Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to present a free vibrant 2-day celebration of Juneteenth. The festival opens Friday, June 19, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., with the opening of the Juneteenth Arts Gallery, which will feature African artifacts from The African American Cultural Resource Center (housed at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library), African face jugs from local ceramist Osa Atoe, and digital illustration works from Tampa artist Yosnier Miranda.

Free light bites will be catered by G’s Southern Kitchen and drinks will be available for purchase. The evening will be capped with “Words, Beats & Movements,” a special presentation directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and celebrating local talent – highlighting performers across art forms – on WBTT’s mainstage, at 7 p.m.

The festivities continue Saturday, June 20, 2026 starting at 1 p.m., featuring a wide-ranging celebration of art and culture, with live music, films from local filmmakers and students from Ringling College of Art & Design, and numerous local organizations and businesses. Highlights will include performances by WBTT fan-favorite professional artists and students from WBTT’s Stage of Discovery youth musical theatre intensive summer program, spoken word performances, African dance, and more.

There will also be various workshops available, including line dancing with WBTT’s resident choreographer Donald Frison.

The festival will conclude with a feature performance of WBTT artist Brian L. Boyd’s “ENIGMA” – featuring additional WBTT artists – at 7:30 p.m. Presenting Sponsor is the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Visit WBTT’s website for the festival schedule.