TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Juneteenth celebrations in Tucson are heating up as the city prepares for the 55th Annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 14th at the Kino Sports Complex.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to officially free the last enslaved Black Americans—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Although it became a federally recognized holiday in 2021, Tucson’s Juneteenth celebrations date back over five decades.
What began as a small gathering on “A” Mountain has grown into a vibrant community event drawing nearly 7,000 attendees. Larry Starks, President of the Tucson Juneteenth Festival Board, says the event embodies the resilient community spirit of Tucson and Southern Arizona.
“When you come out to the festival, you will see Tucson and southern Arizona when it’s at its best,” Starks said. “Everyone is here. There’s no gripes, there’s no qualms. Everybody’s having a great time.”
The festival runs from 5 to 10 p.m. and features food trucks, live music, a car show, and more than 140 vendors—highlighting small, Black-owned businesses. A family-friendly kids zone offers fun activities designed to teach children about Juneteenth’s history. Governor Katie Hobbs is also expected to speak at the event.
Safety remains a top priority, with a clear bag policy in effect. Organizers emphasize that the festival is an inclusive celebration, inviting all to join in recognizing this important milestone in American history.
For more details on the Juneteenth Festival, visit https://tucsonjune19.org/
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