As the Harrison Museum of African American Culture enters a milestone year – its 40th anniversary and a transformational move to Melrose Plaza – leadership has announced that the Henry Street Heritage Festival will pause in 2025 and return in 2026 with a renewed vision and expanded possibilities.
“This is a year of major investment across the board,” said E.B. Smith, Executive Director of the Harrison Museum. “We’re planning something big – new space, new energy, new opportunities to bring our community together. That includes the return of the Henry Street Festival in 2026, built with care and imagination, and ready to rise alongside everything else we’re creating at Melrose Plaza.”
The Henry Street Heritage Festival has long been one of Roanoke’s most treasured cultural events, celebrating African American heritage through music, food, art, and community gathering. Organizers, in close consultation with the community, are using this intentional pause to reimagine the festival’s future – from expanded programming and partnerships to deeper historical storytelling and more robust regional engagement.
“Henry Street has always been a place of celebration, creativity, and community,” Smith added. “As we build our new home at Melrose Plaza, we’re carrying that spirit forward. The festival will return in 2026 – more deeply connected to the legacy that made it possible. This is a moment to dream wide and honor everything we’re becoming.”
Thank you to the community for your continued support of the Harrison Museum and the Henry Street Heritage Festival. To stay updated on the Henry Street Festival and the Harrison Museum’s move to Melrose Plaza, visit www.harrisonmuseum.com or follow us on social media.
