There are lots of events happening around town for you to celebrate Juneteenth in Houston with the whole family this year.
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden made Juneteenth the eleventh Federal holiday. For many Black people in the south especially, Juneteenth is celebrated as their Independence Day.
Ask Questions to Your Kids
Do you know what Juneteenth is? Are there words in that definition that you didn’t understand? What are your friends saying about Juneteenth? Why do you think it is important for Americans to celebrate Juneteenth? Have you seen or heard something online about Juneteenth that you want to discuss?
Do what Comes Naturally
If you and your family love parades, attend Houston’s Juneteenth parade. If you share books before bedtime, read a book with them or talk to your older kids about one they can read on their own. If you like shopping together, buy Black that day. If you are planning a beach trip this summer, stop at the memorial in Galveston before your trip. Just don’t go overboard if that’s not your thing. Kids will know if you are not sincere and may miss the importance of remembering this day. Even if you are not a festive family, I encourage you to use this opportunity to talk to your children about the history of why Juneteenth is important in American history.
Celebrate Juneteenth in Houston
There are many wonderful events that honor the legacy of freedom that Juneteenth commemorates. Add them to your calendar or just remember the meaning behind the activity, because part of our job as parents is to teach our kids so they can in turn teach their own kids. Small steps make a big difference when we emphasize the meaning all year long, and not just on one day.
Juneteenth Houston’s Celebrate Freedom Fest
Saturday, June 6
1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Emacipation Park, Houston, TX
This event at Emancipation Park brings together seven historic Black communities in Houston to celebrate the richness of our culture, pay homage to the pioneers of Juneteenth, and experience jubilee in a way that is uniquely our own. Eat, drink, fellowship, and experience a wide array of events, activities, and activations culminating in an opening ceremony to kick off the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth celebrations in Houston!
Juneteenth Celebration at Redemption Square
Saturday, June 19 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join us on June 19th for this FREE event celebrating freedom, unity, and culture at The Generation Park Juneteenth Celebration at Redemption Square! It’ll be an evening of music, guest speakers, food trucks, games, and so much more. Stop by from 5pm to 9pm to catch all the fun!
Juneteenth Festival (Galveston)
Saturday, June 13
12:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Mennard Park, 2222-28th Street, Galveston, Texas 77550
Enjoy food, vendors and music celebrating the birthplace of Juneteenth.
FREE and open to the public
Juneteenth Jubilee at Sienna
Saturday, June 20
7:00 pm- 10:00 pm
9600 Scanlan Trace, Missouri City, Texas 77459
Music, food, children’s activities and more promise an entertaining Sienna Juneteenth Jubilee. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Katy, Texas Juneteenth Parade and Festival
Saturday, June 20
11:00 am (Parade) 11:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Festival)
Woodsland Park: 443 Danover Rd, Katy, TX 77494
The parade will be from 11am-12pm and the family festival will be from 12-3pm. Event includes a cultural events, games, arts and crafts, a bounce house and food trucks!
Juneteenth Celebration: Children’s Museum
Thursday, June 18-Friday, June 19
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
Juneteenth is here! Enjoy our many activities that embrace and celebrate the African American spirit, including a special performance! The oldest national commemoration of the ending of slavery, Juneteenth, truly celebrates freedom for all. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to inform enslaved African-Americans of their freedom, putting into effect the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth celebrates education, achievement and freedom. Celebrate this pivotal moment in American history!
BLCK Market at Night: 7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 20
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
2920 Riverby Rd, Houston, TX 77020
East River is teaming up with BLCK Market for a Juneteenth edition of their iconic monthly market, and it’s going to be a celebration to remember! Recognized as one of the nation’s largest gatherings of Black-owned businesses, this 7th annual event will feature a curated lineup of vendors offering fashion, art, skincare, books, candles, and handmade goods. Expect live DJs, food trucks, an African drum circle performance by Baba Abiono Ogunrinde, and a Build-Your-Own Flag activation celebrating culture and identity. Public street parking is available, plus garage parking for $3 an hour.
How are you and your family celebrating Juneteenth in Houston this year?
