Northcott Neighborhood House partners with Summerfest to celebrate Juneteenth at the Maier Festival Park

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Northcott Neighborhood House and Milwaukee World Festival announced that Juneteenth celebrations on King Drive will partner with Summerfest this year—creating a day-long celebration of freedom and unity across Milwaukee. The traditional Juneteenth festivities will remain on King Drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but this year will feature a special connection to Summerfest, which will honor the Juneteenth youth royal court during its 6 p.m. opening ceremony. This collaboration will recognize the importance of the Juneteenth holiday with performances, speeches, and scholarship awards. The event will include music and programming across multiple stages at Summerfest.

“After festivities conclude on King Drive at Summerfest we will celebrate artists like Gary Clarke Jr., Isley Brothers, Eric Benet, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Mike Jones and the list goes on and on,” said Summerfest CEO and President Sarah Pancheri.

“It’s an opportunity to show off our children who are the best of us,” said Northcott Neighborhood House, Inc. Executive Director Tony Kearney.