Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas.

On Sept. 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation effective Jan. 1, 1863. However, the proclamation had little effect in the state of Texas until over two years later.On June 19, 1865, Gen. Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 to the people of Galveston that informed them that in accordance with the proclamation, all slaves were to be freed.

Juneteenth is a combination of the words June and nineteenth in reference to the date that slaves were freed in Texas.

Events

Friday, June 16

Travis County

The county will host its 27th annual Juneteenth Celebration. The day starts with an indoor ceremony in the Travis County Commissioners Court courtroom by honoring the black elected officials in the county. The celebration then moves to the parking garage on the northeast corner of Eighth and Lavaca streets. A DJ plays throughout the afternoon. Family-friendly activities are available along with food, dancing and the singing of the Black National Anthem. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Travis County Commissioners Court, 700 Lavaca St. 512-854-9555. www.traviscountytx.gov/juneteenth

Austin Community College

A ceremony will kick off the event at 10 a.m. to commemorate the holiday. A DJ plays throughout the day. Festival-goers can also partake in retail vendors, food, games, face painting and caricatures. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Eastview Campus, 3401 Webberville Road. 512-223-5166. www.austincc.edu/juneteenth

Saturday, June 17

Central Texas Juneteenth 2K, Parade & Celebration
This annual event features a 2K walk/run, parade floats and entertainment and celebration at Rosewood Park. The parade and 2K begin at MLK Boulevard and Comal Street and end at New York Avenue and Rosewood Park. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Rosewood Park, 2300 Rosewood Ave. www.juneteenthcentraltexas.com


Georgetown

Georgetown celebrates its 65th annual Juneteenth celebration with food, games and music. The event starts with a panel and a gospel choir performance at 11 a.m. A barbecue lunch is served at $5 per plate. The day also includes vendors, a jewelry display, a raffle and games. Following lunch, five 15-minute interactive presentations are given. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Community Center in San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St. 512-863-2109. www.georgetown.org

Round Rock

The Voice Inc. and the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department host the ninth annual Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs festival. A lineup of entertainment is scheduled throughout the weekend with Cupid and the Dance Party Express headlining Friday, and "American Idol" participant Savion Wright headlines Saturday. The event also includes family-friendly activities, such as a bounce house, clowns, games, a barbecue cookoff, and food and retail vendors. 7:30-11:30 p.m. (Fri.), 2 p.m.-midnight (Sat.). Free. Lakeview Pavilion at Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd. 512-799-0823. www.roundrocktexas.gov

City of Austin road closures

A number of street closures are in effect throughout the day in order to make way for the 2K run/walk, parade and park festival. The parade will travel along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Chicon Street, Rosewood Avenue, Chestnut Avenue and finish at Rosewood Park.

The following are closed until noon: Comal Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, East 12th-East 21st streets, New York Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, S.L. Davis Avenue, North Pleasant Valley Road, Leona Street, Salina Street, Chicon Street and Northwest Avenue.

The following are closed until 10 p.m.: Rosewood Avenue, Bedford Street, Thompson Street, Neal Street, Poquito Street, Alamo Street, Coleto Street, Chestnut Street, Walnut Avenue and Hargrave Street.

Drivers traveling in the area are encouraged to use alternative routes.

Transportation

Six Capital Metro bus routes will be detoured June 17 for the Central Texas Juneteenth Celebration starting at 5 a.m. Riders are encouraged to plan ahead of time as these delays will be effective until 11 p.m.

“[Riders] should give themselves extra time because of all the detours and street closures in the area,” Capital Metro Communications Specialist Hanna De Hoyos said. “Look at your routes before you leave, and plan around it.”

The following routes will be detoured: 2, 6, 18, 21, 22 and 320.

Riders can find the Plan Your Trip feature at www.capmetro.org or download the app at www.capmetro.org/app. Detours will be posted on both tools.