Juneteenth is on Friday, June 19, a federal holiday that honors and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Find celebrations and activities across the region!
June 18 – 20
Step Into History During Juneteenth at Hale Farm & Village. This year’s Juneteenth program transports guests into the Reconstruction era – a pivotal moment when newly emancipated African Americans were redefining family, citizenship, education, and democracy in the United States. A featured highlight of the event will take place on Friday, June 19 at 1 p.m. in the Meetinghouse with a special presentation by Allison Smith portraying Harriet Tubman. Visit website for times and tickets.
wrhs.org/plan-visit/places-to-visit/hale-farm-village
June 18
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will host Black Music in Cleveland: Past, Present, and Future. This event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Robert Hubbard with Latoya Kent, Dwyte Paris and Jul Big Green, whose careers originated in Cleveland. Following the panel, there will be a live performance by Hubbard’s band, Hubbs Groove. Hubbs Groove is a mix of Soul, Jazz, R&B and a splash of Gospel. 7-9 p.m. This event is free to the community with RSVP at rockhall.com.
Juneteenth Beaded Bracelets. Celebrate Juneteenth by making beaded bracelets. 3-4 p.m. Mount Pleasant Library branch, 4000 Kinsman Rd, Cleveland. cpl.org
Celebrate Juneteenth. Join the City of Solon for a night of celebration as Apostle Jones take the stage at 7:30 p.m.. Guitarist Ryann Anderson will open the event at 6 p.m. Refreshments and food trucks will be available. Solon Bicentennial Park. Visit here for info.
June 19
City of University Heights Juneteenth Celebration. This family-friendly educational and entertaining event features two stages with live music, dance, and spoken word performances; interactive educational and fitness programs; delicious foods and beverages; and select vendors, artists and craftspeople. Visit https://universityheightsoh.gov/juneteenth/
3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom. Traditional celebrations included community picnics, concerts, reenactments, and more. 420 Center Street, Ashland and The Ashland Theatre at 212 Center Street.This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit ashlandhistory.org
Celebrate Juneteenth with an original play entitled The Chair of Stories. The Chair of Stories is an original stage play that blends historical fiction, music, and spoken words to inspire youth and audiences of all ages. When three modern-day students discover a mysterious chair in an attic they are launched into transformative encounters with key Black leaders throughout American history. 12 to 1:30 p.m. Cuyahoga County Library Maple Heights Branch, visit here to register and info.
Juneteenth Pool Party Enjoy a day of activities, family fun, and music from a live band. 1-5 pm. Food and beverages available. Regular pool admissions and rules apply. This event coincides with the America 250 Celebration. Thornton Park, 3301 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights. Visit here for info
Cleveland Museum of Natural History to Host Juneteenth Celebration & Drum Workshop. Workshop featuring music, dance, and cultural storytelling. Presented in partnership with Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, the event will include an interactive “make-and-take” box drum workshop, during which participants will create their own drums and learn foundational rhythms. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106 . Visitors can enjoy discounted $19 general admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.cmnh.org
Ohio History Connection hosts Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival. The Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival will feature a variety of activities to educate and entertain guests of all ages. Programming includes spoken-word performances and reenactments that will bring history to life, as well as food demonstrations and tastings to highlight diverse culinary traditions. Free admission. 12-4 p.m. Although admission to the Jubilee Day Festival is free, registration is requested at www.ohiohistory.org/events/
June 20
Juneteenth Celebration. Join the Lake County NAACP chapter for a celebration with vendors, food trucks, games, choirs, dancers, speakers, scholarship winners, chest tournament and more. Parade starts at 10 a.m. Painesville Square, 1 Liberty St, Painesville, Visit for info lakecountynaacpohio.org/regular-events
Celebrate Juneteenth! Celebrate Juneteenth at the Warrensville Library with food, art, and live music! 1-3 p.m. Cuyahoga County Warrensville Heights Library, visit here to register and info.