Juneteenth is coming quickly and SoIN Tourism wants to help you find a celebration to commemorate this important American holiday.
While originating in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth has been celebrated annually around the United States since 1865. The holiday marks the day that the final group of enslaved Black people were given their freedom. On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation originally freed all enslaved people, this final declaration by Union army general Gordon Granger made it official in the parts of Texas where the proclamation had yet to be enforced. Even still there were some that remained enslaved in Indigenous areas that had sided with the Confederacy. These people would not be freed until 1866. This number was small but still significant when looking at the length of time it took to truly abolish chattel slavery in the United States.
Celebrations across the country are held in remembrance and in celebration of the present with a focus on keeping this history fresh and alive in the memories of present-day United States citizens who may have forgotten what it took to truly gain freedom. On June 5, 2021, Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday.
Local Celebrations & Events
If you are traveling to or through Southern Indiana’s Clark and Floyd counties this June, check out these local celebrations and events honoring Black and African American history.
Southern Indiana
Big Medicine: York Outdoors at Jeffersonville High School
Join the Lewis & Clark Expedition Indiana Commission for the premiere of Big Medicine: York Outdoors, a compelling new film that elevates the story of York, the only Black member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Despite his significant contributions and perseverance during the grueling three-year journey, York’s story has been overshadowed in history. As Captain William Clark’s lifelong servant, he faced the unyielding reality of enslavement while other expedition members were celebrated and rewarded for their achievements.
In collaboration with Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and NEW Multimedia, Big Medicine: York Outdoors follows a group of Black adventurers on a transformative four-day river journey along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Montana. This expedition retraces the path of the original Corps of Discovery while connecting York’s legacy to the joy, healing, and empowerment that the great outdoors can provide.
Hasan Davis, a nationally acclaimed York re-enactor who also portrays York in the film, will address those in attendance.
Date: June 17, 2025
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Jeffersonville High School Auditorium, 2315 Allison Ln #5878, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Cost: FREE Admission; Seating is limited
Juneteenth Celebration at Second Baptist Church (also known as Town Clock Church)
Honor Juneteenth with a special evening celebrating the legacy of Lucy Higgs Nichols, an unsung African American Civil War hero. Eileen Yanoviak, guest speaker and author of The Tenacious Nurse Nichols: An Unsung African American Civil War Hero, will share insights from her work and the remarkable story of Nichols’s life and service.
Date: June 19, 2025
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Town Clock Church, 300 E. Main St., New Albany, IN 47150
Cost: FREE Admission
Jammin’ in Jeff: Juneteenth Celebration
Twista’s got the flow, Paul Wall’s got the glow, and SoIN’s bringing the show! This year’s Jammin’ in Jeff Juneteenth celebration features hip-hop legends Paul Wall and Twista, alongside local favorites Sasha Renee, B Simm, DJ John Q, and Chea K.
Start the evening with interactive activities and community fun. Browse the Melannaire Marketplace to shop unique goods from Black-owned businesses and creators. Sip on signature cocktails from The Alcove and bring your appetite—the food truck lineup offers everything from tacos and waffles to gourmet slushies and handcrafted lemonade.
Date: June 20, 2025
Time: 5 – 10 p.m.
Location: Jeffersonville RiverStage, 100 W Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Cost: FREE Admission
Summer Concert Series at Bicentennial Park
Celebrate Juneteenth at Bicentennial Park in New Albany with FREE live music performed by the Jordan Wilson Coalition with Kiana Del.
Date: June 20, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Bicentennial Park, 118 E. Spring St., New Albany, IN 47150
Cost: FREE Admission
Free Admission Day to the Culbertson Mansion
In honor of Juneteenth, the Culbertson Mansion in New Albany will offer free admission from 10 a.m – 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Visitors can take a guided tour of William Culbertson’s luxurious mansion to learn about his family, life and philanthropy. Last entry is at 4 p.m.
Date: June 21, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, 914 E. Main St., New Albany, IN 47150
Cost: FREE Admission
Louisville
Ancestor’s Dream: MELANnaire’s 2025 Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate freedom, resilience, and Black excellence at MELANnaire’s 2025 Juneteenth Celebration—a day of culture, community, and joy. Explore over 100 vendors, enjoy live art and entertainment, hear inspiring guest speakers, let the kids have fun in the kids zone and treat yourself to delicious eats from local food trucks.
Date: June 19, 2025
Time: 3 – 10 p.m.
Location: Fourth Street Live!, 411 S 4th St., Louisville, KY 40202
Cost: Free Admission
More events and exhibits to honor Juneteenth:
Floyd County Library Cultural Arts Center Exhibit
The Floyd County Library Cultural Arts Center in New Albany features temporary exhibits throughout the year, but it is also home to permanent exhibits including “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage: Men and Women of the Underground Railroad,” which tells the story of New Albany’s role in the Underground Railroad, and “Remembered: The Life of Lucy Higgs Nichols,” an exhibit on one former slave who became a Civil War nurse.
Roots 101 African-American Museum
Located in downtown Louisville, KY, Roots 101 invites visitors to learn about the journey of African Americans from slavery to freedom to the ongoing fight for social justice. Exhibits highlight African American contributions and experiences throughout history. The museum encourages exploration and healing and was named one of USA Today’s Best New Attractions of 2021.
Support Black-Owned Businesses:
Another way to celebrate Juneteenth is to visit and support Black-Owned tourism and hospitality businesses in our area. A few of these include:
Poppin’ Flavors in Jeffersonville offers snack bags and tins in fun flavors like banana pudding and birthday cake, plus classic popcorn flavors.
Wacky Nachos gives families a fun lunch or dinner option.
Taylor’s Cereal Bowl Kitchen where you can find delicious mixed shakes and sensory-inclusive fun.
Big Ben’s D & M Restaurant at the Depot is a must-stop to fill your BBQ cravings. Posters on the wall explore African American history in Clark County.
Wall Street Suites is a sophisticated office and co-working space nestled in the heart of downtown Jeffersonville, dedicated to empowering and elevating female entrepreneurs.
The Prologue Venue is a luxury event space in downtown New Albany specializing in weddings and social events.
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