Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is celebrated in the United States on June 19. And Juneteenth in Cincinnati is the place to be! Enjoy celebrations, festivals, and parades all over town on the weekends surrounding the holiday.
Celebrated on June 19th, this holiday marks the day slaves in the most western part of the United States (which was Texas in 1865) were told of their freedom. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 as it marks the arrival of Union soldiers in Galveston who brought the news of the end of the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021.
Let’s celebrate Juneteenth in Cincinnati!
Cincinnati’s 38th Annual Juneteenth Festival:
When: June 14-15, 2025, activity times vary
Where: Eden Park, 950 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202
The event includes:
- The Juneteenth Festival kicks off at 11:30am on Saturday with a parade of flags representing the African diaspora—the origins and forced destinations of Africans during a slave trade that lasted for more than 400 years. The festival continues through Saturday afternoon and evening with lots of organized activities for kids, with crafts, books, games, and horseback rides. Over 25 performances on two stages reflecting the shared heritage within the African diaspora– blues, jazz, R&B, Latin jazz, Reggae, African dancing, Brazilian dancing, and the Voices of Freedom poetry slam.
- The Juneteenth weekend ends on Sunday afternoon with the June Fest Father’s Day Concert, featuring a variety of inspirational spiritual music and praise dancing in Seasongood Pavilion.
Hamilton Juneteenth Celebration:
When: June 14, 2025
Where: Symmes Park in Hamilton, Ohio
Juneteenth Jubilee at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center:
When: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Where: 50 East Freedom Way, 45202
Joy and community were the hallmarks of the earliest Juneteenth celebrations, bringing people together around music, food and community. Join in for live music and performances on the Freedom Center plaza. Plus, a Community Market featuring local small businesses giving you the opportunity to shop and support local. And a variety of food trucks
Enjoy free admission to the Freedom Center, thanks to the generous support of the Fifth Third Foundation. Experience drop-in programming and mini tours for guests of all ages.
Juneteenth Fireworks Festival:
When: TBD for 2025
Where: 10050 Woodlawn Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 4521
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Juneteenth Panel and Group Discussion / Findlay Market:
When: June 19, 2025; 11am-1pm
Where: The Columns, 109 West Elder St., 45202
Join in for Findlay Market’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Group & Panel Discussion in partnership with Black is Excellence. Following this year’s theme, We Rise, Heal and Overcome, panelists will discuss the ongoing work of building community, lifting each other up, and learning to heal in the face of continual adversity.
This panel discussion is entirely free of charge, but seating is limited. They kindly ask that you reserve your seat ahead of time.
The Juneteenth Jam:
When: June 20-21, 2025
Where:
Friday night (6-9pm): NCH High School Baarendse Stadium
Saturday (10am-1pm) as Chase Bank at 1535 1/2 W. Galbraith Rd.
Join in for a parade, youth activities, food trucks, music and fun – In Celebration of Freedom!
Juneteenth Tasting Event / Findlay Market:
When: June 22, 2025; 10am-4pm
Where: 1801 Race Street, 45202
Join in celebrating Findlay Market’s incredible Black-owned businesses at their 5th annual Juneteenth Tasting Event! You’ll be able to sample special dishes from dozens of different businesses throughout the Market District, and enjoy the diverse array of cuisines that are near and dear to the Black community. Tickets required and sold in bundles.
