Juneteenth’s history and meaning explained by African American Civil War Museum director
Frank Smith, director of the African American Civil War Museum, explains the origin of Juneteenth and its journey to becoming a national holiday.
Josh Morgan, USA TODAY
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, is a nationwide celebration to commemorate the end of slavery in America.
The federal holiday is celebrated each year on June 19. Juneteenth is a combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” named in honor of June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas, to inform a reluctant community that President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier had freed the slaves and to press locals to comply with his directive.
Here are more than a dozen ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the Louisville area this year:
WHAT: Louisville Visual Art and Waterfront Park are hosting a day camp for youth ages 7-12. Campers will be introduced to the works and history of Ed Hamilton, Muhammad Ali, and the Underground Railroad while also learning about Juneteenth and Louisville. Campers can also enjoy the Waterfront Park adventure, a riverboat ride on the Mary Miller, a day at the new PlayPort on the wharf and a visit to Roots 101. After learning this history, campers will then create sculptures, collages, miniature landscapes, and paintings.
WHERE: David K. Karem Building, Waterfront Park
WHEN: June 9-13, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: These camps are scholarship-based and free for all participating children. To learn more, visit ourwaterfront.org/event/lva-waterfront-park-summer-camp/2025-06-09/.
WHAT: John J. Johnson’s book “Come Walk with Me” takes you on a journey through the cruelties and disparities of segregation in small-town American to the Civil Rights Movement, as a participant and eyewitness and through his family members, friend and colleagues.
WHERE: Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhamad Ali Blvd.
WHEN: June 14, 1 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: kcaah.org.
WHAT: Celebration of live performances, culture, and community on the waterfront. Performers include Jagged Edge, Stokley, Doug E. Fresh, Jon B, Dave Hollister, Total, 702.
WHERE: Great Lawn, Waterfront Park, 231 E. Witherspoon St.
WHEN: June 14. Gates open at 1 p.m.; show starts at 3 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $60
MORE INFORMATION: ourwaterfront.org; skysoulfest.com.
WHAT: The family-friendly, casual, no-drop bike ride celebrates Juneteenth. There are 13-, 24-, and 50-mile route options. Snacks and water provided.
WHERE: Starts and ends at Shawnee Park, 4501 W. Broadway. Meet at the restrooms across from the football field.
WHEN: June 14, 8 a.m. to noon; ride starts at 9 a.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Traffic laws will be followed. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. June 13. Onsite registration begins at 8 a.m. Register at: raceroster.com/events/2025/91687/6th-annual-juneteenth-solidarity-ride.
WHAT: Celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day at the Juneteenth Heritage Experience featuring the Ansyn Banks Legacy Quintet.
WHERE: Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhamad Ali Blvd.
WHEN: June 15, 2 p.m.
COST: $40 general admission, $50 VIP
MORE INFORMATION: kcaah.org
WHAT: Film: “Coded Bias,” a PBS documentary. When MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini discovers that facial recognition does not see dark-skinned faces accurately, she embarks on a journey to push for the first-ever U.S. legislation against bias in algorithms that impact us all. A discussion will follow.
WHERE: University of Louisville, Cultural and Equity Center, Multipurpose Room, 120 E. Brandeis Ave.
WHEN: June 17, 4 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: events.louisville.edu/juneteenth.
WHAT: The 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration features a bourbon-infused event with a day-long festival at Iroquois Park:
- June 18, 6-9 p.m.: Culture & Bourbon, Evan Williams Distillery, 528 W. Main St., 6-9 p.m.
- June 21, 3-9 p.m.: 6th Annual Louisville Juneteenth Festival (Iroquois Park)
WHERE: Iroquois Park, 5216 New Cut Road, unless noted
WHEN: June 18 and 21
COST: Both events are free
MORE INFORMATION: louisvillejuneteenthfest.com.
WHAT: MELANnaire Marketplace Juneteenth Celebration is filled with shopping Black-owned businesses, more than 100 vendors, entertainment, kids’ zone, speakers, food trucks, and more.
WHERE: Fourth Street Live!, 411 S. 4th St.
WHEN: June 19, 3-10 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: 4thstlive.com.
WHAT: An evening of inspiring music, art, and spoken word celebrating Juneteenth featuring the Juneteenth Jubilee Choir comprised of local artists. This concert also features “Songs of Justice,” five civil rights songs commissioned by Kentucky Opera in 2020, composed by Jorell Williams to lyrics by Paula McCraney.
WHERE: Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health, 708 Magazine St.
WHEN: June 19, 7 p.m.
COST: Free, but registration is required.
MORE INFORMATION: kyopera.org/songs-of-justice.
