Explore legacy and culture this spring and summer in Hampton, Virginia with events and tours that commemorate and celebrate Black history and culture. Hampton’s more than 400-year African American history tells a powerful story of perseverance, heritage and pride. The first enslaved Africans brought to English North America landed in 1619 at Point Comfort, modern day Fort Monroe. Today, visitors can experience and tour the landing site and the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center to pay homage and learn about the history of 1619. Also visit our sites and learn about the Contraband Decision during the Civil War, experience the majesty of the Emancipation Oak and view the oldest African American museum in the country at Hampton University.

From festivals to commemorations, come and experience a summer filled with history, reflection, fellowship, and entertainment at the following events:

Contraband Commemoration 2023

May 24

7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Fort Monroe Chapel of the Centurion

Commemorate and remember those individuals impacted by and descended from the Contraband Decision of 1861 at Fort Monroe. Join us at the historic Chapel of the Centurion as we bring together local "Contraband" Descendants with 3rd-great-grandson of Major General Benjamin Butler. This program will also be available virtually. Register here.

12th Annual Day of Remembrance

June 10

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fort Monroe Outlook Beach

Celebrate the richness and diversity of the African diaspora and bring awareness to this tragic chapter in American and global history. The program includes African drumming, songs, dance, poetry, historical presentations, and traditional African libation.

Second Annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest Peninsula

June 18

10 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.

Darling Stadium

Guests can enjoy this free festival that will include worship service, cultural arts and entertainment, a job and community resource fair, a book author's corner and so much more. Special guest entertainment will include Washington D.C. go-go band EU featuring Sugar Bear.

Hampton Jazz Festival

June 23-25

Hampton Coliseum

The Hampton Jazz Festival is back! Headliners for this year’s Jazz Festival include Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton, Charlie Wilson and more. This year’s festival marks the first Jazz Festival in three years.

Hampton African American Heritage Festival

June 23-24

Mill Point Park

Celebrates Hampton's rich African American history with over 60 arts and crafts and food vendors, live entertainment, and a children’s area. Enjoy live jazz and R&B bands and a community paint party.

1619 Commemoration of the First Enslaved African Landing

August 25-27

Fort Monroe

Commemoration of the First Enslaved African Landing with this special ceremony and program. The events reflect on the significance of the 1619 landing of enslaved Africans and the contributions of Africans and their descendants to American society. The event includes African drumming, dancing, libation ceremony, vendors and more.