On June 19, Juneteenth — also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or Jubilee Day — marks the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States.
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The date commemorates 161 years since federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and the end of the Civil War. In June 2021, Juneteenth was made a federal holiday after years of grassroots advocacy and nationwide civil rights protests.
There are a number of Orlando-area celebrations planned for the days surrounding the holiday. Here are ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Central Florida.
Kissimmee Juneteenth Festival
This community celebration honors African-American culture with live music, a kids zone, food, craft vendors and giveaways at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The free event is from noon-4 p.m. June 13 at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. More information: kissimmee.gov
Threads of Freedom: Memory, Resistance, and Legacy
Visit the Hannibal Square Heritage Center to participate in a community arts workshop led by Form 2 Fashion, focusing on the ancient art of quilting. Materials will be provided for visitors to contribute to a quilt to be displayed at the center following Juneteenth. The event, the center’s 11th annual Juneteenth celebration, also features a panel discussion on textiles and cultural heritage. The free event is from 1-5 p.m. June 14 at 642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. More information: crealde.org
Oviedo’s Juneteenth Celebration
Johnson Hill/Washington Heights Community Outreach honors Juneteenth with food, educational resources, water safety and pool activities. The free event is from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 19 at 1600 Lockwood Blvd. in Oviedo. More information: facebook.com
Lenox Ave
Coming to Judson’s Live at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, this show is set in the Harlem Renaissance and is based on the poetry of Langston Hughes. The performance celebrates Black creativity, resilience and joy. Tickets range from $55-$74. Show times are 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. June 19 and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. June 20 at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org
Eatonville’s Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Eatonville gathers the community for a celebration of culture and community pride at Hungerford Field. The free event is from noon-7 p.m. June 20 at 100 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Eatonville. More information: 1887juneteenth.com
Love & Liberation: A Boldly Unapologetic Juneteenth Pride Celebration
Presented by Come Out With Pride Orlando, this free celebration gathers the community for a free family event featuring Black and queer artists and performers, local business vendors, food, music and more at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. The event is from 2-6 p.m. June 20 at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. More information: comeoutwithpride.org
Orlando’s Juneteenth Community Resource Fair
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council aim to help community members learn about essential health services, preventive care tips and strengthening economic stability. The event also features a DJ, entertainment, a kids’ zone, a fair and free food. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 20 at 800 Grand St. in Orlando. More information: orlando.gov
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Juneteenth Community BBQ
This community celebration has free barbecue and free health screenings, plus a DJ, music, poetry performances and a family fun zone at Barnett Park. The free event is from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20 at 4801 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Central Florida Juneteenth Black History Tour
Join Paving Pathways to celebrate Juneteenth and uncover Black history in Central Florida with a bus tour. Explore historic landmarks and neighborhoods while learning about the contributions of Black leaders. The tour is $65 (lunch included) and goes from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 20, leaving from Shiloh Baptist Church, 604 W. Jackson St. in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Winter Garden’s Juneteenth Community Celebration
Winter Garden celebrates Juneteenth by hosting a community celebration with family activities, entertainment, community resources, food and more at Charlie Mae Wilder Park. The free event is from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. June 20 at 1203 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden. More information: cwgdn.com
Apopka Juneteenth Parade
This parade starts at 2 p.m. at the Apopka Community Center and proceeds to Alonzo Williams Park, featuring floats submitted by the community. The celebration will also feature food and vendors. Enjoy the event beginning at 2 p.m. June 20. More information: apopkajuneteenth.org
Clermont’s Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration
Join the community in Lake County for live music, food, fun and community at Waterfront Park. The event also features a Juneteenth essay and poetry contest for schoolchildren in grades K-12. Visitors can enjoy the free festival from 4-8 p.m. June 20 at 330 3rd St. in Clermont. More information: clermontfl.gov
A Juneteenth 1.9 Mile Color Walk
Hosted by SMB Personal Fitness, the event takes place at Heart of West Lakes Wellness. The event also features music, culture, fitness, vendors and community partners. Registration costs $30 per adult and $15 per kid. The walk kicks off at 7 a.m. June 20 at 710 S. Tampa Ave. in Orlando. More information: facebook.com
The Mount Dora Juneteenth Festival
This community festival features music, games, food and basketball at Cauley Lott Park. The event is 3-8 p.m. June 20 at 1717 N. Highland St. in Mount Dora. More information: mountdora.gov
Juneteenth in Winter Park: Jazz & Jubilee
The fourth year for this event features some of Orlando’s “hottest local talent” including Andrew Luv and The Franchise Players, Chiquita Nicole and The Vybe Xperience, Tarus Mateen “King T Presents” Beyond Genre Band and headliner April Brown and the Band After 5. The evening also features an opening ceremony and a marketplace. Advance (free) tickets are required. The celebration is from 5-10 p.m. June 20 at 721 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. More information: eventbrite.com
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