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ORLANDO, Fla. — Juneteenth is the oldest nationally recognized celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the day — June 19, 1865 — when the last African American slaves learned they were free, 2-1/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. 

What began in the 19th century as a local celebration in Galveston, Texas, has since spread to cities across the country. 

Florida’s own Emancipation Day is on May 20, 1865, 11 days after the end of the Civil War, and two years after the proclamation first issued by Lincoln when he freed those enslaved in Southern states. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.

Here’s how Central Florida is celebrating Juneteenth this year.

Brevard County

Before Juneteenth: Florida’s Emancipations
Harry T. & Harriett V. Moore Center | Saturday, June 14, 2 p.m.
Located at 2180 Freedom Ave., in Mims, this is a mini-documentary presented by Dr. Tameka Hobbs, highlighting the contributions of individuals and communities in Florida who fought for freedom and equality. 
 

Daytona Beach

Juneteenth Annual Hometown Heroes Banquet 
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Mori Hosseini Student Union | Thursday, June 19, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
An event to honor community leaders and unsung local heroes.  
 

Kissimmee

Annual Juneteenth Festival
Kissimmee Civic Center | Saturday, June 14, Noon – 4 p.m.
Block party with line dancing with Jaz, live performances by Yung Joc and Michael Randolph, Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) Kids Power Zone, food and vendors. This is a free event.

Public parking is available at:

  • Kissimmee Civic Center Parking Lot (201 E. Dakin Ave.)
  • Kissimmee Intermodal Parking Garage (205 E. Dakin Ave.)
  • Toho Square Parking Garage (92 Pleasant St.)


Juneteenth Fashion Show
The Osceola Arts Theater | Thursday, June 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The program features runway presentations and live performances. Tickets are $50.
 

Juneteenth Gospel Celebration
Marina Banquet Hall | Sunday, June 22, 6 p.m.
Local gospel artists and church choirs perform. Tickets are $30.
 

Mount Dora

Juneteenth — A Summer Celebration of Culture
Cauley Lott Park | Saturday, June 21, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The event features live music by Carolyn Harding and DJ Samp, a streetball showcase by Court Kingz, food, drink and family-friendly activities. 
 

Orlando

Juneteenth-inspired concerts by Grammy-nominated artist Fyütch
Various locations | June 12 – 18, 10 a.m.
The concerts celebrate Black history and culture through a blend of hip-hop, soul, R&B and pop music. Registration is required.

Locations are:


21st Annual Black History and Juneteenth Celebration Gala
The Rosen Centre | Saturday, June 14, 6 p.m. 
The event starts with a reception, and the gala begins at 7:15 p.m. This event is presented by the Black History Committee of Orange County, with a theme of Mental Health: The Silent Illness. The keynote speaker is Dr. Nicole Clark, a news anchor and the national mental health correspondent for Spectrum News, and the mistress of ceremony is Spectrum News 13 news anchor Tammie Fields.


Juneteenth concert with Soul Food Junkies
Orlando Public Library | Monday, June 16, 5 p.m.


5th Annual Facets of Freedom Juneteenth Festival
Orlando Family Stage | June 19, 10 a.m.
This celebration of heritage, history and community is free.
 

St. Cloud

Juneteenth Gospel Celebration
Marina Banquet Hall | Sunday, June 22, 6 p.m.
Local gospel artists and church choirs perform. Tickets are $30.
 

Sanford

Juneteenth Chapter 5 Block Party
Sanford Civic Center | Saturday, June 21, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Celebrate with live music, food, dancing, art and craft work along the shores of Lake Monroe.
 

Winter Garden

Juneteenth Community Celebration 2025
Charlie Mae Wilder Park | Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The celebration includes family-friendly activities, entertainment and merchandise and food vendors.
 

Winter Park

Mondays in June: African American Studies: A 4-Part Series 
Winter Park Library | Saturday, June 16 and Saturday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
Freedom, Enslavement, and Resistance: This course asks the question: What does it mean to be free? It uses stories, movies and written personal accounts to examine the wide variety of identities raised in the United States and the differences between British and Spanish colonial communities. Registration required. Click here. 

10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Historic Hannibal Square
Hannibal Square Heritage Center | Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Remembering and Shifting the Narrative. Open house with guided tours of the Heritage Center and refreshments. 

Juneteenth: From Knowing to Remembering
Winter Park Library | Sunday, June 15, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Guest lecturer is artist and humanities professor Trent Tomengo of Seminole State College. Hear and see how the emancipation of Black people in the U.S. has been commemorated through the music, literature, and visual art creations of Black people. 

A Night Under the Stars: Jazz & Jubilee
Shady Park | Thursday, June 19, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. 
Presented by the Equity Council Corp. in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department.