The 4th annual Solvang Juneteenth SYV celebration returns this year with a change in format and a swanky new angle. While Juneteenth celebrations of Solvang’s past have had a focus on a casual, family-friendly theme, this year the festivities are all grown up.

The 2023 Juneteenth celebration takes place on Friday, June 16th from 7:00 – 10:00 pm in the ballroom of Craft House at Corque in Solvang, with the theme Harlem Nights Renaissance. This event is open to the community, and the evening promises to deliver a sophisticated fête with speakeasy vibes, comedy stand-up, spoken word poetry, live music, the 360 photo booth, and a southern-themed dinner buffet featuring fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, fondue, shrimp and grits, and Café DuMonde beignets with coffee.

Perhaps the most memorable part of the evening will be the live auction art pieces provided by several esteemed artists including, Kahinde Wiley, artist for Barack Obama’s official portrait in the Smithsonian; a piece presented by the estate of the famed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat; and a mixed-media sculpture by Faith Ringgold, born in 1930 in Harlem New York and Professor of Emeritus of Art at UC San Diego.
In collaboration with Juneteenth SYV, sponsors of this year’s event are the Pacific Pride Foundation, Madi’s Treasure Box Inc., Endowment for Youth Committee, High on the Hog
Catering, The Fund for Santa Barbara, Marriott Santa Ynez Valley, SYV Pride, Visit SYV, County of Santa Barbara, Juneteenth Santa Barbara and Moke Experience in Solvang.
Guests are widely encouraged to come in their very best roaring 20s-themed attire, for a sophisticated, semi-formal evening of fun and cultural immersion, and stay on for the after-party with Lex the DJ that promises to deliver cultural beats and dancing late into the night.
More event information and ticket sales can be found at https://www.juneteenthsyv.com/ with early bird general admission at $99 per person, including dinner. Ticket prices go up after June 8th and ticket sales will close on June 14th. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets early and come enjoy an unforgettable evening that celebrates Black History, and those who are today shaping the history of tomorrow.