Honoring Juneteenth: Events To Celebrate Independence

June 16, 2023

This Juneteenth, we are taking a moment to remember the grit, hard work, sweat and tears that went into achieving the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. Originating in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth National Independence Day began on June 19, 1865, when an order issued by Major General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for slaves in the Lone Star State. In 2021, President Biden officially signed the legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday. 

To honor the day, we’re sharing a roundup of Juneteenth festivals taking place in a city near you. If you and your family enjoy delicious food, endless fun and, most importantly, hard-fought freedom, you don’t want to miss these exciting events.

Austin

Don’t miss celebrating Juneteenth National Independence Day in the state where emancipation began. There are countless ways to honor and enjoy the holiday, starting with the Stay Black and Live: Juneteenth Festival at the George Washington Carver Museum, Library & Genealogy Center June 12-19. This event features a stunning lineup of local Black speakers and musicians, as well as a world-class cookout and music festival.

On June 17, the Central Texas Juneteenth Parade & Celebration starts at the corner of E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & Salina St. in ATX, traveling down Chicon St. and ending at the corner of Chestnut Ave. and Pleasant Valley Rd. This parade is the perfect time for friends and families to gather and spend time enjoying the creative floats and performances outside. After the parade, continue the party with a Juneteenth festival at Rosewood Park. The opportunities for fun are truly endless!

Charleston

Charleston is known for the best cultural celebrations in the Lowcountry, and Juneteenth is no exception. The Lowcountry Juneteenth Week Festival on June 16 and Juneteenth Family Festival on June 17 feature activities, education, authentic vibes - and even fireworks - the entire family can enjoy. Join the community’s incredible organizers, vendors and attendees in honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and justice in the United States, as well as look forward to the bright future of the African American community.

Dallas

Dallas is another Lone Star city that knows how to “Juneteenth!” Their 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival and March on June 17 is free to attend and features a two-part celebration, starting with a 3.2-mile People’s March promoting emancipation and equality that starts at James Madison High School and ends at William Blair Jr. Park, where the festival will take place. Activities include live entertainment and music, prominent guest speakers, a kids zone and food and merchandise vendors. 

On June 15-19, the African American Museum in Fair Park is hosting Juneteenth at the African American Museum, which honors the holiday with gallery talks, tours, music, vendors, a presentation on the history of Juneteenth and more. On June 18, there is a friendly cook-off to celebrate Father’s Day and Juneteenth simultaneously and includes music, dancing and “the largest Sunday dinner in North Texas.” 

Orange County

There’s nothing like enjoying the Juneteenth holiday in the sunny OC! There are two events to take note of, including the Juneteenth Festival on June 17 at Centennial Regional Park in Santa Ana and Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on June 18 at Great Park in Irvine. Both are family-friendly, free to attend and celebrate the freedom, hope and joy that honors the contributions of Black Americans to the cultural fabric of our great nation. If you love music, dance, poetry, art, interactive activities, supporting local organizations and live performances you don’t want to miss Juneteenth in Orange County!

Pittsburgh

The city of Pittsburgh knows how to throw a party - and has spared no expense with the all-weekend-long 2023 Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration at Point State Park. Spanning a total of four days from June 16-19, this event will honor Juneteenth Independence by featuring nationally acclaimed artists, including Grammy award winners Erica Campbell and Arrested Development, as well as the talent of local musicians, renowned guest speakers and much more. This event is also free, family-friendly and will feature African American Culture Education and the ability to purchase from local vendors! You don’t want to miss it!

Raleigh 

Welcome to a truly memorable Juneteenth commemoration in Raleigh, NC. Juneteenth at the Pope House Museum offers a look into the life of one of Raleigh’s prominent African American citizens, Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope. Join storyteller Pat Lambe on Friday, June 16, as she weaves imagery and songs to tell the story of Black emancipation, then register for a free walking tour on Saturday or Sunday to learn about the surrounding area's history as one of Raleigh's historic Black neighborhoods.

Tampa

Immerse yourself in a world-class cultural experience at the Tampa Bay Juneteenth Festival, taking place on June 17 at the Raymond James Stadium. This is Tampa’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth festival and features DJs, live performances, the best food trucks the community has to offer, retail shopping, a job fair, a health clinic and much more excitement for the whole family.                                                                                                                                                                        

Another celebration taking place in Tampa on June 17 is the University of South Florida Alumni’s Juneteenth Celebration at the Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center. This commemoration for the end of slavery in the U.S. will include delicious food vendors, jazz music, performers and several panels. Notable members of the community and businesses are set to attend, including WUSF, Walton Academy for Performing Arts, Feeding Tampa Bay, USF Athletics, Black Leadership Network, the Institute on Black Life and many more!

When it comes to honoring the impactful history that brought us to a prosperous future, we at Bolt PR are proud to be a part of bringing awareness and attention to the events and businesses that bring our communities up and drive our success forward. From a public relations team that puts the superpower in PR, media partnerships that drive awareness, digital marketing that finds the audience where they are most and content that draws them in, we are ready to help your brand make an impact that lasts. When you’re ready to make our team passionate activists for your mission, give us a shout

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