Looking for ways to celebrate Juneteenth? Festivities will soon be underway across Tarrant County to commemorate the holiday, which marks the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865.
Here’s where you can take part in local celebrations June 12-22:
Reflect on the nature of liberation at ‘Declarations of Freedom’ exhibition
The show explores themes of reclaiming history through revisited narratives and stories of liberation. Featured artists include Assandre Jean-Baptiste, Letitia and Sedrick Huckaby and Phillip Pyle II.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 12-July 19
Where: Fort Works Art, 2100 Montgomery St., Fort Worth
Admission: Free
Revel in the artistry of theatrical poetry, skits at ‘Juneteenth Celebration’
The event features poetry readings, performances from dance group Eloquent Movement, theatrical skits from Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization and step routines from historically Black fraternities and sororities. Food vendors will be on-site.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 13
Where: Generations Park at Boys Ranch, 2801 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford
Admission: Free
Parade through Fort Worth in honor of ‘Opal’s Walk for Freedom’
“Grandmother of Juneteenth” Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5 mile walk to recognize the two and a half years it took for the news and enforcement and freedom to reach the enslaved people of Texas.
When: 7:30 a.m. June 19
Where: Farrington Field, 1501 University Drive, Fort Worth
Admission: $35
Enjoy ‘Free Admission Day: Juneteenth’ at Fort Worth gardens
Stroll through beautiful gardens, connect with nature and honor Juneteenth during this special free admission day. No tickets or reservation required.
When: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. June 19
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth
Admission: Free
Take a glimpse into local Black history at ‘Juneteenth at the Rolla’
Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum houses archives that detail the history of Black Americans in Tarrant County. The museum invites guests to wander through its halls and enjoy games and food. Several Fort Worth art institutions will be tabling.
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 19
Where: Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum, 1020 E. Humbolt St., Fort Worth
Admission: Free
Learn about the past from a civil rights legend during ‘Freedom Vibes: Speaker Series with Ambassador Andrew Young’
Andrew Young was a close confidant to Martin Luther King Jr. and later served as the first Black American U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The National Juneteenth Museum invited him to speak on the Civil Rights Movement.
When: 3 p.m. June 19
Where: I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, 1411 I.M. Terrell Circle, Fort Worth
Admission: $0-$161.90
Listen to centuries of history and culture at ‘Juneteenth: Black Freedom Through Music’
The expression of emancipation and freedom through Black music is a longstanding legacy. The program features musical performances from Brandi Waller-Pace, Shanice Richards, Terence Bradford, Audra Scott and EyeQ.
When: 5-9 p.m. June 19
Where: Sundance Square Plaza, 420 Main St., Fort Worth
Admission: Free
Share some laughs during ‘A Juneteenth Comedy Celebration’
The event is bringing together a powerful comedy lineup that includes D.L. Hughley, Earthquake, Melanie Comarcho, Bubba Dub and J.J. Williamson. Attendees are asked to dress in their freshest all-white attire.
When: 7:30-11 p.m. June 19
Where: Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth
Admission: $83.50-$209.50
Jam out to live music at ‘Freedom Vibes Concert Series’
The concert series, produced by the National Juneteenth Museum, features performances by Orchestra Noir, The O’Jays and The Whispers.
When: 7:30 p.m. June 19, 20
Where: Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth
Admission: $48.90-$285.90
Experience freedom, community at ‘Soul of Sycamore Juneteenth MANIFESTival’
The celebration features parade floats taking to the streets, a barbeque cook off, a basketball tournament and local vendors. There will also be expert panels, workshops and opportunities to connect with city leaders.
When: Noon-8 p.m. June 21
Where: Sycamore Community Center, 2525 E. Rosedale St., Fort Worth
Admission: Free
Feel the summer sun shine on ‘Freedom Vibes Block Party’
The Juneteenth celebrations continue through the weekend at a high-energy party in the heat of Fort Worth’s Historic Southside. The event features food vendors, local artists and interactive programming.
When: 3-9 p.m. June 21
Where: Evans Plaza, 1050 Evans Ave., Fort Worth
Admission: Free
Listen to an electrifying blend of funk, jazz at ‘Arlington Juneteenth Celebration’
The annual event features musical performances from headline Sam’s Big Funky Nation, who is known for blending different genres. There will be vendors that range from food to health to lifestyle.
When: 6 p.m. June 21
Where: Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St., Arlington
Admission: Free
Lift every voice at ‘Sunday Gospel Experience’
The National Juneteenth Museum plans to host some of the best choirs in Dallas-Fort Worth for a gospel celebration. The event caps off the Freedom Vibes festival.
When: 4 p.m. June 22
Where: The Potter’s House of Fort Worth, 12780 Woodhaven Blvd., Fort Worth
Admission: Free
Are we missing a Juneteenth event?
If you have a Tarrant County celebration not listed here, email managing editor Babs Rodriguez at hello@fortworthreport.org with more information.
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports.
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