On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and more than two thousand Federal soldiers arrived at Galveston, Texas, to share the good news: enslaved people were finally free. This day occurred over two years after U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The news impacted more than 4 million men, women, and children who were enslaved.

Today, Juneteenth commemorates hope and resilience during uncertain times. The holiday is also utilized as a time of reflection and as an opportunity to inform communities on how they can continue to work together to encourage equitable futures for everyone.

Juneteenth Events in Communities Glick Serves

Florida

• Fort Lauderdale: For June, Pompano Beach will host events in honor of Juneteenth. Enjoy story time with locals, a Blues & Sweet Potato Pie Festival, slam poetry, and more (June 1-30).
• Fort Lauderdale: Looking for an event to bring the whole family to? City of Miramar’s Juneteenth Family Day has something for everyone. From an interactive scavenger hunt to a pop-up African Exhibit, there is something to do all day (June 19).
• Miami: Sit back and take in performances of sounds, spoken word and dance in honor of the spirit of liberation and freedom of Juneteenth at Colony Theatre (June 19).
• Miami: Fun in the sun! Head over to the Juneteenth Beach Bash to participate in educational activities, enjoy a petting zoo and live music, and grab some free food and drinks (June 22).

Georgia

• Savannah: Bring your family to Port Wentworth City hall to celebrate Juneteenth with a scavenger hunt, live music, African dancing and drumming, and more (June 21).
• Savannah: Take a dip and have a sip at Kimpton Brice’s Juneteenth Poolside Chiller (June 19).

Kentucky

• Bowling Green: BG Freedom Walkers invites the community to join them in their 1st Annual Juneteenth Celebration Free Movie Night featuring Hidden Figures (June 19).
• Lexington: Listen to a variety of live performances ranging from jazz, to line dancing, to spoken word at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center (June 19).
• Louisville: Attend A Juneteenth Celebration: UNIVERSES in Concert for a unique and entertaining night. With their kinetic musical and linguistic fireworks, there won’t be a dull moment (June 19).

Illinois

• Chicago: Kick off your Juneteenth celebration with science, technology, live performances, and more at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (June 19).
• Chicago: Bring your bags to The Juneteenth Market in Hyde Park to support black-owned businesses from beauty to fashion (June 19).
• Decatur: Learn from a presentation on the connections between Baroque music and jazz and the legacy that 18^th-century music has left in the work of the Black musical community during The Second Five Cities Baroque Festival (June 19).

Indiana

• Bloomington: Join Black Lives Matter Bloomington in celebrating Juneteenth with food trucks, live music, informational tables, and more (June 19).
• Fort Wayne: Stop by Allen County Public Library to listen to the 2024 Rolland Lecture that will be honoring Juneteenth, Abraham Lincoln, and the power of the emancipation proclamation (June 19).
• Lafayette: Celebrate Juneteenth at Painting with a Twist where you’ll have the opportunity to make your own “Peace, Love, Juneteenth” portrait (June 19).
• Indianapolis: Make your way over to the Juneteenth Jubilee and engage in collaborative art, interactive music, and enjoy 1859 Balloon Voyage rides (June 19).

Missouri

• St. Louis: With over 50 vendors, the Juneteenth Edition of The Illinois Black Woodstock Festival is one you can’t miss. Enjoy live music, shopping, and family fun (June 19).
• St. Louis: Participate in a unique day of activities during Juneteenth at the Garden. The day of celebration includes Ethiopian book binding, pot-a-plant, storybook hour and walk, and local vendors (June 19).

North Carolina

• Greensboro: Take a relaxing stroll as you shop for fresh produce from local farmers then sit down and enjoy live music and performances at the Juneteenth Triad Black Farmers Market (June 19).
• Greensboro: Enjoy shopping, food, music and entertainment at the 2024 Juneteenth Soulebration (June 19).

Ohio

• Cincinnati: Join in the festivities at Juneteenth Jubilee. Enjoy live music, food, and more fun (June 19).
• Toledo: No matter your level of experience, Metroparks invites skaters to come out and skate alongside the Glass City Riverwalk (June 19).

Michigan

• Grand Rapids: Head over to the Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam to support local black vendors, listen to live music, and participate in other festivities (June 19).
• Lansing: Join a night of music and history during the City of Lansing Concerts in the Park’s Black Rock 101 concert (June 19).

New York

• Buffalo: Come out to Lockport’s 1^st Annual Juneteenth Celebration and try local bites, shop crafter’s creations, and more (June 22).
• Buffalo: Enjoy riding bikes? Grab your bike and ride over to the 1st Annual Juneteenth Major Taylor Ride starting in Freedom Park (June 19).

South Carolina

• Columbia: Family fun for everyone can be found at the 8th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival. The whole group can indulge in good food, enjoy live music, shop at local vendor booths, and play games (June 19).

Virginia

• Roanoke: Roanoke College is hosting a Juneteenth Commemoration on their campus. Afterwards, they will be hosting a luncheon for all to join (June 20).
• Virginia Beach: Juneteenth at the Beach has 3 full days packed with fun! From a parade to a muscle car show, to a noir speakeasy, the list is endless of festivities for everyone (June 19).

Wisconsin

• Milwaukee: Come out to see one of the largest and longest running Juneteenth celebrations in the country! The day includes a morning parade and an all-day street festival (June 19).