Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Jubilee Day), June 19th, is a day commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States.
This day marks 161 years since federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to signal freedom to enslaved African Americans and the end of the Civil War. After years of grassroots advocacy and a national civil rights movement, Juneteenth was designated as a federal holiday in June 2021.
There are many celebrations planned in the Orlando area around the holidays. Here’s how to celebrate Juneteenth in Central Florida.
Kissimmee Juneteenth Festival
This community celebration celebrates African American culture with live music, a kids zone, food, craft sales, giveaways and more at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The free event will be held June 13 from noon to 4 p.m. at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. More information: kissimmee.gov
Threads of Freedom: Memory, Resistance, and Legacy
Visit the Hannibal Square Heritage Center and participate in a community art workshop focused on the ancient art of quilting led by Form 2 Fashion. Visitors will be provided with materials to donate to a quilt that will be displayed at the center after Juneteenth. The event, the center’s 11th annual Juneteenth celebration, will also feature a panel discussion on textiles and cultural heritage. The free event will be held June 14th from 1-5 p.m. at 642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. More information: crealde.org
Celebration of June 10th in Oviedo
Johnson Hill/Washington Heights Community Outreach will honor Juneteenth with food, educational resources, water safety and pool activities. The free event will be held June 19th from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 1600 Lockwood Blvd. In Oviedo. More information: facebook.com
lenox avenue
The show, which will appear at Judson Live at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, is set in the Harlem Renaissance and based on a poem by Langston Hughes. This performance celebrates Black creativity, resilience, and joy. Ticket prices range from $55 to $74. Show times are June 19th at 7pm and 9:30pm and June 20th at 6pm and 9pm at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org
Eatonville Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Eatonville brings the community together to celebrate culture and community pride at Hungerford Field. The free event will be held June 20 from noon to 7 p.m. at 100 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Eatonville. More information: 1887juneteenth.com
Love and Liberation: A Bold and Fearless Juneteenth Pride Celebration
This free celebration, hosted by Come Out With Pride Orlando, brings the community together for a free family event featuring Black and gay artists and performers, local vendors, food, music and more at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. The event will be held on June 20th from 2pm to 6pm at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. More information: Comeoutwithpride.org
Orlando Juneteenth Community Resource Fair
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council aim to help local residents learn about essential health services, preventative care tips and strengthen their financial security. The event will also feature a DJ, entertainment, kids zone, fair and free food. The event will be held at 800 Grand St. in Orlando on June 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information: orlando.gov
Juneteenth Community BBQ
The community celebration will feature a free barbecue and free health screenings, as well as DJs, music, poetry performances and a family-friendly fun zone at Burnett Park. The free event will be held June 20th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 Central Florida’s Black history on a bus tour. Explore historic buildings and neighborhoods while learning about the contributions of Black leaders. Tours are $65 (lunch included) and depart from Shiloh Baptist Church, 604 W. Jackson St., Orlando, June 20 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information: eventbrite.com
Winter Garden Juneteenth Community Celebration
Winter Garden will celebrate Juneteenth by hosting a community celebration featuring family-friendly activities, entertainment, community resources, food and more at Charlie Mae Wilder Park. The free event will be held June 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1203 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden. More information: cwgdn.com
Apopka Juneteenth Parade
The parade begins at 2 p.m. at the Apopka Community Center and continues to Alonzo Williams Park, featuring floats submitted by the community. The celebration will also feature food and vendors. Enjoy the event starting June 20th at 2pm. More information: apopkajuneteenth.org
Juneteenth in Clermont: Celebration of Freedom
Join the Lake County community and enjoy live music, food, fun, and community at Waterfront Park. The event will also feature a Juneteenth essay and poetry contest for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Visitors can enjoy the free festival at 330 3rd St. in Clermont on June 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. More information: clermontfl.gov
1.9-mile color walk in June
This event, sponsored by SMB Personal Fitness, will be held at Heart of West Lakes Wellness. The event will also feature music, culture, fitness, vendors and community partners. Registration fee is $30 per adult and $15 per child. The walk will begin at 7 a.m. June 20 at 710 S. Tampa Ave. in Orlando. More information: facebook.com
Mount Dora Juneteenth Festival
This community festival will feature music, games, food and basketball at Corey Lott Park. The event will be held June 20 from 3 to 8 p.m. at 1717 N. Highland St. in Mount Dora. More information: mountdora.gov
Juneteenth in Winter Park: Jazz & Jubilee
Now in its fourth year, the event features Orlando’s “hottest local talent,” including Andrew Love and The Franchise Players, Chiquita Nicole and The Vibe Experience, Taras Mateen’s “King T Presents” Beyond Genre Band, and headliners April Brown and The Band After 5. An opening ceremony and marketplace will also be held in the evening. Advance tickets (free) are required. The celebration will be held at 721 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park on June 20th from 5 to 10 p.m. More information: eventbrite.com
Find @PConnPie on Instagram or email pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date on travel, arts and events by subscribing to our newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
