthcare@gmail.com.

Juneteenth Beach Party
June 19, 12 p.m. noon-5 p.m.
Paradise Ocean Club
490 Fenwick Road

Celebrate culture, community, and summer vibes at this FREE vibrant event hosted by the Virginia Black Film Festival. A fun and festive way to honor the holiday with music, fellowship, and sunshine!

Road to Freedom Tour
June 19, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
30 Ingalls Road

Presented by the Fort Monroe Authority, the FREE 45-minute guided walking tour invites guests to follow in the footsteps of the courageous men and women whose actions led to the landmark 1861 contraband decision. Hear the powerful stories of freedom seekers who risked everything–facing danger, separation, and hardship–on the road to emancipation. Learn how their determination sparked a nationwide movement and offered hope to generations. This tour includes stops inside of buildings and within the historic Fort Monroe walls.

Juneteenth Concert
June 19, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Continental Park at Fort Monroe
4 Fenwick Road

Hosted in collaboration with the Fort Monroe Authority, the City of Hampton, and the Virginia Black Film Festival, enjoy an evening of live performances, cultural celebration, and community spirit on the beautiful waterfront. This event is FREE and open to the public–bring your lawn chairs or towels and join in on the festivities!

Virginia Black Film Festival
June 20-22, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
The American Theatre, Hampton University Ogden Hall

Celebrating Black stories through film, culture, and community, this multi-day festival sponsored by the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau and the Virginia Film office, will feature screenings, panel discussions, red carpet moments, and immersive live experiences. The festival draws filmmakers, creatives, families, and film lovers from across the region. While the concert and beach party kick off the celebrations on June 19, the main festival runs from June 20-22. This is a must-attend Juneteenth celebration that captures the heart of Black excellence in the arts.

Ticket prices start at $30 with package deals ranging from $75 for a day pass to $250 for a weekend pass. The 3-hour stage combat course is $100. For more information and all ticket prices, visit: virginiablackfilmfestival.com/tickets.

Hampton Roads Black Business Expo
June 21-22
The American Theatre
125 East Mellen Street

The Virginia Black Film Festival and Buy Black Hampton Roads proudly present the Hampton Roads Black Business Expo, a signature event within the 2nd Annual Virginia Black Film Festival. This dynamic celebration is the place to honor Juneteenth in Hampton Roads while supporting Black businesses and filmmakers.

The Black Business Expo will be held at the American Theatre, and will run alongside film screenings and panels, creating a vibrant, all-in-one cultural and commercial experience. Admission is free for the public. Booth rentals for vendors are available at early bird rates of $200 for a single day or $300 for the entire weekend. Booth rental prices will increase closer to the event.

For more detail and to register your business, visit: virginiablackfilmfestival.com/expo.

From the Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia: Join us for our 20th Annual JuneteenthCommemoration Luncheon on June 21^st at 12:30pm. The Luncheon will be held at the new restaurant The Benedict on Cary at 1331 E. Cary St. in Richmond, VA 23219.

We are offering a limited Special Advance Sale until 1JUNE. Then tickets go to the regular General Admission cost!

Buy your tickets NOW. Please Share with your Lists!

Our Mistress of Ceremony will be former Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth, Traci Deshazor. We will have elected officials provide us with insight and updates on the current Federal and State political environment.

We will enjoy a delicious, soulful menu including "Shrimp & Grits and Chicken n' Waffles!" We have a young woman, Jordyn Nesbitt, who'll perform her extraordinary speech from the MLK Oratory Competition and our 'Young Politicos Panel' will round out the event.

We're at 20 YEARS of Juneteenth Commemorations!!! Thank you for helping make it a success!

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