A major new Juneteenth celebration is coming to Scottsdale this summer, backed by the Arizona NAACP and Mayor Lisa Borowsky, with organizers aiming to establish what they call a “transformative” annual tradition centered on culture, community and civic engagement.
The inaugural Scottsdale Juneteenth 2026 will feature two major events in June, combining a large-scale community festival with a more formal civic and faith-based gathering, according to a sponsorship packet released by organizers.
Borowsky is an honorary chair for the initiative.
The celebration will center on two “signature experiences,” organizers said.
The first is the Scottsdale Juneteenth Freedom Festival, scheduled for June 13, at the Scottsdale Civic Center outdoor area.
The event is expected to draw between 2,000 and 4,000 attendees and will feature live performances, more than 50 vendors and family-oriented programming, according to organizers.
The second is the Faith & Family Freedom Awards Breakfast, set for June 19 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
The event is described as a “gospel-style” service and awards program recognizing “Unsung Heroes” and featuring keynote reflections from elected officials and faith leaders.
Together, the events are designed to balance celebration with reflection – pairing what organizers call “a morning of civic reflection and community recognition” with “an evening of music, culture and community activation.”
The Arizona NAACP envisions the initiative as the start of a lasting presence in Scottsdale.
“This inaugural series marks a transformative moment for Scottsdale,” organizers wrote. “A commitment to honoring the historical significance of Juneteenth through a family-centered, culturally vibrant experience that fosters unity and reflection.”
They describe the effort as “more than just an event,” calling it “a movement to build lasting community impact.”
The broader mission extends beyond the celebration itself.
“Your partnership addresses critical knowledge gaps in our local history while funding leadership institutes, scholarships, and civic mentorship programs that empower the next generation of Arizona’s leaders,” the packet tells potential donors.
The initiative is being led by a team of Arizona NAACP leaders with backgrounds in public service, faith and youth engagement.
Sarah Tyree, president of the Arizona NAACP State Conference, is an Army combat veteran and social worker with more than 20 years of experience in community-centered work.
Andre Miller, vice president, is a U.S. Army veteran and faith leader whose work bridges community and religious outreach.
Fallon Jones, youth and college advisor, leads civic initiatives aimed at developing young leaders across Arizona.
In a joint message, organizers underscored both the historical importance and future focus of the effort.
“Juneteenth is a story of American resilience and the universal pursuit of liberty,” the packet states. “Our goal is to raise $200,000 to ensure that the history of Juneteenth is honored with excellence and that the AZ NAACP State Conference has the resources to mentor the next generation of Arizona’s civic and business leaders.”
Organizers are seeking to raise $200,000 to support the event series and related programming.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,500 to $50,000, with top-tier partners receiving prominent branding, speaking opportunities and VIP access to both events.
At the highest level, a $50,000 “Freedom Partner” sponsor would receive a speaking role at both events and branding across festival assets. Other tiers include sponsorship of youth programming, stage branding and vendor presence.
Organizers said the funding will support both the events themselves and broader initiatives tied to the NAACP’s mission.
“Your investment provides the essential underwriting required to produce a festival of this magnitude with excellence,” the packet states. “This goes beyond logistics; it ensures a safe, high-production environment for over 4,000 attendees.”
Additional funding will support youth leadership development and policy work.
“This is a direct investment in the future of Arizona’s workforce,” organizers said.
Organizers emphasize that the 2026 celebration is intended as a starting point for an annual tradition.
“We invite you to join us as a founding partner in establishing a sustainable tradition,” the packet states.
If successful, the initiative could significantly expand Juneteenth programming in Scottsdale, bringing together civic leadership, community engagement and cultural celebration in a coordinated, city-backed effort.
For sponsorship opportunities or more information about Scottsdale Juneteenth 2026, contact the Arizona NAACP State Conference: AZNAACP.org, 480-489-7210 or Youth@AZNAACP.org.