2024 Sponsors
Mark your calendars!
June 15 - 19, 2024
Welcome to the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival, the region’s most prolific cultural event focused on the celebration and support of the historic Black communities of Montgomery County, Maryland. Spanning five days and 8 venues, our 2024 Festival is set to captivate with 23 events across the county. With a fresh Caribbean carnival theme, this year's Festival promises to be unforgettable with lively music, dances, activities, and a celebratory and vivid atmosphere.
2024 Schedule of Events
Our schedule of events is now underway! Please take a moment to explore our lineup and stay tuned for regular updates on the latest developments, opportunities to participate, and all the vibrant festivities!
The Scotland Community
Founded in 1880 by William Dove, a formerly enslaved farm worker who was the first Black man to own land in Potomac, Scotland was once an enclave of more than 500 acres along Seven Locks Road, spanning from what is now Democracy Boulevard to Montrose Road. The community’s only remaining historic structure, the Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion church, is being repaired and expanded after a catastrophic flood in 2019. The building, which opened in 1924, is likely to be reopened in late 2024 or in January of 2025. Today, the Scotland community consists of 100 townhouses on 10 acres on Scotland Drive, just off Seven Locks Road. Twenty-five of these homes are still owned by descendants of the original founders of the community.
2023 Festival Highlights
The inaugural Festival in 2023 was spread across six days and seven venues, marking it the biggest and most prolific Juneteenth celebration of its kind in the DMV region. From celebrating the historic roots of African-American land ownership in Montgomery County's Scotland community to hosting a myriad of events, last year's festival was a resounding success.
Notable highlights included a musical gala at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club, the Scotland Freedom Day Concert at Montgomery County Fairgrounds, and the revered Clarence "Pint" Isreal Juneteenth Classic at Povich Field, honoring a local baseball legend. Health and wellness initiatives, a 5K run, a classic car show, and thought-provoking discussions on social justice and faith communities further enriched the Festival's offerings. With its rich tapestry of events and community engagement, the 2023 Festival left an major mark, setting the stage for even greater success in the years to come.
10,000+
Attendees
7
Venues
6
Days
2024 Sponsors
Thank you to our supporters who make the 2024 Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival possible!
To inquire about 2024 sponsorship opportunities, please contact us below.
(Photo by Skip Brown)
Make a Difference
We are grateful for your generosity in supporting our vision for a more connected and equitable Montgomery County. Your donations enable us to fund our initiatives and programs that support Scotland and other Black communities across Maryland. Should you have any inquiries regarding donations or the allocation of funds, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your contribution makes a difference in our community, and we sincerely appreciate your support.