Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States on June 19th. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas.
The origins of Juneteenth can be traced back to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which proclaimed the freedom of enslaved people in Texas. This announcement came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It took time for the news to reach all parts of the country, and Texas was one of the last Confederate states to receive the news of the end of slavery.
Juneteenth holds significant historical and cultural importance in recognizing the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and social justice. Check out our guide to celebrating below.
Events & Celebrations
Central Texas Juneteenth Parade & Celebration
June 17th, 9:30?AM-9 PM
Parade start: MLK Blvd & Salina St, Austin TX 78702
Celebration: Rosewood & Boggy Creek Park - 2300 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, TX 78702
View the parade map and get more details here. The parade will conclude with a celebration at Rosewood Neighborhood Park.
Freedom & Juneteenth - A Night of Jubilation
June 15th, 7 – 9?PM
Pease District Park - 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX
Presented by Peace Park Conservatory & Art is Cool, enjoy a panel discussion honoring the inspiring history of Austin's Black Freedom Communities. For more information about the panelists and content, click here.
Freedom Fest
June 17th, 1-4 PM
7201 Colony Loop Drive Austin, TX 78724
This free celebration includes everything from food trucks to comedians. Be sure to check out this “high-energy, interactive” experience. More details
Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 17th, 10 AM-2 PM
City Park Pavillion - 204 San Antonio Street, Buda, TX, 78610
For an event full of food, fun, & music, attend the Juneteenth Community Celebration in Buda, Texas. More details
Juneteenth Block Party
June 17th, 5-9 PM
601 South Bagdad, Leander, TX 78641
This block party at Robin Bledsoe Park will have music, food vendors, swimming, and a “fun zone” for kids. More details
Juneteenth Festival Round Rock
June 17th, 4-11:30 PM
Old Settlers Park - 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX
The Voice Inc. and The City of Round Rock Parks & Rec Department are hosting a concert in celebration of Juneteenth. Lineup details to come soon. More details
Museums
Visit the Neill-Cochran House Museum
2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
The NCHM has the only publicly accessible enslaved person’s dwelling located within the boundaries of Austin's original townsite. Visit the museum to learn about the individuals who lived here, as well as to learn about the difficult and untold history in the city of Austin. More details
George Washington Carver Museum
1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702
The Carver Museum highlights our local community, sharing stories that not only celebrate its unique heritage but also intertwine those tales with broader narratives of Blackness in the United States. More details
