About This Festival

The Juneteenth Jubilee in Fishers is an annual, free community celebration held at Conner Prairie (13400 Allisonville Road) on June 19, typically from 5 to 8 p.m., organized by students from Fishers High School’s Future Black Leaders Club in partnership with Fishers Arts Council. It honors Black culture, history, and community, featuring Black-owned businesses, artists, musicians, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

The event’s vibe is inclusive, educational, vibrant, and community-focused, emphasizing cultural pride and connection while spotlighting Black excellence. It attracts a diverse crowd and includes partnerships with local nonprofits, government agencies, and sponsors, reflecting its growth and community support since its founding.

History and Founding

  • Founded in 2020 by Fishers Equity Awareness, a student organization from Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern High Schools, with support from Fishers Racial Equity Efforts (F.R.E.E.).
  • Since 2022, the event has been entirely student-led by Fishers High School’s Future Black Leaders Club with operational support from Fishers Arts Council.
  • It marked its sixth annual celebration in 2025, showing continuous growth in attendance and community involvement.

Event Surroundings and Atmosphere

  • Held on the grounds of historic Conner Prairie, an open-air history park that offers a scenic and welcoming environment.
  • The location supports accessibility (including handicapped access).
  • The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly with a strong emphasis on learning, heritage, and cultural celebration.
  • The event typically draws crowds upwards of 2,500 people, with a mix of families, students, community members, and visitors.

Activities and Features

  • Performances: Live music by family-friendly local artists, dancers, singers, and poets, showcasing Black talent.
  • Vendors: Approximately 30 Black-owned businesses and food vendors offering diverse culinary options and crafts.
  • Kid Zone: Includes free face painting, bounce houses, playground access, and other engaging activities for children.
  • Arts and Culture: Participation by local creative artists with booths and displays.
  • Community Engagement: Local nonprofits, government agencies like Fishers Health Department and Hamilton East Library, and community services participate providing resources and information.
  • Accessibility: Sign language interpreters (ASL) provided, courtesy of local organizations.
  • Opportunities for community members to volunteer and participate in the planning team, fostering a spirit of civic engagement and ownership.

Typical Rough Schedule (based on recent events)

  • 5:00 pm — Event opening with vendor booths, kid activities, and food vendors available.
  • 5:30 pm to 7:45 pm — Ongoing musical and dance performances on a main stage.
  • Throughout the event — Opportunities to explore nonprofit booths, interact with vendors, and participate in children's activities.
  • 8:00 pm — Event closes.

The event offers a meaningful mix of celebration and education about Juneteenth—the day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S.—fostering unity, awareness, and local Black culture appreciation in Hamilton County.