Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day and Black Independance Day, is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The holiday originated in Galveston and is celebrated in a variety of ways across the United States on June 18 and 19. Read below to learn more about the ways you can celebrate the holiday in Houston.
June 18-19: Emancipation Park
At Emancipation Park, the city of Houston is celebrating the 150th annual Juneteenth. The event will feature musical performances and vendors selling food, drinks, clothes and accessories. Kids can enjoy the playground, face painting and rides. 4-10 p.m. Free (admission). Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston. 713-528-1872. www.epconservancy.org
June 18: Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation will host multiple events to celebrate Juneteenth, including its 19th annual concert in the park on June 18. Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. 6 p.m. Free. Hunters Glen Park, 1340 Independence Blvd., Missouri City. 281-545-5009. www.missouricityjuneteenthcelebration.com
June 18: Tamina community
A Juneteenth celebration in Tamina will include live music, dance, a picnic barbecue and children’s crafts as well as an education exhibit. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Sleepy Hollow Multipurpose Building, 9645 Sleepy Hollow Road, Conroe
June 18: Sienna Juneteenth Jubilee
Music, food, children’s activities and more promise for an entertaining Sienna Juneteenth Jubilee at the Club Sienna amphitheater. Reggie Jamz will perform Motown and R&B classics, and artist ANGE will give a speed-painting performance. Children can enjoy rides, face painting, balloon twisters and video games. A variety of food trucks will be on-site, and local vendors will have candles, clothing, jewelry, tea, children’s books and more for sale. 6-9 p.m. Free (admission). Club Sienna amphitheater, 9600 Scanlan Trace, Missouri City. 281-778-3776. www.siennatx.com/juneteenth-jubilee
June 18: Juneteenth Celebration
The Good Brothers and Sisters of Montgomery County will be having their own Juneteenth celebration. The event will include local food and business vendors, as well as a youth sports competition that will feature a cash prize. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (admission). MLK, Jr. Park, 1001 Dr M.L.K. Jr. Place S., Conroe. 915-202-7350. www.cityofconroe.org/departments/parks-recreation/parks/mlk-jr-park
June 19: Miller Outdoor Theatre
Houstonians are invited to a special evening commemorating Juneteenth, featuring performances by nationally recognized artists from the community, along with expressive visuals, educational narrations, passionate live music and striking dance performances. Comprised of five educational acts, each thematic performance tells the story of African Americans from 1865 to today and the journey in celebration of freedom. 7-10 p.m. Free. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 281-373-3386. https://juneteenthtribute.com
