Juneteenth — which takes place on Monday, June 19 — commemorates the day slavery was officially abolished in the US, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Honor the day and its history around town:
Stay Black and Live: Austin Citywide Juneteenth Festival | Thursday, June 15-Monday, June 19 | Times vary | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., Austin | Free | Get ready for a week’s worth of festivities, including performances by Granny Award winners, cultural conversations, a cookout, parade, and more.
Freedom & Juneteenth | Thursday, June 15 | 7-9 p.m. | Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin | Free | Learn about Black Freedom Communities in Austin at this panel and documentary discussion featuring representatives from UT Austin, Visit Austin, and Central Texas Juneteenth.
2023 Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 17 | 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. | Rosewood & Boggy Creek Park, 2300 Rosewood Ave., Austin | Free | Start early with a parade at 9:30, or join at noon for the festival and some live entertainment.
Freedom Fest | Saturday, June 17 | 1-4 p.m. | 7201 Colony Loop Dr., Austin | Free | Participate in a slingshot showcase or listen to music and a live comedy set at this festival, which also features kids’ activities.
Juneteenth Celebration with Black Makers Market | Saturday, June 17 | 12-6 p.m. | African American Cultural and Heritage Facility, 912 E. 11th St., Austin | Free | Support 40+ Black-owned businesses, try food from local Black-owned vendors, and bring your kids to try out the activities at the market’s kids’ corner.
Juneteenth Block Party | Saturday, June 17 | 5-9 p.m. | Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander | Free | This event features a booked schedule of activities, including performances by the Soulful Soundz Party Band, a live reading, and spoken word poetry.
Buda Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 17 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Buda Amphitheater, 204 San Antonio St., Buda | Free | Stop by for a day of shopping, eating, listening to music, and learning.
Bastrop Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 17 | 10 a.m. | Downtown Bastrop | Free | Expect games, health screenings, food, and live entertainment at this Bastrop event.
Juneteenth Social Ride | Sunday, June 18 | 6-10 p.m. | Texas African American History Marker, 11th St. and Congress Ave., Austin | Free | Bike around Austin and learn about local Black history
EIGHTEEN65: The People’s Observance | Saturday, June 17 | 6 p.m. | Origin Studio House, 2925 E. 12th St., Austin | $20 | The inaugural event will feature food from Phoenix Grille, Nosh’d Luxury Snacks, and Sweetniz Cake Shop.
Juneteenth Celebration | Sunday, June 18 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St., Austin | Free with admission | Stop by for lawn games and a painting class with Rejina Thomas, or take a driving tour of Black West Austin.
Art Noir: A Juneteenth Celebration | Sunday, June 18 | 6-10 p.m. | 2324 Studios, 2324 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin | Free | Celebrate the works of local Black artists at this East Austin event.
Juneteenth Freedom Summit | Monday, June 19 | 2 p.m. | Bass Lecture Hall, 2315 Red River St., Austin | Free | The third annual summit will include speakers from The Emancipator, UT Austin, Rosa Rebellion, and the Texas Black Caucus Foundation.
