The Lone Star State is the birthplace of the holiday that honors the end of slavery in the United States.
Across the nation , Juneteenth is a time of celebration . But the recently federally recognize vacation has always hold extra significance here in Texas . The twenty-four hour period commemorates when the news of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation finally arrive at enslaved Black people in Galveston in 1865 . Long before Union recognition on June 17 , 2021 , the Texas Legislature declaredJuneteenth , a land vacation in 1980 . the great unwashed lionize Emancipation Day in a diversity of ways . You might head out to a rodeo or family reunification . And you ’re more than likely to talk the Black national anthem “ Lift Every Voice”at some point during the day . But above all , those who fete are guarantee to find community and some bloody adept nutrient ( cherry velvet cakeincluded ) . Here ’s a list of various events taking piazza across the state of Texas where you could enjoy the celebration of Juneteenth .
Stay Black & Live Juneteenth Festival
June 15–19AustinAustin ’s George Washington Carver Museum went all in this twelvemonth for a full hebdomad of Juneteenth celebrations . Whether you ’ve been looking to enrich your intellect , stomach , or ears , the organiser have made certain there is something for you . Listen to talking from the like of James Beard award – succeed generator Michael T. Twitty ( Thursday ) andNew York Timesbest - trade author Dr. Annette Gordon - Reed ( Monday ) . Or hold a free ticket for the multi - generational dance party ( Friday ) , the cookout and music festival ( Saturday ) , and the community healing event ( Sunday).Reserve your spotat any of these inspiriting events .
The Official 2023 Juneteenth Festival
June 16–19San AntonioThe Juneteenth festival in San Antonio is already in full golf shot , having start with a beginning supplicant breakfast on June 10 . But there ’s still clock time to catch the fete proper all day Friday and Saturday at Comanche Park . Jump in for two full days of tattle , dancing , and San Antonio pridefulness . The organizers pulled out all the stops for this class ’s star . Friday see the dear local group The Legends take the main point , while Larry Braggs , the former lead singer of the revered mortal dance orchestra Tower of Power shut the festival out Saturday . After a daytime of rest , do n’t leave to sign up for the prescribed Juneteenth Golf Tournament on Monday at The Club at Sonterra .
Juneteenth Unity Weekend Celebration
June 16–18DallasFor Dallas folks , kick off your Juneteenth solemnization with a party , fall out it up the next day with a political party , and then close out the weekend with , you guess it , a political party . The Black LGBTQIA+ grouping Dallas Southern Pride ’s Unity Weekend is known for its many order events and lively festivities . Sip on free cocktails at the Unity Welcome receipt and then beak from a variety of syndicate parties and downtown bashes . These are the events to turn back out if you ’re take care for a night out as opposed to the family reunion vibes of other Juneteenth festivities .
Juneteenth at Emancipation Park
Saturday , June 17HoustonThere are two affair you need to sleep with about Houston ’s Emancipation Park Juneteenth jubilation : It ’s very free and it ’s passing fun . Back in 1872 , four newly freed men set up Emancipation Park to mark their community and , of course , their emancipation . Located in this historic green in the Third Ward , this one-year political party is loved by young folks , sometime heads , and everyone in between . There will be no shortage of soul with gospel , zydeco , and R&B creative person do throughout the day . convey the whole family and enjoy all the food trucks and vendors on internet site .
Central Texas Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday , June 17AustinNothing saysjoyfullike marching bands and steppers . Residents of the working capital metropolis can lionise Juneteenth with a morn parade go straight into an all - day park festival Participants will move from MLK Boulevard down to Chestnut Avenue / Pleasant Valley . It is a long - standing custom in a historically Black East Austin that face rapid gentrification . The festival brings great food for thought , seller , and live music .
Juneteenth Festival Round Rock
Saturday , June 17Round RockRound Rock ’s fifteenth annual Juneteenth get - together bear on with a diverseness of family - well-disposed activities , intellectual nourishment , and more . Big - name vocalizer - ballad maker BJ the Chicago Kid will hit the main stage late evening . Meanwhile DJ Jay Shalé and a slate of local artists fill the atmosphere with music throughout the daytime .
City of Beaumont Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday , June 17BeaumontBeaumont has one of the highest percentage of Black residents in not just Texas but the country . appropriately , the community is show up with a heavy lineup of festivities . There will be line - stepper , performances by R&B legends Shirley Murdock and Lenny Williams , as well as plenty of tasty food trucks . It ’s a clap every meter , and this year will be no unlike . Lawn chair and picnic blankets are encourage .
Bryan Juneteenth Parade and Blues Fest
Saturday , June 17BryanFolks in Bryan , Texas can expect a full day of festivity organise by The Brazos Valley African American Heritage and Cultural Society . Start the day off with a bustling parade , solid ground at a solemnization in the Sadie Thomas Memorial Park , and cap thing off with sonorous sound at the Blues Festival . Impressive floats , family - friendly activities , and boisterous performance await . Check out thecity ’s websitefor even more Juneteenth celebration in Bryan .
Juneteenth on Main Block Party
Sunday , June 18Deep EllumDallas ’s historic Deep Ellum neighborhood is host its first prescribed Juneteenth celebration this twelvemonth . With the neighborhood having face speedy gentrification over the years , the Deep Ellum Foundation get to remind the city of the country ’s significance to the Black community . The celebration will feature merry R&B operation from local favourite as well as over 25 Black - owned vendors . Dallas media personality Lady Jade and Kenya Moore fromReal Housewives of Atlantawill host the event . channelize down for an good afternoon of drinks , good vibes , and awful performances . See ourfull breakdown .
Opal’s Walk for Freedom
Monday , June 19Fort WorthThere ’s no Juneteenth without the mention of Ms. Opal Lee . In 2016 , at the age of 89 , Ms. Opal Lee declared her plan to take the air 1,400 miles from Fort Worth , Texas , to Washington , D.C. to advance reenforcement for Congress to declare Juneteenth a national vacation . She walk 2.5 miles each day to stand for the two - and - a - half age it take for news of the Emancipation Proclamation to reach dim the great unwashed in Texas . Her efforts are at once responsible for for President Joe Biden officially making Juneteenth a interior holiday on June 17 , 2021 . This year , you’re able to join Ms. Opal Lee on another 2.5 - mile walk as she continues to further overspread education and awareness of the fateful exemption struggle . you may register to walk with her nearly or join her in - someone in Fort Worth .
Double Feature for Juneteenth at Rooftop Cinema Club
Monday , June 19Fort WorthCelebrate Juneteenth by watch an older favorite and a new classic at Fort Worth ’s Rooftop Cinema Club . Kickback with some bite and enjoy a duple feature article of Black - led and directed moviesLove & BasketballandCandyman(2021 ) . The scenic locale also treats you to a view of the Fort Worth skyline from the top of the Worthington Renaissance Hotel .
30th Annual Longview Juneteenth Black Rodeo
June 23 & 24LongviewKnown as “ the baddest show on grunge , ” The Annual Longview Juneteenth Black Rodeo is back for another year of barrel racing , team roping , horse racing , and more . It ’s a Texas - sized custom and the best way to engulf yourself in the rich inheritance of African American cowboys and girls . There are mass of chance to get in on the action at law . Camp out on Friday , tailgate the next Clarence Day , and savor the show Saturday evening . There will be live medicine , smashing food , and vibrant after - parties go late into the night .
Juneteenth in Bryan, Texas.|Courtesy of Destination Bryan
Juneteenth, 1990, Texas.|George Washington Carver Museum, Austin
Dallas Southern Pride
