List: Juneteenth celebrations in Arkansas

ARKANSAS, USA — Several events are planned in Arkansas to commemorate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free. 

The holiday traces its roots to Galveston, Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had legally freed enslaved people in Confederate states in 1863, the order wasn’t enforced in many areas still under Confederate control after the Civil War. That changed on June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced that the war had ended and all enslaved people in Texas were free.

For generations, Black Americans have honored Juneteenth with festivals, cookouts, music, and community gatherings. Still, it wasn’t until 2021 that Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday.

Today, communities across the country, including many right here in Arkansas, celebrate what is known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and America’s second Independence Day.

Here are some local events marking the occasion.

• Crystal Bridges events
  • Panel Discussion: An Indelible Imprint — The Potency of Black Culture
    
    • What: Textile artist Sonie Joi Ruffin and literary artist Quraysh Ali Lansana will lead a conversation on the power of Black cultural expression in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. They’ll explore how art, storytelling, and creative traditions have preserved history, shaped identity, and inspired social change.
    • Where: Great Hall in Crystal Bridges
    • When: June 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m. and community mixer begins at 5 p.m.)
    • Cost: Free and open to the public
  • Juneteenth Celebration
    
    • What: Crystal Bridges, in partnership with the Phi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is hosting a day of celebration and reflection. The event will include music by DJ Robyn, family-friendly activities, a public art project, community partner booths, and gallery talks centered on Black history, liberation, and legacy.
    • Where: Crystal Bridges
    • When: June 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Cost: Free and no registration required

• NWA Juneteenth Celebration
  • What: The University of Arkansas will continue its nearly 30-year tradition of hosting a Juneteenth celebration, featuring live performances, food, kids’ activities, and opportunities to reflect and connect. The event is organized by the NWA Juneteenth Planning Committee and honors a legacy started by Dr. Lonnie Williams in 1997.
  • Where: University of Arkansas Gardens
  • When: June 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free to the public
• Juneteenth Rhythms of Resilience Festive March and Cookout
  • What: This festive march invites the community to walk, dance, or bike through Fayetteville’s historic Black neighborhood. Led by high-energy live music from The Cummins Group and member of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff March Band and featuring public art along the route, the march ends at Walker Park with a community cookout and remarks from Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn.
  • Where: Starting at North Willow Avenue and East Spring Street and ending at Walker Park
  • When: June 22 from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Cost: Free and open to the public

• 5th Annual Freedom Festival
  • What: This all-day festival brings together families from across Northwest Arkansas to celebrate with live music, food trucks, horseback rides, a vendor market, and a kids’ activity zone. Headlining performers include MAJOR., Confunkshun, and Mike Jones.
  • Where: Luther George Park
  • When: June 21 from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free admission

• Fort Smith Juneteenth Festival
  • What: Hosted by the Fort Smith Round Table, this evening celebration features live DJs, local artists, food trucks, vendors, and a headline performance by T.K. Soul. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods to support the Antioch for Youth and Family Food Pantry.
  • Where: Riverfront Amphitheater
  • When: June 14 from 6 to 11 p.m.
  • Cost: Free to attend

Did we miss an event? Email us at news@kfsm.com with information about the event, when it will be, and where it will be.