WHAT: Join the Muhammad Ali Center, The Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky and the Filson Historical Society for a Juneteenth celebration honoring freedom, reflection, and collective healing. Keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby, president of Simmons College of Kentucky, and a leading voice on racial justice and education will discuss the significance of Juneteenth, not only as a commemoration of emancipation but as a call to embrace compassion as a driving force for equity and change in our communities.
WHERE: Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St.
WHEN: June 19, 8:30-10 a.m.
COST: Free, but registration is required
MORE INFORMATION: Complimentary breakfast will be provided. alicenter.org.
WHAT: A week-long celebration that celebrates Black culinary culture of Kentucky and highlights Black restaurants, farmers, and chefs with exhibits, immersive experiences, and food. Featuring everything from bottomless mimosas and hip-hop brunches to the flavors of New Orleans.
WHERE: Various locations in Lexington
- Chitlin’ Circuit Farm-to-Table Dinner. This country-themed dinner features live music from The Kentucky Gentlemen and Tee Dee Young, a farm-fresh meal by Chef Isaiah Screetch, and plenty of boots-on-the-ground energy. Coleman Crest Farm, 3723 Royster Road, Lexington, 5-9 p.m. June 19. Tickets start at $120.
- Cocktails & Cigars. Enjoy a good smoke, hand crafted cocktails, the best local food trucks all set to the sounds of a live DJ. The Void Sake Company, 819 National Ave., suite 120, Lexington, 8-11 p.m. June 20. Tickets start at $45.
- SoulTeenth Fest. This family-friendly Juneteenth celebration highlights Black vendors, makers and chefs with activities and attractions for the whole family. Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St, Lexington, 2-9 p.m. June 21. Free.
- Soulful Sunday Gospel Brunch. Enjoy brunch, while sipping on mimosas and listening to gospel music. La Brasa Event Venue, 903 Manchester St., Lexington, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22. Tickets start at $75.
WHEN: June 19-22
MORE INFORMATION: soulfeastweek.com.
WHAT: The Mayor’s Office of Equity, Juneteenth Jubilee Commission, The Divine 9 Black Greek Fraternities and Sororities will partner with Dare to Care Food Bank to deliver food to communities.
WHERE: Dare to Care Food Bank Distribution Warehouse, 803 Fern Valley Road
WHEN: June 20, 7:30 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: louisvilleky.gov/government/juneteenth-jubilee-commission
WHAT: Celebrate empowerment and culture at the 10th Anniversary of the Lipstick Wars Poetry Slam, an all-female event that amplifies the voices of women poets from across the nation and celebrating Juneteenth. Hosts: Robin G and Lance “Mr. SpreadLove” Newman.
WHERE: Bomhard Theater, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: June 20. Happy Hour with food, drinks, and vendors in the main lobby, 5-6:30 p.m.; Poetry Slam, 6:30 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: kentuckyperformingarts.org.
WHAT: In honor of Juneteenth, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will offer free admission on Saturday, June 21, at all its locations across the state, including the three historic sites in southeast Indiana. Corydon Capitol, Culbertson Mansion and Lanier Mansion will welcome visitors for timed tours as a way to celebrate the holiday, which is recognized federally on June 19 and commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States following the Civil War.
WHERE: various locations
WHEN: Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at all locations.
COST: Free
MORE INFORAMTION: Visitors should pre-register for tours by calling the sites directly. Guests can go to indianamuseum.org for information about Juneteenth offerings at other sites across the state.
WHAT: Leslie Pryor Productions and The KPA ArtsReach MeX Project present the inspirational all-male stage play. The play set during the 30-year homecoming college reunion at Kingston University, an HBCU where three fraternity brothers of Alpha Phi Rho, Gamma Chapter, reunite in the home of their line leader, Kai Griffin, a pastor, lawyer, and devoted father. What begins as a weekend of reminiscing quickly transforms into a soul-stirring evening of truth, secrets, healing, and confession.
WHERE: Martin Experimental Theater, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: June 21, 7 p.m.; June 22, 4 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $31
MORE INFORMATION: Recommended for ages 15 and older. kentuckyperformingarts.org.
WHAT: This annual cookout fosters fellowship and connection of freedom, culture, and community. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to come together for an afternoon of great food, fellowship, and reflection. Enjoy food trucks, music and meaningful conversations as we honor the legacy of Juneteenth and celebrate progress, resilience, and unity.
WHERE: Red Barn, Belknap Campus and Jefferson Couty Health Department, 400 E. Gray St.
WHEN: June 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Red Barn ); June 26, 11 a.m. to 1 pm. (Health Department)
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: events.louisville.edu/juneteenth.
Did we miss an event? Send a note to Features News Clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag