Murfreesboro, TN – With the summer sun blazing overhead and temperatures soaring near 90 degrees, the City of Murfreesboro’s annual Juneteenth Celebration heated up in all the best ways this Saturday. The grounds of the historic Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center came alive with music, food, art, and a deep reverence for freedom and community spirit.
Presented by Cultural Arts Murfreesboro, the family-friendly festival brought together residents from across Rutherford County to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the former Confederate States. From early afternoon until dusk, the event buzzed with activity—from toe-tapping live music and vibrant dance to rows of vendors showcasing one-of-a-kind handmade clothing, dazzling local art, and a delicious spread of Southern and health-conscious cuisine.
“You couldn’t walk by the clothing booths without stopping,” said one attendee, admiring the explosion of colors and textures on display. “It was like the garments themselves were celebrating with us.”
Under a canopy of laughter and learning, local businesses and organizations filled vendor tents, sharing their missions and offering information to the community. Attendees cooled off with sweet treats and fanned themselves with festival programs, all while soaking in the rich cultural pride of the day…