The nation’s newest federal holiday is quickly approaching, Juneteenth.
Communities across Polk County are gearing up to celebrate Black freedom in a wide variety of ways, from street festivals to black tie galas. The celebrations will last over two weeks.
The holiday, signed into federal law by President Joe Biden, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is marked June 19, the day in 1865 when Union soldiers led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of the enslaved.
It was over two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on Jan. 1, 1863.
Juneteenth celebrations focus on the day’s historical roots, its lasting impact on the Black communities and celebrating the cultural heritage of Black Americans in their food, music and more. This year is no exception.
Here is a list of Juneteenth celebrations happening across Polk, compiled by The Ledger:
June 13
Enjoy Juneteenth with some live R&B and jazz music performed by local musicians at the Turner Center, 1001 Burns Ave. in Lake Wales, starting at 6 p.m. June 13. Tickets are available online for $30 with proceeds to be invested in a local youth scholarship program.
Celebrate Juneteenth with a free viewing of the movie “The Six Triple Eight” at the historic Ritz Theatre, 263 W. Central Ave. in Winter Haven, at 6:30 p.m. June 13. The PG-13 movie tells the story of the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. Doors open at 6 p.m.
June 14
The City of Lakeland will hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the renaming of Webster Park to Nellie Madalynne Brooks Park at 9 a.m. June 14, at 1235 N. Webster Ave. This is not strictly a Juneteenth event, but is included in this list as it honors the lifelong work of a prominent civil rights activist in Lakeland.
The City of Winter Haven will have a Juneteenth celebration on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Rueben Williams Sports Complex, 1751 7th St. NE. The festivities will include live musical performances from Jabari, featuring Intensity, and Mac Royal, a former contestant of NBC’s “The Voice.” There will be an appearance by the Buffalo Soldiers Florida Inc.
The City of Davenport will host its Juneteenth Heritage Day on June 14, starting at 11:30 a.m. with food, games, live music, give aways and more at the Jamestown Community Park, 101 Murphy St.
Head to Bartow to celebrate the Juneteenth Street Festival on June 14, noon to 5 p.m., at Over the Branch Park, 715 W. Polk St. There will be a live musical performance by Aikel Koffie.
Lakes Wales will host a Juneteenth Street Fair on June 14 from 3 to 8 p.m. in the city’s Northeast Business District on Lincoln Avenue. The event is hosted by the Juneteenth Lake Wales Organization and Lincoln Community Development Corp.
June 19 – Juneteenth
The City of Bartow will host a Juneteenth Celebration Luncheon in partnership with the Bartow Juneteenth Empowerment Organization at 11 a.m. June 19 at the Bartow Civic Center, 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow. Polk County’s Deputy Manager Joe Halman Jr. will be the speaker with tickets costing $20. For tickets, call 863-440-1595.
Lake Wales will host its annual Juneteenth Luncheon and Agrifestival celebrating and talking about the origins of Juneteenth on June 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at James P. Austin III Community Center, 315 Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Blvd.
Mary’s Bagel Cafe in Lakeland will host a Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom event on June 19, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at 1242 N. Florida Ave. in Lakeland. Tickets are $10 and there will be live musical entertainment.
June 20
Join the Women of Influence Network for their annual Juneteenth Gala, a night of celebration and reflection, starting at 6 p.m. June 20 at the Lake Eva Event Center, 799 Johns Ave., Haines City. The event will feature live music, food and inspirational speakers to celebrate freedom and unity. Tickets cost $50 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
June 21
Cut loose at the Freedom Music Festival being hosted by the Haines City Juneteenth Heritage Coalition in conjunction with the City of Haines City on June 21, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Lake Eva Community Park, 555 Ledwith Ave.
The City of Dundee will hold a Juneteenth Black Tie Gala starting at 6:30 p.m. June 21 at the Dundee Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Blvd. The event is free to the public to attend. RSVP in advance by calling 863-438-8330 ext. 271 ore emailing events@townofdundee.com by June 16.
June 28
The 2025 Freedom Festival celebrating Juneteenth with music, food and festivities will be June 28 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L. King Jr. Ave. in Lakeland. The event will feature live music, food vendors, historical exhibits and more. It’s free to attend.
Hosting a Juneteenth event open to the public that’s not listed here? Contact swalsh@theledger.com.
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag