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 weekend 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 37th Annual Juneteenth Festival:
When: June 15-16, 2024, times vary
Where: Eden Park, 950 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202
The event includes:
- The Juneteenth Festival kicks off at 11:30 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.
Juneteenth Parade:
When: June 16, 2024 starting at 10am
Where: starts at W. Court and Linn Streets, proceeds up Court Street, stopping at the intersection of Plum and Richmond Streets.
Juneteenth Jubilee at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center:
When: Wed., June 19, 2024
Where: 50 East Freedom Way, 45202
The event will feature live music and performances on the Freedom Center plaza. Minority- and woman-owned food trucks will bookend Freedom Way, serving barbecue, Tex Mex, classic cookout favorites and more. And a Community Market featuring local small businesses will give guests an opportunity to shop and support local.
Enjoy extended hours and 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.
The celebration will culminate in a “second line” style march down the banks to the Ohio River, the symbolic River Jordan over which thousands of enslaved people crossed into freedom on the Underground Railroad.
Juneteenth Fireworks Festival:
When: June 19, 2024; 12-10pm
Where: 10050 Woodlawn Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45215
This one-day event features kids inflatable land, vendors, live entertainment, sport events, food, and games. Fireworks will start at 10pm.
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Juneteenth at Findlay Market:
When: June 22-23, 2024; times vary
Where: Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
- A free panel discussion will discuss the history and importance of the holiday on Saturday, June 22.
- Sunday’s celebration includes a Tasting Event featuring Black-owned businesses. Tickets required.
The Juneteenth Jam:
When: Saturday, June 22, 2024; 10am – 2pm
Where: NCH Chase Bank, corner of Galbraith and Goodman
Join in for food, music and fun – In Celebration of Freedom!
