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Juneteenth is a federal holiday Thursday marking the day when slaves in Texas were told about the Emancipation Proclamation, two years after it had been announced.

Minnesota also recognizes Juneteenth as a state holiday. State, county and city offices are closed, as are federal offices and banks.

The following events are among those taking place in the Twin Cities in commemoration of the holiday:

Rondo 2025 Juneteenth Celebration: The Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions is hosting its Juneteenth observance from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, at the Rondo Commemorative Plaza, 820 Rondo Avenue in St. Paul. Programmed events include speeches from public officials and the announcement of the recipients of the Spirit of Rondo awards and take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The theme this year is “The Journey of Four Families.” In partnership with In Black Ink, organizers will reveal new exhibit panels on the Rondo Commemorative Plaza that tell the history and genealogical stories of several Rondo families. For more information go to rcodemn.org.

Juneteenth at the Fort: To celebrate Juneteenth Fort Snelling is hosting a series of tours — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 — focusing on African American history at the fort from it’s inception in 1819 through the 1880s. There will be stories of enslaved people brought to the fort, many of whom fought for their freedom in court, including Dred and Harriet Scott. The tour also will explore the history of the 25th Infantry, which was stationed at Fort Snelling in the 1880s, and their regimental band. The hour-long tours will be offered at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tours may fill quickly and are on a first come first served basis. The fort is located at 200 Tower Ave. in St. Paul. For more information go to ftsnelling@mnhs.org.

Feeding Our Souls: The Essence of Juneteenth Joy with Dr. Jessica B. Harris: Culinary historian, author of several books including High on the Hog, winner of two NAACP Image Awards, a Peabody Award, and James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement award winner Dr. Jessica B. Harris will hold a conversation with Minnesota History Center CEO Kevin Lindsey on the topic of how food shapes our identities and understandings of cultural heritage. After the program, organized by the Minnesota Humanities Center, guests are invited to taste samples of several area chefs’ signature dishes. The event is $25 and is from 5:15 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the Minnesota History Center, at 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. in St. Paul. For more information go to mnhum.org.

Juneteenth Brunch & Conversation with Sherrilyn Ifill: Sherrilyn Ifill, the Vernon Jordan Professor of Law of Civil Rights at Howard University School of Law and former President and director–counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc., will take part in a conversation and brunch from 9:15 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 19, at Quincy Hall, 1325 Quincy St N.E., Minneapolis. The event, organized by the Minnesota Humanities Center, is $100. For more information go to mnhum.org.

Juneteenth Family Day with Anika Foundation: The Minnesota Humanities Center is sponsoring the Anika Foundation Juneteenth Family Celebration! The event is free and will feature family-friendly fun, games, and community. The event is from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 21,  at the State Capitol in St. Paul. For more information go to mnhum.org.

Vadnais Heights Freedom Day Festival: The Vadnais Heights Community Action Network and the city of Vadnais Heights are hosting Vadnais Heights Freedom Day Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at Kohler Meadows Park, at 365 County Road F East in Vadnais Heights. This year’s event features live music, food, art, education, and family fun. Shemeka Bogan, of the Strong Roots Foundation, will be event emcee. Bogan is co-founder of the Northside Juneteenth Celebration, a nonprofit that has been lifting up Juneteenth on the Minneapolis Northside for the past six years. The event is free to attend, but meal tickets must be reserved by registering at Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/3279p8jr. To keep the event free organizers have an online auction that will run through June 24, raising money for next year’s celebration. For more information go to: givebutter.com/c/freedomdayauction

Juneteenth Family Day Celebration: West St. Paul’s Residents of Color Collective is hosting a Juneteenth celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at the Dodge Nature Center at the Main Property, Farm Entrance, 1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul. The event will feature shopping from BIPOC-owned businesses, learning with Dodge naturalists, arts and crafts activities, live music and food available for purchase. For more information at go dodgenaturecenter.org.

Honoring Resilience: Woodbury for Justice and Equality will be hosting a Juneteenth celebration, “Honoring the Resilience,” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Ojibway Park in Woodbury. Those attending can enjoy food from local vendors, live music and dance, and games, crafts and educational opportunities for all ages. More information: woodbury4je.com/.

Juneteenth Celebration at First Covenant Church: First Covenant Church is hosting a Juneteenth event from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18. The church is located at 1280 Arcade St. in St. Paul. There will be food, music, games, art, and community resources.