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For those looking to commemorate Juneteenth in the Greater Austin metro, many cities are hosting events, from historical speeches to community cookouts. The following list is not comprehensive.
Austin
George Washington Carver Museum-Stay Black and Live events
The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center will host a variety of Juneteenth events from June 12-19. The programming is part of the museum's fourth annual Stay Black and Live festival.
June 12: Learn about music
Grammy Award winning high school teacher Pamela Dawson will lead a Free Your Mind Conversation Series. Dawson will deliver an interactive lecture and singalong that will educate attendees on African-American contributions to the sonic art form.
Culinary food historian and James Beard Book Award recipient Michael W. Twitty, the author of The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African-American History in the Old South, will present a lecture on African-American foodways and contemporary abolitionist movements.
This multi-generational community kickback and dance party is hosted in partnership with Creative Action. The event will feature kites, bubbles, sparklers, and more. Music sets by DJ Cysum and DJ Dontizl will begin the evening. The night will close out with a special session from local party crew BodyRockATX.
The Greater Austin Youth Association will host a Juneteenth Parade that starts on E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and concludes at Rosewood Park.
A community cookout and music festival will take place in the Rosewood Neighborhood behind the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center. Attendees can eat smoked BBQ prepared by veteran pitmasters and can also check out the vendor market, carnival games, educational workshops, film screenings and self-guided tours. There will also be a concert with numerous musicians and DJs.
Closing the Free Your Mind Juneteenth Lecture Series is Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed, who will speak about her book, On Juneteenth. She will also discuss the book banning and library content in Texas and beyond. There will also be a closing lecture and Q&A facilitated by Associate Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies, Edmund T. Gordon.
In partnership with the Austin Justice Coalition, a Community Revival and Remembrance will take place to honor victims of police violence in Texas. Faith leaders of all denominations will help lead the service with song, prayer and more. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear all white, or bright, neutral colors.
June 17: Attend a community celebration
Buda will host its third annual Juneteenth celebration known as the CommUnity celebration. The family-friendly event features live music and several vendors. Attendees are encouraged to bring two canned goods for the Hays County Food Bank food truck.
June 16:
Participate in a dialogueThe city of Kyle will host a Dialogue for Peace and Progress to commemorate Juneteenth at Kyle City Hall. The event aims to bring community members and leaders together for open and honest conversations to raise awareness and facilitate change in the city. The event will also be streamed on Facebook and on television through local channel Kyle10.
June 16: Enjoy some live music
The Soul at City Center event will be held in the outdoor plaza behind City Hall and will feature live music from the Austin band Mega‘Tune. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks, blankets and chairs.
The city of Georgetown will host a Juneteenth festival that will begin with a keynote speaker and a musical performance. The festival will include music by DJ Eric Sampson, a performance by Smooth and EZ Dance of Texas, children’s activities, bingo, a silent auction, and food and vendor booths.
June 17:
Attend a Block PartyThe Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission will partner with the city of Leander to host a family-friendly Juneteenth Block Party at Robin Bledsoe Park. The event will feature musical performances and offer an appearance from Soulful Soundz Party Band. There will also be face painting, carnival attractions, food vendors and an Emancipation Proclamation and Juneteenth history reading.
June 18:
Spend time with familyBlack Pflugerville will host a family reunion in celebration of Juneteenth. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, towels, tents and blankets. There will be vendors, food trucks, and a kids corner.
June 17:
Attend a Juneteenth FestivalNonprofit The Voice Inc. will partner with the city of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department to host a Juneteenth festival commemorating the emancipation of slaves in Texas. The event will include live music, food and other vendors, and parking will be available for $10.
June 17:
Enjoy activities and festivitiesThe Dunbar Heritage Association will host a Juneteenth community celebration at Paul Laurence Dunbar Park. The event will feature music, games, crafts, vendors, a silent auction and more. Lil' Lafayette 337 will be the celebration's official food vendor.
The Dunbar Heritage Association will host a Freedom Run to celebrate Juneteenth. Participants must pick up run packets at 3 p.m. at Dunbar June 17. The entry fee includes a T-shirt for the first 19 participants, a running medal, bib and water bottle.
