Juneteenth Freedom Festival June 19-21 in Magnolia

The United Community Organization has announced plans for a three-day celebration of Juneteenth that will be held from June 19-21, 2025 at several locations in Magnolia.

The Juneteenth Freedom Festival is a celebration of culture, history, and community under the theme, “And Still … We Thrive!”

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans while honoring the resilience and excellence of the community.

Festivities begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19 with the Miss Juneteenth Pageant: Sunday’s Best Edition, at the Albemarle Stage in Square Park. The pageant will showcase the grace, leadership, and talent of young women across the region. Participants up to age 18 are welcome. Competition will be in six age divisions.

CLICK HERE for an entry form for the pageant.

The Juneteenth Gospel Explosion will be 7 p.m. Friday, June 20 at the Magnolia Performing Arts Center. It will be an evening of local gospel talent powerful praise performances.

Several events are planned for Saturday, June 21.

The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom 5K Run/Walk at 100 East University Street, sponsored by We Have Arrived, LLC. There is a $30 entry fee. CLICK HERE to register online.

Proceeds from the Juneteenth Freedom 5K Run/Walk will go toward two scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

This will be followed at 10 a.m. by the Juneteenth Parade, stretching from Main Street to Pine Street. CLICK HERE for a parade entry form.

Midday activities include Storytime & Movie for Kids at 11:30 a.m. at the Columbia County Library. Ages 5-12 are welcome. Space is limited.

Canvas & Kicks will be at 12:30 p.m. inside the Southern Arkansas University Student Event Center. It is for ages 13-19.

CLICK HERE to indicate your desire to participate in Canvas & Kicks.

From 4-9 p.m., the community will gather for a festival at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. It will feature live music, entertainment, local vendors, dance showcase, bounce houses, Bingo and more.

CLICK HERE for a vendor application.

Backyard BBQ masters, competitive cooks, and rib enthusiasts are invited to showcase their skills in the 2025 Juneteenth Rib Cook-Off at the fairgrounds. CLICK HERE to register.

Entry fee for the Rib Cook-Off is $60. Prize awards will be $700 for first, $500 for second and $300 for third.

Festival T-shirts are now on sale. CLICK HERE to buy T-shirts online.

T-shirts may also be purchased at Blackmon’s Barber & Beauty Salon, 620 Calhoun Road, and We Have Arrived, 207 N. Fredrick St., Suite B. Adult shirts (sizes S–5X) are available for $15, and youth shirts (XS–M) are $10, made possible by a special “Oops Credit” offer.