2023 WHEELING AREA
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, June 16

Ohio Valley Underground Railroad Museum Celebration and Fundraiser

5-8 p.m. | Wheeling Artisan Center | 1400 Main Street, Wheeling

The Underground Railroad Museum is hosting its first fundraising event, sponsored by Ohio University Eastern. The evening will include 'A Taste of Africa,' art exhibit, presentation, and historical re-enactment. The event will also feature a DJ, cash bar, and basket raffle. The event is sponsored by Mid Atlantic Arts and Ohio University Eastern, with funding from Belmont County Tourism Council and Ohio Arts Council. Tickets are $25 per person and are non-refundable. All proceeds benefit the Ohio Valley Underground Railroad Museum.

Learn more

Belmont County NAACP Steak Fry Fundraiser

5:30 p.m. | St. Clairsville Memorial Park Rotary Shelter, 200 Walnut Ave.

The Belmont County NAACP is hosting a steak fry fundraiser to help create a new college scholarship program for local students. Belmont County Common Pleas Court Judge John Vavra will serve as the guest speaker.

Unlike traditional steak fry events, all food is prepared by Outback Steakhouse. Additionally, all dinnerware and cutlery will be provided. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance by calling 740-310-6894. Tickets on the night of the event are $30. Learn more here.

Saturday, June 17

Men of Change Empowerment Fair

11 am - 3 pm | The Plaza on Market | 1053 Market Street, Wheeling

Men of Change will host a free community vendor and resource fair at The Plaza on Market. This fair will provide the opportunity for community members to learn about and connect with various resources, social services, and educational institutions, businesses, and more.

Interested in being a vendor? Apply here.

Sunday, June 18

Movie Screening at Towngate: "The Five Heartbeats"

6 p.m. | Towngate Theatre | 2118 Market Street, Wheeling

Towngate Theatre will host a screening of the 1991 film “The Five Heartbeats” as part of Wheeling’s 2023 Juneteenth Celebration. The film will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 18. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Admission is $5 or free if you come dressed as a character from the film or in clothing from the time period of the movie.

About the Film

Coming in on the tail end of a rhythm and blues singing group explosion in 1960s, “The Five Heartbeats” (Robert Townsend, Michael Wright, Leon, Harry J. Lennix, Tico Wells) rise and fall within the space of seven years. Townsend co-wrote and starred in this amazing story of a fictional black male quintet. After researching a real group, the Dells, he brilliantly depicted the typical issues that most black groups confronted in pre-Civil Rights America.

Learn more here.

Monday, June 19

Wheeling Juneteenth Ceremony and Celebration

6 p.m. | The Plaza on Market | 1053 Market Street, Wheeling
Join us at 6 p.m. at The Plaza on Market as we honor and celebrate African American history, music, faith, family, and freedom! The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a short ceremony at the north end of the Plaza. After the ceremony, music, entertainment and food trucks will follow at the south end of the Plaza. The event is free and open to the public.

Ceremony Speakers:

Ron Scott Jr., Juneteenth Committee Chair and Master of Ceremonies
Diana Bell, Wheeling Griot Society
Darryl Clausell, president of the West Virginia and Wheeling NAACP
Unique Robinson-Murphy
Mayor Glenn Elliott, City of Wheeling
Rev. Twila Davis

Celebration Performers:

Voices of Praise, Macedonia Baptist Church
Soul Pantry (funk/soul band)

In the event of inclement weather, the Wheeling Juneteenth Ceremony and Celebration will be held at Towngate Theatre (2118 Market Street, Wheeling).

Presented by the Wheeling Area Juneteenth Committee in partnership with: