There are lots of events happening around town for you to celebrate Juneteenth in Houston with the whole family this year.
I only learned about Juneteenth just over a decade ago, before it was recognized as a National holiday. Since moving to Houston in 2012, Juneteenth has become one of the holidays we honor and celebrate as a family. Because Black History is American history, I hope all families will consider making Juneteenth a holiday their family recognizes and celebrates.
What is Juneteenth?
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.
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? 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.
Celebrate Juneteenth in Houston
There are a lot of great 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.
Emancipation Park’s Celebrate Freedom – Juneteenth Family Fun Day
Saturday, June 10
11:00 am- 8:00 pm
3018 Emancipation Avenue, Houston, TX 77004
This FREE event brings together seven historically Black communities from across 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.
Juneteenth Freedom Run/Walk
Saturday, June 17 7:00 am- 11:00 am
3018 Emancipation Avenue, Houston, TX 77004
This event is FREE, but we are asking for donations to help raise funds for park programming. In addition to the walk, there will be vendors and food trucks available, so be sure to bring some cash for snacks and refreshments. This is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids and make it a fun day out for everyone.
Juneteenth Music Festival
Saturday, June 17 3:00 pm- 10:00 pm
3018 Emancipation Avenue, Houston, TX 77004
This event is FREE (No tickets required). The gates open at 2:00 pm, so grab your family and friends, and come early to secure the best spot.
Juneteenth Celebration at Children’s Museum Houston
Saturday, June 17 – Monday, June 19
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
Enjoy our many activities that embrace and celebrate the African American spirit, including special performances. Tickets are $17 for age 1+
Juneteenth Family Celebration
Monday, June 19
12:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Hunter’s Glen Park. 1340 Independence Blvd. Missouri City, TX 77489
This FREE event will offer activities like bounce house, food trucks, a children’s area and many more.
Freedom Family Picnic in the Park
Friday, June 16
5:00 pm- 8:00 pm
First Community Services Association
Celebrate Juneteenth with a family picnic in the park! Located at the Aquatic Center Park, picnic with your neighbors, enjoy live music, kids games & activities and a walking history tour honoring Juneteenth.
Please RSVP using the FCCSA App
Juneteenth Jubilee at Sienna
Saturday, June 17
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
Monday, June 19
11:00 am- 3:00 pm
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 kids foam party, games, arts and crafts, and free food!
Juneteenth Festival (Galveston)
Saturday, June 17
1:00 pm- 8:00 pm
McGuire Dent Recreation Center: 2222 28th 601 25th, Galveston, TX
This FREE Family Friendly Event will allow lawn chairs but no personal coolers are allowed. The event will feature great food.
Pin this post and be sure to follow
Houston Moms Blog
on Pinterest!
