2025 Juneteenth celebrations in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohio is honoring Juneteenth 2025 with festivals, live music, cultural events and family friendly activities. 

From downtown Cleveland to Akron, Canton and beyond, here’s a guide to Juneteenth events happening across the region.

MetroHealth Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest – Celebrating 5 Years

• Saturday, June 14

• 12–8 p.m.

• Mall C, Downtown Cleveland

• FREE

• For more information, visit juneteenthcle.com

A free, family friendly festival in the heart of downtown Cleveland featuring live music, local vendors and a special tribute to Karamu House’s 110th anniversary.

Rekindle Juneteenth Celebration Brunch

• Thursday, June 19

• 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

• EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute | 12383 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights

• Tickets required

• For more information, visit eventbrite.com

Honor freedom and community over a soulful brunch experience hosted by Rekindle at EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute.

Celebrate Black Music Month: A Tribute to Roy Ayers

• Saturday, June 14

• 8 p.m.–12 a.m. (Show starts at 8:30 p.m.)

• BOP STOP @ The Music Settlement | 2920 Detroit Ave, Cleveland

• Tickets: $28.52 | Ages 21+ | Free venue parking

• For more information, visit eventbrite.com

Celebrate Black Music Month with a high-vibration night of groove, funk, and soul honoring the legendary Roy Ayers. The tribute features Forecast, Cleveland’s own jazz-funk collective and includes a silent art auction and food on site.

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument – Juneteenth Celebration

The Cleveland Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument will host a Juneteenth ceremony to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. 

Mx. Juneteenth at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The day will feature Black queer feminist performances, small businesses, artists and community care. 

Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom

This Juneteenth event features a liturgy, family picnic and activities.

City of University Heights – Juneteenth Celebration

This family-friendly event features live performances, food, vendors and a new talent show celebrating African American culture and community.

Juneteenth at Cain Park

Celebrate Juneteenth with music, dance, storytelling, food, vendors and family-friendly activities hosted by the City of Cleveland Heights and Djapo Arts Institute.

Juneteenth Celebration – Community Event

• Saturday, June 14

• 12 p.m.–4 p.m.

• Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens | 6709 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland

• Free and open to the public

Celebrate with live performances, vendors, food and family-friendly fun.

Juneteenth: 5k “Freedom Walk” – Community Walk

• Thursday, June 19

• 1–4 p.m.

• Cleveland Central Catholic High School | 6550 Baxter Avenue, Cleveland

• Free (donations accepted)

Celebrate freedom and unity with a 5k walk honoring the end of slavery in the U.S.

Medina’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Featuring live music, local performers and a keynote from 3News’ Danita Harris. Highlights include the Sanyuka Children’s Choir and a Motown jazz band.

Juneteenth Jubilee at Kent State

Celebrate with live performances, food trucks, vendors, music by DJ Smoov and a dance workshop from Barefeet Dance Tribe.

Downtown Akron – Juneteenth Saturday Celebration

The Downtown Akron Juneteenth Saturday Celebration will feature a Vendor Fair Showcase with music by DJ 8-Bit and Emcee Floco Torres. Enjoy line dancing from 4:30–5:30 p.m. with the JustUs Line Dance Crew, plus a wide variety of food trucks, local vendors, and community organizations offering resources, giveaways, and crafts.

At 7 p.m., head to the Lock 3 Backyard for a free concert featuring The After Party, followed by The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Juneteenth: Genius of Freedom at Hale Farm & Village

• Thursday, June 19

• 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

• Hale Farm & Village | 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath

• Included with regular admission

Step into 1872 and explore the post-Civil War era with immersive storytelling, political debates and a glimpse into life during Reconstruction.

Beachwood Juneteenth Community Celebration

• Thursday, June 19, 2025

• 4–7 p.m.

• Beachwood High School, 25100 Fairmount Blvd, Beachwood

• Free and open to the public

Juneteenth at the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum

• Wednesday, June 18

• 3–5 p.m.

• McKinley Presidential Library and Museum | 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton

• Free with museum admission

Families can enjoy Juneteenth storytime with Dr. Tameka Ellington, crafts, cupcakes and a surprise guest at this educational celebration.

Freedom Stories: A Juneteenth Celebration at the Stark County Black History Museum – Cultural Program

Join Dr. Tameka Ellington and local historical societies for an evening of storytelling, artifacts, and dinner celebrating the journey of freedom seekers and Black history in Stark County.

Juneteenth Talent Show – Community Celebration

A celebration of freedom, culture and community featuring local talent performances.