Looking to celebrate Juneteenth? Here's a list of events happening across Texas
Juneteenth, short for "June Nineteenth," commemorates the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and enforce the emancipation of all enslaved people. This event occurred two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
There are several events throughout the state that people and their families can attend for fun and to learn more about the significance of this holiday.
More: For Juneteenth, visit these sites to learn about Black history in Austin
When is Juneteenth 2024?
This year, Juneteenth will be observed on Wednesday, June 19.
Juneteenth events in Dallas
Fair Park Juneteenth Festival of Service
What: Free event that provides food, activities and more. Registration is here.
Where: Fair Park 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210
When: Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Dallas Juneteenth Festival
What: Live performances, art, free entertainment, music and more. Registration is here.
Where: 816 Montgomery Street, Dallas, TX 75215
When: Sunday, June 16, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Opal’s Walk For Freedom
What: African American Museum, Dallas in Fair Park Ms. Opal Lee (AKA "The Grandmother of Juneteenth") will embark on a 2.5-mile walk in honor of the 2.5 years it took for news of emancipation to reach Texas in the mid-1860s.
Where: 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210
When: Wednesday, June 19, beginning at 9 a.m.
Juneteenth events in San Antonio
Juneteenth Festival Health Fair
What: This is a healthcare event that provides blood pressure screenings, glucose checks, immunizations, and more. It is free to the public.
Where: Comanche Park #2 2600 Rigsby Avenue, San Antonio, TX
When: Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m.-5p.m.
Juneteenth Festival
What: Local musicians and DJs, including the 12 Eleven Band and Heatwave, will perform at this annual festival, presented by the San Antonio Juneteenth Commission.
Where: Comanche Park #2 2600 Rigsby Avenue, San Antonio, TX
When: Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
The Juneteenth Annual Golf Tournament
What: The Juneteenth Annual Golf Tournament benefits the Miller Child Development Center and supports the Official Juneteenth Festival. Cost to play in the tournament is $175 per person.
Where: Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club, 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., San Antonio, TX 78251
When: Wednesday, June 19, 8:30 a.m.
Juneteenth events in Austin
Juneteenth Festival Barbecue Taste-Off
What: A barbecue competition with live music.
Where: Old Settlers Park at 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
When: Friday, June 14, from 7 to 11 p.m.
Juneteenth Festival Round Rock
What: A concert featuring Lloyd, Paul Wall, 1K Spin and more.
Where: Old Settlers Park at 3300 Palm Valley Blvd
When: Saturday, June 15, from 5 p.m. to midnight
Juneteenth Festival with Scarface and Free Your Mind Symposium
What: A Saturday cookout and free concert with Houston legend Scarface and NOLA funk crew Tank and the Bangas. Readings and lectures, including a talk with Amanda Johnston, the 2024 Texas State Poet Laureate and founder of Torch Literary Arts in Austin and a screening and discussion of "Miss Juneteenth." Events also include a poetry slam, theatrical performances, a drag ball and more.
Where: George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center? at 1165 Angelina St.
When: June 15-19; check juneteenthatx.com/festival for detailed daily schedule.
El Paso Juneteenth events
Juneteenth Celebration
What: Food trucks, live music, jumping balloons, family games, vendors, and more will be present.
Where: Nations Tobin Park, 8831 Railroad Dr.
When: Saturday, June 15, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Let's Celebrate Juneteenth
What: All-day event for the public. The community is encouraged to wear apparel or accessories to honor the colors of Juneteenth. A Juneteenth coloring activity will be given throughout the day for children to enjoy.
Where: The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall Dr
When: Tuesday, June 18, check park hours.
Houston Juneteenth events
Juneteenth Celebration Presents a Day of Culture, Arts, and Music Honoring African American Heritage
What: This family-friendly event will commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and honor the rich cultural heritage of Juneteenth. This event will also feature a diverse lineup of performances that showcase the rich heritage of African American music, from traditional jazz to contemporary sounds.
Where: 4410 Reed Red, Houston, TX 77051
When: Saturday, June 15, 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration
What: There’s music, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
Where: 6330 Antoine Drive, Houston, TX 77091
When: Sunday, June 16, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Juneteenth Family Fun Day
What: Free event with a live DJ, food, games and other activities.
Where: Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Avenue, Houston, TX 77004
When: Wednesday, June 19, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When is Juneteenth 2024? See list of events across Texas