INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The 5th annual Juneteenth Foodways Festival will celebrate Black cuisine, culture, and community on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. General admission to the event, scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, is free.
Guests are invited to experience how Black cuisine has shaped American food.
The festival is made possible through the generosity of the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation. It highlights the story of renowned Black caterer and chef Dolly Johnson.
Johnson brought her all-American cooking style to the presidential household after Harrison replaced a French chef with her in 1889. She went on to serve multiple administrations, and her legacy is now brought to life through this cultural event in Indianapolis.
This year's festival will feature more than 35 partners, including both returning favorites and new participants. These partners will offer a range of food, beverages, and retail experiences.
The event will also introduce the new Johnson Legacy Stage, sponsored by Mirror Indy. This stage will host live food demonstrations in partnership with Second Helpings, performances by Freetown Village and Braveheart Drumline, and live historical reenactments of Johnson's life.
Juanita Coleman, owner of It's Those Egg Rolls, leads one of the Black-owned businesses participating in the festival. Her egg rolls were praised at the 2025 Indiana State Fair and featured by The Takeout as some of the best fried foods from state fairs across the country. The business offers seven frozen flavors, local pickup, and wholesale opportunities.
It's Those Egg Rolls will offer dishes such as Apple Toddy Egg Rolls, which are apple pie egg rolls with a Jamaican Rum and Peach Brandy Sauce.
Another offering is a gluten-free hot honey buffalo chicken and ranch fry, featuring Halal gluten-free breaded chicken tossed in hot honey buffalo sauce and drizzled with ranch dressing. According to The Takeout, the egg rolls are “Saucy, sticky and intentionally over the top… a blaze of vibrant orange glaze.â€
Guests can explore a variety of menu items that showcase the depth and diversity of Black foodways, browse unique retail selections, and engage with the historical and cultural impact of Black culinary traditions in America. Tiffany Spears serves as Special Events and Social Media Coordinator for the Harrison Presidential Site.
While general admission is free, guests are encouraged to register. A limited number of early access passes are also available for purchase, providing entry prior to the general admission start time and a welcome bag with swag and exclusive deals from partners.
Tickets for the 5th annual Juneteenth Foodways Festival are now available. Registration is suggested, as walk-in registration will be limited. Attendees can find an up-to-date list of partners and reserve their spots online at bhpsite.org.
The Harrison Presidential Site encourages following them on social media for updates.
