Juneteenth derives its name from combining “June” and “nineteenth” and is a federal holiday celebrated on the anniversary of the order issued on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in the westernmost confederate state of Texas by Union troops who arrived in Galveston Bay. The South Bend area offers a variety of celebrations to commemorate the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States — the country’s second Independence Day.
SOUTH BEND
2025 African American Legacy Award — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 10, The History Museum, 897 W. Thomas St. Rafael Morton, St. Joseph County commissioner, will be honored with The History Museum’s 2025 African American Legacy Award at its Juneteenth reception. Tickets are $60 at historymuseumsb.org.
Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair — 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 13, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame. This free, non-ticketed event will host 50 local businesses and organizations, food trucks, and a live DJ. RSVP: performingarts.nd.edu/event/18079/Juneteenth-celebration-and-resource-fair/.
Juneteenth Celebration — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 18, St. Joseph County Public Library — Western Branch, 611 Lombardy Drive, will host a Juneteenth celebration to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and promote diversity, inclusivity and unity within the community.
Juneteenth Comedy Jam — 8 to 11 p.m. June 19, The Brick, 1145 Northside Blvd. Stand up performances by comedians Darryl Spencer, Kristian Nunn (Cheesestixxs) and Derrick Lucas. Hosted by Kavon Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presented by Gathright Music Sound & Backline Co. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at https://juneteenthcomedy.eventbrite.com.
Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair — noon to 5 p.m. June 21, LaSalle Park, 3419 W. Washington St. The South Bend Chapter of Indiana Black Expo is hosting this free family-friendly celebration offering live entertainment featuring The Godfather Gino J and local musicians and entertainers. The inaugural Craig Clark Memorial Blood Drive will be hosted by the South Bend Medical Foundation along with food, merchandise and information vendors.
ELKHART
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration — 1 to 5 p.m. June 14, Tolson Center for Community Excellence, 1320 Benham Ave. Tolson’s Second Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration is a free family-friendly event. This year, Grammy nominated artist SaulPaul will perform. SaulPaul is known for his unique fusion of hip-hop, folk, pop, Afrobeat, R&B and reggae and is known as the “Musician with a Message.” Also performing will be the Tolson Dance Team, performances in Line Dance, Pretty Divas, and more.
Juneteenth Elkhart Jazz Festival Celebration — 5 to 8 p.m. June 19, Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. Second St. Join with the Elkhart Chapter of Indiana Black Expo in the library parking lot for music from Darryl Buchanan performing from the library’s rooftop. This family-friendly event will also offer food trucks, vendors and information from local nonprofit organizations.
Ruthmere Museum — Tours at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. June 19, Ruthmere, 302 E. Beardsley Ave. As part of the Blue Star Museum program, free admission will be offered to active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserves. Each visitor will receive a free patriotic souvenir or experience a special activity appropriate to the occasion. Tickets: $20-$5. Tickets must be purchased at the Havilah Beardsley House, 102 W. Beardsley Ave. and visitors will view an orientation video there also.
Elkhart Juneteenth Celebration 2025 — 4 to 8 p.m. June 19, Historic Roosevelt Center, 215 E. Indiana Ave. “A Celebration of African American Progress” will feature a flag raising ceremony, live DJ, Black owned businesses and organizations, water splash zone, mayoral address, State of the Culture Address, basketball game, words from Black community leaders, food and games. This event is sponsored by the city of Elkhart.
The Lincoln Penny Story Hour — 1 p.m. June 21, Ruthmere, 302 E. Beardsley Ave. This special Juneteenth LPSH will feature Breanna Allen, executive director of the Tolson Center, reading “The ABCs of Black History” by Rio Cortez. This is an all-ages story hour and is free to the public, but registration is required at ruthmere.org/event-6140128. Stories read during LPSH are presented by members of the community reading a story that reflects their own distinct background and communicates the values of diversity, unity and liberty. Each child in attendance will receive a Lincoln Penny souvenir in a keepsake jacket.
BENTON HARBOR
Juneteenth Celebration 2025 — 1 p.m. June 14, City Center Park, 100 E. Main St. The Benton Harbor Juneteenth Cultural Awareness Committee presents the eighth annual Juneteenth Celebration. The celebration begins at 1 p.m. with a parade on Main Street followed by a variety of activities from 2 to 6 p.m. in the park including food vendors, local agency vendors, stage performances, activities for kids and more. The celebration ends with live music from the Work in Progress Band and line dancing.
MICHIGAN CITY
2025 Juneteenth Celebration — Noon to 9:30 p.m. June 19, Washington Park, Guy Foreman Amphitheater, 168 Parker Parkway. Michigan City Parks & Recreation will celebrate Juneteenth with events for all ages. A vendor market opens at noon, game truck and laser tag from noon to 3 p.m., the Michigan City Municipal Band will perform from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and free burgers and hot dogs will be available until 4 p.m. More live entertainment includes BLT, Ed Hollis, and The Reggie Foster Experience. All times listed are Central.
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag