Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, is a nationwide celebration to commemorate the emancipation from slavery. The federal holiday is celebrated each year on June 19.
Juneteenth is a combination of "June" and "nineteenth," named in honor of June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas, to inform a reluctant community that President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier had freed the slaves and to press locals to comply with his directive.
Here are 18 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the Louisville area this year:
3rd Annual Juneteenth Art Camp
WHAT: Louisville Visual Art and Waterfront Park are hosting a day camp for youth ages 7-12. Campers will be introduced to the works and history of Ed Hamilton, Muhammad Ali, and the Underground Railroad while also learning about Juneteenth and Louisville. After learning this history, campers will then create sculptures, collages, miniature landscapes, and paintings.
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WHERE: David K. Karem Building, Waterfront Park
WHEN: now through June 14, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:These camps are scholarship-based and free for all participating children. To learn more, visit louisvillevisualart.org/juneteenth-camp-recommendation.
Bicentennial Park Summer Concert Series
WHAT:Celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day with a concert by The Jesse Lees and Scott T. Smith.
WHERE:Bicentennial Park, corner of Spring and Pearl streets (118 E. Spring St.), New Albany, Indiana
WHEN:June 14, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:Bring lawn chairs and blankets. newalbanycityhall.com/bicentennialpark.
More:Here are 12 free concert series taking place around Louisville this summer
SoulFeast Week
WHAT:The 10-day festival celebrates the Black culinary culture of Kentucky and highlights Black restaurants, farmers, and chefs with exhibits, immersive experiences, and food. Featuring everything from bottomless mimosas and hip-hop brunches to the flavors of New Orleans' best dishes.
WHERE:Various locations
- Farm Dinner and Tour.Dinner, tour of Coleman Crest Farm and music by DJ Forerunner and Retrospek's The BANdj Experience. Chef: Isaiah Screech of Spark Community Cafe. Coleman Crest Farm, 3723 Royster Road, Lexington, 6-8:30 p.m. June 14. Tickets start at $110.
- SoulTeenth Fest.This family-friendly Juneteenth celebration highlights Black vendors, makers and chefs with activities and attractions for the whole family. Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St, Lexington, noon to 6 p.m. June 15. Free.
- co*cktails & Cigars.Enjoy a good smoke, great bites, games, and co*cktails. The Void Sake Company, 819 National Ave., suite 120, Lexington, 8-11 p.m. June 15. Tickets start at $45.
- Rabbit Hole Juneteenth Hip Hop Brunch.Take in the rooftop views of downtown Lexington and sip on Rabbit Hole co*cktails. Lost Palm, 941 Manchester St., Lexington, noon to 4 p.m. June 16. Tickets start at $45.
- Black Restaurant Week.Participating restaurants will create a unique, off-menu food entree for $12. A full list of participating restaurants and featured dishes will be released soon. June 17-23.
- Soulful Sunday Gospel Brunch.Enjoy brunch, while sipping on mimosas and listening to gospel music. Featured chefs: Antoinette Johnson and Danielle Connor. La Brasa Event Venue, 903 Manchester St., Lexington, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 23. Tickets start at $85.
WHEN:June 14-23
MORE INFORMATION:soulfeastweek.com.
Juneteenth Kickoff! Culture, Conversation and co*cktails
WHAT:Summer networking event where you can connect with like-minded professionals in a vibrant atmosphere.
WHERE:Dave & Buster's, 5000 Shelbyville Road
WHEN:June 13, 6-8 p.m.
COST:Free
MORE INFORMATION:eventbrite.com.
5th Annual Louisville Juneteenth Festival
WHAT:The Juneteenth Celebration features a bourbon-infused event, a day-long festival and an after-party at Lynn Family Stadium.
- June 13:Culture & Bourbon. Evan Williams Distillery, 528 W. Main St., 8-11 p.m.
- June 15:5thAnnual Louisville Juneteenth Festival. Purple lot, 3-10 p.m.
- June 15:Official Louisville Juneteenth Festival After Party. Fifth Third Clubhouse, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
WHERE:Lynn Family Stadium, 350 Adams St., unless noted
WHEN:June 13 and 15
MORE INFORMATION:Official bag policy: clear small backpacks, drawstring, totes and storage bags; solid or clear hip waste packs and small bags and purses are permitted. louisvillejuneteenthfest.com.
5th Annual Juneteenth Solidarity Ride
WHAT:The family-friendly, casual, no-drop bike ride celebrates Juneteenth. There are 13-, 24-, and 50-mile route options. Snacks and water provided.
WHERE:Starts and ends at Shawnee Park, 4501 W. Broadway. Meet at the restrooms across from the football field.
WHEN:June 15, 8 a.m. to noon; ride starts at 9 a.m.
COST:Free
MORE INFORMATION:Traffic laws will be followed. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. June 14. Onsite registration begins at 8 a.m. Register at: juneteenthsolidarityride.eventbrite.com.
MELANnaire Marketplace: Ancestor's Dream
WHAT:MELANnaire Marketplace Juneteenth Celebration is filled with shopping Black-owned businesses, entertainment, speakers, art exhibits, and more.
WHERE:Fourth Street Live!, 411 S. 4th St.
WHEN:June 15, noon to 6 p.m.
COST:Free
MORE INFORMATION:4thstlive.com.
Soulful Sounds of Derby Town Juneteenth Showcase
WHAT:Performers include Gayle King, Yoruba, Bill Donaldson, Jr., Sam Majesty, Lord GT Tucker, Sump-In-Dirty Jazz and Marshall Law.
WHERE:Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
WHEN:June 15, 7-10 p.m.
COST:Tickets start at $25
MORE INFORMATION:kcaah.org
Jammin' in Jeff: Juneteenth
WHAT:Performers to be announced.
