List: Juneteenth events happening across the First Coast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Juneteenth, a federal holiday that marks the day the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free, is Thursday.

The name of the holiday blends the words “June” and “nineteenth” — representing how on June 19, 1865, Union Major Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing that the quarter million enslaved Black people in the state were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation.

Freedom will ring through streets on the First Coast this week, as communities large and small are set to celebrate Juneteenth with observances, music and powerful tributes—transforming parks, city squares and churches into vibrant stages of remembrance and joy.

Here’s a list of Juneteenth events taking place across the First Coast for 2025.

Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park in Jacksonville will celebrate Juneteenth by hosting the following evening events on Thursday:

• From 6-7 p.m., a yoga session will be held at the park, taught by Alexandra Lauture
• From 6:30-8 p.m., Explore Jax Core Tours will hold a “Juneteenth Storytelling Tour”
• From 7-9 p.m., the park will be bustling with line dancing, vendors, food trucks and music

All of the events at the park, located at 120 Lee St., are free and open to all.

However, those interested in attending the Juneteenth Storytelling Tour must register for it; click here to do so.

Join Mayor Donna Deegan’s African American Advisory Board Tuesday, as they’ll celebrate Juneteenth at the Hicks Auditorium in the main branch of the Jacksonville Public Library, located at 303 North Laura St.

The event will start at 6 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

The Northside Coalition of Jacksonville is set to light up the Main Street Bridge in Downtown Jacksonville Thursday night for the second straight year.

The civil rights group said on Facebook those interested in attending the bridge lighting will hold red and green lights for 19 minutes. 

The group said lights will be provided and that the event will begin with attendees meeting up at Friendship Fountain, located behind the Museum of Science and History, at 7:45 p.m.

“We will have hamburgers, hotdogs, drinks and music!!” the group said.

The West Augustine CRA Steering Committee will host a Juneteenth celebration at Collier-Blocker-Puryear Park, located at 10 North Holmes Blvd. in St. Augustine, on Saturday.

The celebration will feature family-friendly activities, live entertainment, Dr. King House Tours, community vendor tables, a variety of food and merchandise for sale, and more! It will be held from 2-5 p.m. and is free to attend.

Here are vendors who will be present:

• Blu Cookies
• Diamonds and Designs
• Dukes Crabs
• MeMe Strawberries & More
• Nutty Veteran Boil Peanuts
• Tropical Delights

 Have any questions? Contact Robert Nimmons at 904-545-6452, Lashawnda Pinkney at 904-201-0263, or Dwala Willis at 904-669-1097.

The St. Augustine Music Festival will celebrate Juneteenth with a classical music concert at Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, located at 38 Cathedral Place, Thursday night.

The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. It will “honor the spirit of freedom and resilience through a moving performance.”

Admission for the concert is free!

Nonprofit Glynn County Tigers will hold their 6th annual Juneteenth Festival at Selden Park in Brunswick on Saturday.

The festival will be filled with “music, food, culture, and love,” the nonprofit says, as it’s set to be held from noon to 4 p.m.

Admission for the festival is free!