CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Since 1866, African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth as an independence day, a day of remembrance, and a time to honor Black history and culture.
Although the 13th Amendment legally ended slavery in 1863, slaves living in Galveston Bay, Texas did not know this until June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived and announced that all slaves were freed by executive decree.
This year’s official Juneteenth holiday is Wednesday, June 19, and all kinds of events are happening across the city, starting this weekend through next weekend.
Village of Golf Manor Juneteenth Celebration at Volunteer Park – Friday, June 14
6141 Wiehe Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237
This year’s festival is sponsored by Cincinnati Circus and CSO Pops. Food and beer vendors and live music will be at the park from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Bring your blankets and enjoy activities for the whole family.
5th Annual Juneteenth Block Party Presented by Duke Energy Saturday, June 15, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The Banks, East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Hosted by Paloozanoire, this free day-long block party celebrates the vibrancy and evolution of black culture. There will be a family zone, featuring the Cincinnati Reds mascots, music from local DJs, food trucks, and activities for all ages.
Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebrations –Saturday, June 15 – 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
A Freedom Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Prospect Street between Ninth and Robbins Streets near Randolph Park). According to the City of Covington’s website, the route will be west on Ninth, north on Greenup, west on Second Street (East Rivercenter Boulevard), and north on Madison Avenue to the Madison Overlook.
At 11 a.m., there will be a ceremony recognizing Covington City Commissioner Ron Washington, who is running for the city’s mayor in November. Festivities also include the Black Excellence Awards, Juneteenth Bingo, a fashion show modeling the colors of Juneteenth (red, black, and green), spoken word, a children’s dance contest, and fun activities for kids until 8 p.m. For more information, visit the City of Covington’s website.
Cincinnati’s Official Juneteenth Parade – Sunday, June 16, 10 a.m.
Presented by the Cincinnati Juneteenth Parade Committee, the 3rd annual parade’s theme this year is “Roots and Rhythm.” According to the event’s website, the parade will begin at the intersection of West Court and Linn Streets, traveling up Court Street and ending at the intersection of Plum and Richmond Streets. There is a QR code on the website to reserve your spot in the parade, or you can call 513-813-0662. All ages are welcome. Free.
Juneteenth Jubilee hosted by National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – Wednesday, June 19
Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
The free day-long event along Freedom Way features free admission to the Freedom Center all day with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Community partner organizations supporting health equity, economic empowerment, and voter education and engagement will have information tables inside the museum.
Juneteenth Jubilee’s outdoor events will feature a stage on the Freedom Center plaza with live music and performances from noon to 6 p.m. Guests can take part in a community marketplace featuring African American vendors and support local food trucks along Freedom Way. Event partner, Super Bowl champion and Cincinnati Bengals tackle, Orlando Brown Jr. will host a photo and autograph session.
At 6:30 p.m., Juneteenth Jubilee will round up the day with a walk to the banks of the Ohio River, where thousands of enslaved people crossed into freedom.
FC Cincinnati’s Juneteenth Match against Philadelphia Union – June 19, 7:30 p.m. – TQL Stadium
Paloozanoire and Juneteenth Cincinnati have partnered with FC Cincinnati to present a special night celebrating freedom for all. The club will donate $5 from every ticket sold to the non-profit, Brown Hands Literacy. Click here for tickets and more information.
Juneteenth Weekend at Findlay Market – June 22-23
The Columns at Findlay Market – 109 West Elder Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Findlay Market is hosting two events for Juneteenth, The Juneteenth Panel Discussion and the Juneteenth Tasting Event.
Black community leaders and entrepreneurs will discuss the holiday’s historical significance. The panel discussion is free but tickets must be reserved in advance. To reserve tickets, click here.
The Juneteenth Tasting Event highlights cuisines from black businesses at Findlay Market. Guests can buy tickets in bundles (8 tickets for $20 or 18 tickets for $40) to redeem for samples of foods connected to the holiday’s history.
You can view a list of participating restaurants and their sample offerings by visiting Findlay Market’s website. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, as limited tickets will be sold on the day of the event.
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