It’s time to commemorate Juneteenth, recognizing the day in 1865 when the last group of enslaved African Americans finally learned of their freedom in Galveston, Texas, as June 19 rolls in. Since becoming a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth serves as an official day to celebrate freedom, with opportunities to both learn and reflect.
This year at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, there will be a full day of family-friendly and educational activities with zero admission fees. Both inside and outside of the museum from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., activities range from a community celebration of Black food traditions to uncovering local Black history. There will also be workshops on connecting with your ancestors, horseback riding to tell the often untold stories of Black horsemen and women, silent disco yoga and much more.
“I think what we really wanted to harp on for this year’s Juneteenth is just community,” said Lance Wheeler, vice president of Learning and Engagement at the Wright Museum. “Not just remembering the past, but honoring the future. I think that’s the difference from any other program for this year.”In conjunction with Juneteenth, the Wright Museum also has an exhibition called Luminosity: A Detroit Arts Gathering that opened in April. While taking part in their Juneteenth festivities, stop by the exhibition to look at over 60 artworks from present-day and long-departed Detroit artists.While admission is free for the full day of activities, please register for specific programs at the jubilee celebration, including yoga, the healing and unity workshop, the documentary screening and the panel discussion at https://www.thewright.org/events/juneteenth-2025.There are plenty of other celebrations to gather with your family on Juneteenth in the Metro Detroit area listed below.4th annual Juneteenth celebration at Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal ChurchFor both youth and adults, there will be a mix of Juneteenth-related activities, vendors, speakers, performers, food trucks, and a blood drive from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free. 19801 Cherrylawn Ave., Detroit. Visit https://oakgroveame.org/event/24045730-2025-06-14-juneteenth-celebration-2025/.Juneteenth Detroit 5kJoin friends and family for a meaningful run or walk between 8:30-11:30 a.m. to celebrate freedom, unity and resilience. Both in person and virtually, it costs $45 to race, with all proceeds going to scholarships, educational programs, communities and initiatives for Black people. 14100 Woodward, Highland Park. Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/HighlandPark/JuneteenthDetroit5kRunWalk.We Gon Be ALRIGHT Juneteenth Community CelebrationA community celebration at Corrigan Park, with live performances, food vendors and a children’s book fair. Children 3 and under get in free. Ages 4-12 $10. Ages 13 and older $15. 14723 E. Warren Ave., Detroit. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-we-gon-be-alright-juneteenth-community-celebration-tickets-1323356327399.DTE Foundation Community ConcertNa’Zir McFadden will lead the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a music program, featuring music by African American composers, with special guests from Word of Faith and Perfecting Church at 7 p.m. Free admission, with no ticket required. 7616 Nevada Ave., Detroit. Visit https://www.dso.org/events-and-tickets/events/24-25-spring/dte-foundation-community-concerts-2.Juneteenth Open MicListen to some of Metro Detroit’s best spoken word poets outside or share some words yourself from 1-4 p.m. Sat. June 21. Pre-registration is required to perform by Wed. June 18. 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield. Visit https://southfieldlibrary.org/calendar-of-events/#/events/QIY5wJfdKi/instances/3IHfEAGdn2/.Madison Heights Juneteenth CelebrationFrom noon to 6 p.m., enjoy an abundance of live music, children’s activities including a petting zoo with pony rides, educational exhibits, vendor booths and food trucks. Free admission. 360 W. 13 Mile, Madison Heights. Visit https://madisonheightsjuneteenth.com/.Farmington Hills Juneteenth Performance A live music event bringing together local talents and renowned performers for a night to honor African American heritage. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. 29995 W. 12 Mile, Farmington Hills. Visit https://www.fhgov.com/play-explore-learn/arts-culture/concerts-events/juneteenth-performance-2025-june-19th/.Royal Oak Juneteenth CelebrationFour hours of family-friendly music, games, performances, vendors and giveaways from 4-8 p.m. Free admission. 315 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak. Visit https://www.romi.gov/1570/20289/Juneteenth.Hamtramck Stadium Juneteenth Celebration Watch a Juneteenth tribute baseball game at Hamtramck Stadium, with keynote speaker Derrick Hale, a home run derby and award ceremonies. Free admission. 3201 Dan St., Hamtramck. Visithttps://hamtramckparks.com/em-event/4th-annual-hamtramck-stadium-juneteenth-celebration/.bdolata@detroitnews.com
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