Juneteenth Celebrations and Events in Colorado Springs!

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – June 19 is Juneteenth, a time to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.

On this day in 1865, more than 200,000 enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s the oldest celebration of its kind, but the nation’s youngest federal holiday.

President Joe Biden signed a law in 2021 giving the holiday its official name, Juneteenth National Independence Day. Biden credits advocates like Opal Lee, known widely as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth”, for making that happen.

11 News learned that across the country, some celebrations are scaled back this year. However, in Southern Colorado, community members are bringing these celebrations and events to the forefront, for one and all.

Here are some of the events that will be taking place on Thursday, Friday, and over the weekend.

THURSDAY:

‘JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN THE PARK!’

The event is located at Panorama Park, 4540 Fenton Rd, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s free to the public and for all ages. Attendees can get a free breakfast and lunch, shop at local vendors, and experience live entertainment.

‘AAHGSCS JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION’

The African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs (AAHGSCS) is holding its celebration at the African American Museum located at the Westside Community Center Campus. The event will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. At noon, a freedom march will commence, and throughout the day, there will be vendors, kids’ activities, story hours, dancing, reenactment performances, museum tours, and more. Click this link to learn more.

‘CONCRETE COUCH JUNETEENTH’

Concrete Couch will be celebrating the black arts and music at their event, beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. The celebration will take place at the Concrete Coyote, 1100 S Royer Street, where attendees can enjoy jazz and orchestral music, vendors, art activities, and an obstacle course by Whealthy. The event is free and open to the public. Click this link to learn more.

‘JUNETEENTH CONCERT’

Thursday evening, there’s also a Juneteenth concert, celebrating freedom and resilience, hosted by the Pikes Peak Diversity Council. The concert begins at 6 p.m. and is located at the Fountain Valley YMCA, 326 West Alabama Avenue. Everyone is welcome to attend. Click this link to learn more.

WEEKEND:

‘SOUTHERN COLORADO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL’

One of the largest celebrations of Juneteenth in Southern Colorado starts Friday. The 5th annual Juneteenth Festival is a three-day event, from June 20-22, and will take place at the Citadel Mall parking lot. The festival is free to all ages, and ranges from vendors to national artist headliners, a fashion and car show, games and activities, and more! Friday hours are from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click this link to learn more.