On June 19, Juneteenth — also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or Jubilee Day — marks the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States.
The date commemorates 158 years since federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and the end of the Civil War. In the past several years, Juneteenth has taken on added meaning and significance since George Floyd’s death at the hands of the police.
Every year, the holiday experiences more widespread recognition, with a number of Orlando-area celebrations planned. Here are ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Central Florida.
Orlando’s annual Juneteenth Celebration will gather community members for music, dance, food and cultural celebrations at Camping World Stadium’s East Plaza Lounge. The event is organized by Sen. Geraldine F. Thompson’s Office, the City of Orlando and the Association to Preserve African Society, History and Tradition, Inc. (PAST). The free event is 2-7 p.m. June 15 at 1 Citrus Bowl Place in Orlando. More information: orlando.gov
A Juneteenth Bounce House Community Festival presented by New Image Youth Center features snow cones, hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, cotton candy, bounce houses, music and more at Grand Avenue Park. The celebration is from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. June 15 at 700 Grand St. in Orlando. More information: orlando.gov
Facets of Freedom is the annual Juneteenth event from Black Girl Theater Magic, which includes musical performances, dance and spoken word at Orlando Family Stage. Tickets cost $25 each (before fees). The event is 6-11 p.m. June 19 at 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. The group also offers a free family-friendly lunch and learn from 2-6 p.m. June 15. More information: blacktheatregirlmagic.org or eventbrite.com
A Juneteenth Central Florida Black History Bus Tour takes people through the Black history of Central Florida with visits to Ocoee, Eatonville, Parramore and more. Tickets are $50 each (before fees) and include a catered lunch. The tour is 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 15, departing from 604 W. Jackson St. in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
The City Winter Garden celebrates Juneteenth with a community celebration with family activities, guest speakers, children’s performances and more. The free event is from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. June 15 at 1203 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden. More information: cwgdn.com
The 4th annual Juneteenth – a Freedom Festival block party in Sanford features motivational speakers, a DJ, entertainment, vendors and food trucks at the Sanford Civic Center. The free festival is from 5-10 p.m. June 15 at 401 E. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. More information: sanfordfl.gov
A Juneteenth Celebration in Hannibal Square commemorates the holiday for its ninth annual celebration with a program featuring historians, music and a presentation highlighting community leaders at Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The event is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 15, with a free Father’s Day and community breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m. at 160 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Winter Park. From 2-4 p.m. June 15, attend the opening reception of “See Through Our Eyes: Storytellers in Sanford and Eatonville” at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center (642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park). More information: hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org
The City of Winter Park hosts Juneteenth events in addition to the offerings from the Hannibal Square Heritage Center. The Equity Council Corp presents the sold-out “A Night Under the Stars: Jazz & Jubilee” from 5-10 p.m. June 15 at 721 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. The Winter Park Library hosts a program, “Juneteenth: Connecting the Dots,” geared toward adults, where Dr. Rebekah McCloud will discuss the history of the six oldest Black churches in Winter Park. The event is from 3-4 p.m. June 16 at 1052 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park. More information: winterparklibrary.org
Eatonville’s Juneteenth 1887 Celebration goes from June 14-19 with a Youth Day scoot, ride and skate jam on June 14, then a Juneteenth Festival at Hungerford Field on June 15. Enjoy a Father’s Day fishing event on June 16, then a Freedom Day proclamation reading on June 19. Find the full lineup of events and schedule: 1887juneteenth.com
The Kissimmee Juneteenth Festival celebrates community, culture and unity with live music, food and craft vendors at the Kissimmee Civic Center. Find the free festivities noon-4 p.m. June 15 at 201 E. Dakin Ave. in Kissimmee. More information: eventeny.com
Clermont’s Juneteenth Celebration offers art, music, cuisine and education about the holiday. Visitors can enjoy the free festival from 5-8 p.m. June 15 at 100 3rd St. in Clermont. More information: clermontfl.gov
A Juneteenth Celebration at the Citrus Club features an open bar, cocktail reception and light hors d’oeuvres, plus a screening of the film “Know Your Place.” Admission is $45.85 (before fees). The event is 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 19 at 255 S. Orange Ave. Ste. 1800 in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
The Mount Dora Juneteenth Festival features food, beverages, family activities and live music at Cauley Lott Park. The event is 3-8 p.m. June 19 at 1717 N. Highland St. in Mount Dora. More information: ci.mount-dora.fl.us
Longwood’s 3rd Juneteenth Celebration is indoors at the Longwood Community Building with a performance by Silkee Smoove Band, free small bites, vendors and more. Find the free festivities 5-8 p.m. June 19 at 200 W. Warren Ave. in Longwood. More information: longwoodfl.org
Juneteenth 407 presents a Better Together Juneteenth Mixer presented by 26Health. Tickets ($30 each before fees) include a drink ticket, appetizers, a swag bag, a DJ, a 360 photo booth, games, activities and networking at Eola View. The event is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 19 at 150 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. More information: juneteenth407.com
The Central Florida Juneteenth Celebration at Lake Lily Park in Maitland promises a memorable occasion filled with music, food, vendors, a kids zone and cultural performances topped with fireworks to end the celebration. Free tickets are available on Eventbrite for the event, which begins at noon on June 22 at 701 Lake Lily Drive in Maitland. More information: eventbrite.com
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Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag