After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, thousands of African Americans remained enslaved in Texas until Major General Gordon Granger and Union Army troops arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865 to announce that all enslaved people were free. The day is commemorated as Juneteenth.
Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth recognizes the hard won freedom and ongoing struggles of African Americans. The Statesman has gathered 11 events, from car shows to cookouts, in the Austin area.
June 7: Juneteenth Celebration in Mueller
2006 Philomena Street, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Mueller Neighborhood Association is hosting their inaugural Juneteenth celebration in the park located at 2006 Philomena St. This family-friendly jubilee includes community speakers, pop-up vendors, interactive activities, children’s book readings, food, music and dancing with Ballet Afrique. Over $3,000 in door prizes will be given away throughout the event that celebrates freedom and unity. For more information on the inaugural celebration, sponsored in part by Austin’s We All Belong, visit eventbrite.com.
June 7: Freedom + Juneteenth: Peace Park Conservancy
110 Kingsbury Street, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Bring a blanket and chair to Pease Park for a night of Juneteenth jubilation. 2025’s Freedom + Juneteenth theme is “family reunion.” Organizers are inviting the community to relax, connect and celebrate together with music, games, food and more. The evening starts off at 6 p.m. with a DJ set by Ajah Monet. Arrive early to be one of 30 people to enjoy a “Sip & Paint” session before a conversation with Miss Flo. Jazz band Shades of Blue will play a set at 8 p.m. and DJ Ashmar closes the celebration at 9 p.m. For more information, visit peasepark.org.
June 13-14: Round Rock Juneteenth Festival
4307 E. Old Settlers Boulevard, 6 to 11:30 p.m.
Looking to get down on the north side this Juneteenth? Round Rock is hosting the city’s 19th annual Juneteenth Festival at Old Settlers Park. Celebrate freedom, culture and community at this family-friendly event with live music, food and activities for all ages. Friday will feature a barbecue cook-off with music from Keith Frank and Dat Boy Play. Saturday hosts music by Melanie Fiona, Sean Ardoin and Kid Capri. There is currently construction underway at Old Settlers Park, so head to Yonders Point in the north portion of the park for the celebration. To learn more about the event, visit roundrocktexas.gov.
June 14: Stay Black & Live: Juneteenth Community Cookout and Music Festival
1165 Angelina Street, Noon to 10 p.m.
The George Washington Carver Museum will be hosting their 6th annual Juneteenth cookout in the historic Rosewood Neighborhood. The day starts at 11 a.m. with a car show and parade. The event will feature guest DJs, carnival games, workshops, activations and a free plate of smoked BBQ prepared by veteran pitmasters. Tameca Jones and Houston-based musician Chalie Boy will perform at 4 p.m. Watermelon and popsicles will be served all day long. For the full roster of upcoming “Stay Black & Live” events, visit juneteenthatx.com.
June 14: Leander’s Juneteenth Block Party
601 South Bagdad Road, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Take a drive to Leander for the city’s Juneteenth Block Party, produced in collaboration with the Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission. 2025’s theme is “Still We Rise: Strength, Spirit and Solidarity.” The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with a basketball tournament, live art and a pool and splash pad. The fun continues with line dancing and Soulful Soundz Party Band. Bring a new or gently used book for the Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation book drive on site. For more information and a full schedule of Leader’s block party, visit leandertx.gov.
June 18: ACC’s Juneteenth Celebration
3401 Webberville Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ACC’s Juneteenth celebration, hosted by the college’s African American Cultural Center, will take place at their Eastview Campus. Activities include live entertainment, face painting, caricature drawing, lawn games, free food and giveaways. The event begins at 10 a.m. and is free and open to the public. The campus will be closed for classes for the day, and will resume normal schedules on June 20. For more information on ACC’s upcoming public event, visit students.austincc.edu.
June 19: Juneteenth Remembrance Ceremony
1165 Angelina Street, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The George Washington Carver Museum is hosting a Juneteenth remembrance ceremony to honor ancestors and come together in solidarity. Their goal is to gather in unity to mourn victims of violence in Texas and foster a safe space for communal grieving. The Carver Museum invites the public to gather in their lobby to elevate the spirit of fallen sisters, brothers and non-binary community members with song, prayer and meditation. Attendees are encouraged to wear white or bright, neutral colors. For more information on the remembrance ceremony, visit austintexas.gov.
June 19: Hella Free: The Juneteenth Function
606 E 7th Street, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Hella Free is a Juneteenth function presented by Cat Records and the Austin Justice Coalition at Empire Garage. The show features music by DJ P Funk, DJ DK, Big Champ the God, DJ Crash, Rikki the DJ and TV 2 Clean. Come out for a night of free music, culture and community, as concert-goers celebrate freedom and Black excellence in style. To grab your free ticket to the show, visit seetickets.us.
June 20: Travis County’s Juneteenth Celebration “Still We Rise”
800 Lavaca Street, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Travis County presents “Still We Rise,” their 36th annual Juneteenth celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. underneath the parking garage at 800 Lavaca St. The family-friendly celebration of freedom will include fellowship, food vendors, information booths, music and games. This year’s theme is “Still We Rise: Celebrating the Journey with Power and Purpose.” For more information and highlights from last year’s event, visit traviscountytx.gov.
June 22: Neill-Cochran House Museum Juneteenth Celebration
2310 San Gabriel Street, Noon to 4 p.m.
Commemorate the end of slavery and the ongoing journey towards equality at the Neil-Cochran House Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration. This free, public event will feature guided tours of the slave quarters, a barbecue lunch from James Beard Award-nominated chef Damien Brockway of Distant Relatives, and a gospel music performance by Christopher D. Spivey & Co. Lunch is provided free of charge from noon until they run out. For more information on the event, visit nchmuseum.org.
June 28: Austin African American Book Festival
1165 Angelina Street, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Get ready for the 19th annual Austin African American Book Festival coming to the Carver Museum and Carver Library. The special celebration of Black literature and culture is themed “Our Stories, Our Voices” and will feature acclaimed author Walter Mosley. The festival is introducing a new element this year, a writer’s workshop called “Write On!” where attendees can participate in interactive sessions on Black literature and history. There will also be activities for children, an author showcase and a vendor marketplace. For more information visit aaabookfest.org.
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