Juneteenth — on Wednesday, June 19 — commemorates the day the abolition of slavery was enforced in the US, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

In Madison, there are various events taking place to celebrate the holiday:

Celebration in the Park | Saturday, June 15 | 12-6 p.m. | Penn Park, 2101 Fisher St. | Free | Celebrate Juneteenth through musical performances, poetry readings, and delicious soul food.

McFarland Juneteenth Celebration | Sunday, June 16 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Arnold Larson Park, 6002 Exchange St., McFarland | Free | Donations will go toward the McFarland High School’s Black Student Union at this celebration featuring educational speakers, family activities, and food.

Juneteenth Fundraiser | Tuesday, June 18-Wednesday, June 19 | 3-10 p.m. | Bierock, 2911 N. Sherman Ave. | Cost of purchase | 18th Street Brewery, a Black-owned brewery in Hammond, Indiana, will have two guest taps of which $1 from each sale will go to Madison’s Urban Triage.

Unveiling Juneteenth Tour | Wednesday, June 19 | 4-5 p.m. | Chazen Museum of Art, 750 University Ave. | Free | This guided tour (registration required) encourages reflection, conversation, and close examination of African American artworks.

Juneteenth S.O.U.L. Networking Mixer | Wednesday, June 19 | 5-7 p.m. | Olin Park Pavilion, 1156 Olin-Turville Court | Free | Black-owned business owners and their supporters can network with fellow entrepreneurs, sing karaoke, and enjoy food from House of Flavas.

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Madison’s House of Flavas will be selling food at the networking mixer. | Photo by House of Flavas

“We’re The Color Purple” A Juneteenth Celebration of Female Black Excellence | Wednesday, June 19 | 7 p.m. | The Crucible, 3116 Commercial Ave. | $20-$50 | Enjoy a dazzling burlesque rendition of “The Color Purple.”

Juneteenth Marketplace | Tuesday, June 18 | 4-8 p.m. | Giant Jones Brewing Co., 931 E. Main St. | Cost of purchase | Shop local vendors and grab a bite from the DeVine Grilling food truck.