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.
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 holiday. Here are ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Central Florida.
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
“Know Your Place” Documentary
A documentary about segregation in Central Florida is screening at the Orange County Regional History Center this Friday. Directed by Jim Hobart of Macbeth Studio, the film captures the experiences of prominent Black Central Floridians in the segregated South before 1964, including Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Rep. Val Demings and Judge Belvin Perry Jr. The film screens continuously during open hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 19, at 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. Admission is free that day. More information: thehistorycenter.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
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION KICKOFF Ñ Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and event organizer Ronda Robinson kick off the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In partnership with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the celebration Ñfeaturing food, family activities, live entertainment and complimentary admission to the History CenterÑ launched a full slate of Juneteenth events scheduled from municipalities across Central Florida through Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION KICKOFF — Members of the Demings family —from left, Orange County First Lady Val Demings, Mayor Jerry Demings, his son Antoine and granddaughter Anai Demings— sing the national anthem during the kick off of the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In partnership with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the celebration —featuring food, family activities, live entertainment and complimentary admission to the History Center— launched a full slate of Juneteenth events scheduled from municipalities across Central Florida through Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION KICKOFF — Scenes from the kick off of the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In partnership with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the celebration —featuring food, family activities, live entertainment and complimentary admission to the History Center— launched a full slate of Juneteenth events from municipalities across Central Florida through Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION KICKOFF — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivers remarks during the kick off of the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In partnership with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the celebration —featuring food, family activities, live entertainment and complimentary admission to the History Center— launched a full slate of Juneteenth events scheduled from municipalities across Central Florida through Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION KICKOFF — Scenes from the kick off of the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In partnership with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the celebration —featuring food, family activities, live entertainment and complimentary admission to the History Center— launched a full slate of Juneteenth events from municipalities across Central Florida through Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION KICKOFF — Scenes from the kick off of the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In partnership with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the celebration —featuring food, family activities, live entertainment and complimentary admission to the History Center— launched a full slate of Juneteenth events from municipalities across Central Florida through Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION KICKOFF — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings talks with guests during the kick off of the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In partnership with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the celebration —featuring food, family activities, live entertainment and complimentary admission to the History Center— launched a full slate of Juneteenth events from municipalities across Central Florida through Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION KICKOFF — Scenes from the kick off of the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In partnership with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the celebration —featuring food, family activities, live entertainment and complimentary admission to the History Center— launched a full slate of Juneteenth events from municipalities across Central Florida through Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
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JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION KICKOFF Ñ Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and event organizer Ronda Robinson kick off the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In partnership with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the celebration Ñfeaturing food, family activities, live entertainment and complimentary admission to the History CenterÑ launched a full slate of Juneteenth events scheduled from municipalities across Central Florida through Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
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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
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
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
