10 Things to Do in Columbus Juneteenth Weekend

Juneteenth celebrations are taking place across central Ohio as communities gather to honor Black history, culture, and the ongoing legacy of freedom.

The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas learned they were free more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

MORE: Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Will Feature Stevie Wonder & Common

Across Central Ohio, organizations, community groups, and local leaders are hosting festivals, educational programs, cultural events, family activities, and nightlife experiences in recognition of the holiday.

Here’s a look at Juneteenth events happening around Columbus this year.

Community & Family-Friendly Events

Saturday, June 14

Juneteenth BASH (Black Authors Spotlight on Heritage) Book Festival
Columbus Metropolitan Library – MLK Branch
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 19

Juneteenth Legacy at The Lincoln
Lincoln Theatre
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival
Ohio History Center
Noon – 4 p.m.

29th Annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival
Genoa Park
Noon – 11 p.m.

New Albany Juneteenth Celebration
Hinson Amphitheater (New Albany)
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday, June 20

Juneteenth Unity Barbeque
Point of Pride Center
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Juneteenth On The Ave
Historic Mt. Vernon Avenue
Noon – 6 p.m.

29th Annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival
Genoa Park
Noon – 11 p.m.

Reynoldsburg Juneteenth Celebration
Huber Park (Reynoldsburg)
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Nightlife Events

Friday, June 20

SaturDAY Party: Juneteenth Edition
The Beeline (Easton)
2 p.m. – 2 a.m.

• Michelle Obama, Sasha And Malia Made The Obama Center Opening A Celebration Of Black Girls – And Their Braids
• Alicia Keys Blesses Ticker-Tape Parade With 'Empire State Of Mind' Performance Wearing A Leathery Look
• Sasha And Malia's Style + More Top Moments From The Obama Presidential Center Opening
• Details Of US Peace Deal With Iran Revealed, And It Looks Like Trump Caved
• 10 Things to Do in Columbus Juneteenth Weekend
• Juice, Water, Diapers: Why Do Black Children Keep Getting Killed Over Cheap Products?
• Kohen Kartier Wiley: Mother Says No One Drove Toward Cop Who Killed Her Son
• Trump-Endorsed Congressional Candidate Drops Out Over Text Message Scandal
• Zaddy Alert: The Internet Is Losing It Over 6'6" Soccer Star Maduka Okoye
• BMM Feature: Avery Wilson's Voice Is Like Shea Butter