Although Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, granting the freedom of many enslaved African Americans across the nation, this order was not immediately effective in Confederate states. It was not until Union troops arrived at Galveston Bay on June 19, 1865, and declared that more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans were officially free. In their honor, on June 19, we commemorate the struggle against slavery and celebrate the freedom of our citizens.
While recognized as a second Independence Day by Black Texas for more than 150 years, President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. We celebrate this holiday to commemorate the struggle against slavery, and each year we should also acknowledge how far we have come as a nation in the fight against discriminatory practices such as Jim Crow Laws. As President Lincoln noted at Gettysburg, all people are created equally, yet we still fight for their ability to be afforded equitable opportunities.
As communities across the country gather to celebrate a holiday that was once predominantly recognized in Texas, we celebrate the traction that the importance of this holiday has gained over the years, address our grievances, recognize our past, and commence to celebrate the end of that era.
If you’re as passionate about this holiday as us, here are some ways that you can celebrate.
Provided below is a compiled list of events and celebrations across Texas for Juneteenth.
Region: Galveston
2nd Annual Juneteenth Comedy Fest
What: Enjoy a Lineup of famous Comedians across the nation
Where: 5600 Seawall Blvd
Galveston, Texas 77551
When: June 14th, 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM
What: Attend A Scholarship gala to help raise funds for the next generation. Entertainment, Dining, and live music are included. Inspiring Speeches will be given. Dress up!
Where: The Victorian, 6300 Seawall Blvd
Galveston, Texas 77550
When: June 14th, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
History of Juneteenth with Roy Collins
What: Learn about the history of Juneteenth and how it has been celebrated and observed over the years with Roy Collins.
Where: Rosenberg Library, 4th floor Fox Room 2310 Sealy St
Galveston, Texas 77550
When: June 15th, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Juneteenth Festival and Celebration
What: Free Admission. Enjoy Music, Street Vendors, and food to celebrate the birthplace of Juneteenth.
Where: McGuire Dent Recreational Center 2222 28th St
Galveston, Texas 77550
When: Jun 15th, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
More Galveston Juneteenth Events lists:
Special Galveston Juneteenth Screening
Region: Houston
Juneteenth Fest at Avenida Houston & Discovery Green
What: Support Local artists and businesses at this family-friendly event. Enjoy music, art, games, food, and fireworks
Where: Avenida Houston and Discovery Green
When: June 16, 2024 | 4-9 p.m.
Juneteenth Tea Cakes and Tours
What: Black History Tours through historic sites and plantations will be given, and Traditional red punch and tea cakes will be served.
Where: The Heritage Society
1100 Bagby StreetHouston, TX, 77002 (Free Parking)
When: Every Saturday from June 1st- June 19th. 10 am-4 pm.
2nd Annual Emancipation Freedom Run/Walk
What: Join the Emancipation Park Conservancy for a day of fitness. Activities include Hip-Hop aerobics, Line dancing classes, and more. Registration is free, all are welcome!
Where: Emancipation Park – 3018 Emancipation HTX 77004
When: Saturday, June 15th, 7 am-11 am.
More Houston Events
Region: Austin
Juneteenth Parade and Festival
What: Celebrate Juneteenth starting from the Corner E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, ending at the corner of Chestnut Avenue and Pleasant Valley Rd. Join the continuation of this celebration at Rosewood Park.
Where: Rosewood Park and Historic East Austin
When: June 15th, 10 am-9 pm
Stay Black and Live: Juneteenth Festival
What: Celebrate Juneteenth with local Black Speakers, musicians, a cookout, and live music.
Where: George Washington Carver Museum, Library and Genealogy Center
When: June 15th, 12-6 pm
What: Celebrate Juneteenth at Waterloo Park with food, music, and more.
Where: Waterloo Park
When: June 16th
Black Heritage and Black Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration
What: Black leaders and community organizations honoring Juneteenth at Thinkery Austin.
Where: Thinkery Austin
When: June 18th , 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
More Austin Events
Region: DFW Area
Dallas Cowboys Juneteenth Celebration
What: Live music, food, vendors, and other entertainment at the Cowboy Stadium’s Miller LiteHouse.
Where: AT&T Stadium’s Miller LiteHouse, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington
When: June 15th from 3 to 7 p.m.
What: This celebration will have music, art, food, vendors, and a special giveaway event.
Where: Lofty Spaces, Dallas.
When: June 16th 12 noon to 6 p.m.
Juneteenth at Dallas Arboretum
What: Learn about African American artists and their unique artistic styles
Where: Dallas Arboretum.
When: June 17-19, daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Little Elm Juneteenth Freedom Walk
What: Brunch, event speakers, a bounce house, and more for this exciting freedom walk event.
Where: Little Elm Park.
When: June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon
Juneteenth Meet and Greet with Stephanie Draper
What: If you’re in the Dallas area attend a special meet and greet with Stephanie Draper and keynote speaker Free Marie
Where: Black LIT Bookstore 4050 McEwen Road Suite 9105 Farmers Branch, TX
When: June 15th 11am
More Events across major cities:
Events in Bryan and College Station
Editorial Note: Progress Texas is not an organizer of the listed events. If you have more Juneteenth events or celebrations you would like to add to the list, please send them our way: jackie@progresstexas.org.
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