WHERE:Jeffersonville RiverStage, 100 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana
WHEN:June 15, 7 p.m.
COST:Free
MORE INFORMATION:Chairs, blankets and small coolers allowed. Pets, smoking and alcohol are not permitted. jeffparks.org/jeffriverstage.
Juneteenth Kickoff Day Party Backyard BBQ Edition
WHAT:Celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day. There will be three DJ’s, BBQ, and more.
WHERE:Mellwood Art Center, Monet Room and Big Lawn, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
WHEN:June 16, 5-10 p.m.
COST:$25 general admission; $40 VIP
MORE INFORMATION:eventbrite.com.
'Amplify Songs of Justice'
WHAT:Features songs commissioned by the Kentucky Opera and written by Paula McCraney and Jorell Williams. Singers from across Louisville, churches, and college choirs will come together to sing and celebrate African American culture and music. FeaturingAudrianna Hughes,Joshua Percell & Courageous,Kayla Wilson Emerson, and the Juneteenth Jubilee Choir withChristopher Smith, conductor. Part of Louisville Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration. Presented by the Kentucky Opera.
WHERE:Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health, 708 Magazine St.
WHEN:June 17, 7 p.m.
COST:Free, but registration is required.
MORE INFORMATION:Concessions provided by Brew & Sip. secure.kyopera.org/amplify-songs-of-justice-2024.
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'A Juneteenth Celebration'
WHAT: Celebrate Juneteenth with the UNIVERSES ensemble as it brings an exhilarating musical back to Actors Theatre of Louisville. This dynamic performance honors thecentral roleof Black communities in our societal prosperity and uplifts the people’s power to resist oppressive systems. The concert willsample fromthree shows that have electrified Louisville audiences:"Party People,""Ameriville," and"Slanguage."
WHERE: Actors Theatre of Louisville, 315 W. Main St., Bingham Theater
WHEN: June 19, 7 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $19 plus fees
MORE INFORMATION: actorstheatre.org
More:Actors Theatre of Louisville announces its 2024–25 season. Here's what to expect
7th Annual Juneteenth Award Event
WHAT:Honors six individuals or companies for advancing inclusion and equity in the community. Dr. Shana Stoddard, associate professor of Chemistry and founding director of the STEM Cohort Mentoring Program at Rhodes College is the keynote speaker. There will be a special tribute to Mattie Jones, civil rights activist.
Honorees:
- Carolyn Tandy, SVP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Humana
- Freddie Brown, VP, Diversity, Inclusion, & Global Perspective, YMCA of Greater Louisville
- Luis David Fuentes, Publisher, El Kentubano
- Corenza Townsend, Chief Administrative Officer, Norton West Louisville Hospital
- Cassandra Hayes, Principal, Layne Elementary School
- Dave Christopher, Sr., President and Founder, Amped
WHERE:Old Walnut Street Strengthening Center, 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd
WHEN:June 19, 5-9 p.m.
COST:Tickets start at $100 and include, dinner, access to the networking reception
MORE INFORMATION:502-583-8821 ext. 110; lcccnews.org.
The Association for Teaching Black History's 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
WHAT:Honoring Muhammad Ali’s legacy and celebrating innovators of Black education. This year's honorees include Dr. David Childs, Jermaine Fowler, Midway Museum, and Darrell Smith. Keynote speaker Frank X. Walker was the first African American writer to be named Kentucky Poet Laureate.
WHERE:Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St.
WHEN:June 19, 9-11 a.m.
COST:Free
MORE INFORMATION:Free continental breakfast will be provided. alicenter.org/events/atbhk-juneteenth-celebration
The Fusion Celebrates Juneteenth
WHAT:The Fusion is a fellowship and exchange outlet for musicians and music educators to gather, share, and exchange musical ideas and concepts centered around the jazz genre. Performers at the Juneteenth celebration include Isaiah Sharkey, Cassandra O'Neal, Neicy Robertson, Daria Raymore, Troy Bell, Jason Clayborn, Byron Nichols, Darnell Anderson, the University of Louisville Student Jazz Band, Stan Lewis, Josh Foster, and others.
WHERE:The Signature Venue, 6000 Lions Arms Drive
WHEN:June 21, 7:30 p.m.
COST:Tickets start at $20
MORE INFORMATION:eventbrite.com.
Louisville Funk Fest
WHAT:The 2024Funk Festreturns toLouisvlle's Waterfront Parkon Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22. This annual hip hop and R&B festival will feature Jeezy Boosie, Charlie Wilson, Scarface Too Short, and Marsha Ambrosius with additional artists to be announced according to the festival's website.
WHERE:Great Lawn, Waterfront Park, 231 E Witherspoon St.
WHEN:June 21-22. Gates open at 4 p.m.; show starts at 5 p.m.
COST:Tickets start at $80.
MORE INFORMATION:funkfesttour.com.
Keen Dance Theatre 'Soul Food'
WHAT:Keen Dance Theatre's concert “Soul Food” features music and choreography.
WHERE:Bomhard Theater, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN:June 29, 6:30 p.m.
COST:Tickets start at $20.77
MORE INFORMATION:kentuckyperformingarts.org.
'Murder at the Disco Lounge'
WHAT:Leslie Pryor Productions presents this whodunit set in a disco lounge in the 1970s. The audience helps to solve the mystery. Hosted by BET’s Sunday Best finalist and gospel recording artist Johnathan “Jon John” Johnson. Each show will feature a DJ, a best-dresses contest, dinner and a cash bar.
WHERE:Mellwood Arts Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
WHEN:June 30, 3-5 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
COST:Tickets start at $49
MORE INFORMATION:Recommended for ages 18 and older. lesliepryorproductions.com.
Did we miss an event? Send a note to Features News Clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
