Fishers High School students will host the 7th annual Juneteenth Jubilee on Friday, June 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Conner Prairie. The free, public celebration is organized by the school’s Fishers Black Leaders Club (FBL) with support from the Fishers Arts Council and Conner Prairie.
Now in its fourth year at Conner Prairie, the Jubilee has grown into one of the area’s signature summer events. Last year more than 2,000 people attended with their families. The student-managed celebration spotlights Black-owned businesses, visual and culinary artists, community resources and live performances. MIBOR Realtor Association returns as title sponsor.
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States, and for the students behind the event, the day carries personal meaning. “Juneteenth marks the celebration of freedom for many African American people,” said student organizer Gianna Fowler. “It celebrates liberty and independence.” Fellow organizer Sondos Mertami pointed to the event’s role in the community: “Juneteenth is important to the Fishers community because it brings people together and raises awareness of the holiday allowing people to learn about the history behind it.”
The evening opens with a live performance of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson, sung by Abigail Ngene at 5:20 p.m. With support from entertainment sponsors Accent Coatings and Mays Chemical, the stage will feature national touring artist B.I.G.S.T.E.V.E 513, local recording artist Skypp and spoken word artist Angela Barnes, along with returning Jubilee favorites Erick Oneal Fisher and Deezy Not Nice. DJ Mr. Kinetik serves as emcee.
The Jubilee offers something for every age. Free activities include an interactive drum circle with Joyful Noyze, face painting, bounce houses and yard games, while Conner Prairie provides semi-guided tours to select areas during the event. Vendors will sell jewelry, baked goods, bodycare products, clothing, art and more. “There’s a little bit of everything,” Fowler said, “and this is a great opportunity for the community to come together.” Community resources and nonprofits on hand include the Fishers Health Department, Hamilton East Public Library, Fishers PRIDE and the Institute for Quality Education.
Students from FBL have created and run the Jubilee since 2020, handling everything from vendor and entertainment coordination to educational materials, business partnerships and fundraising.
“Conner Prairie is proud to work alongside of the Fishers High School Fishers Black Leaders and the Fishers Arts Council for another exciting Juneteenth Jubilee,” said Ryan Spencer, Vice President and Chief Programs Officer at Conner Prairie. “Uplifting talented students in our community while celebrating Juneteenth with our African-American community is a privilege and joy.”
Les Reinhardt, Executive Director of the Fishers Arts Council, has worked with the FBL students since the council was first invited to help in 2022. “Having the opportunity to work for these incredible student leaders is an inspiration,” she said. “They decide what will be offered, coordinate with the vendors and entertainment, create educational materials, partner with businesses and fundraise. It’s truly amazing to see the power of what our youth can make happen in Fishers.”
The 7th Juneteenth Jubilee is free and open to the public, Friday, June 19, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Conner Prairie.