Juneteenth (June 19) is widely celebrated as the official date commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On that date in 1865 Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and the state’s residents learned that slavery had been abolished.
The University of Texas at Austin recognizes Juneteenth as a University holiday on this year’s calendar and all offices will be closed Monday, including Texas Law. Below is a listing of free events and celebrations happening in Austin and other Texas cities recognizing this important date. This list was compiled by Jessica Sinn of the University’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.
View a list of Juneteenth events and celebrations.
In Austin
June 17–Juneteenth Community Parade & Festival
Every year Texas Athletics partners with the Neighborhood Longhorns, the Austin community and the UT Austin community to commemorate and honor Juneteenth through broad participation in the Greater East Austin Youth Association’s Juneteenth Community Parade.
June 17–Juneteenth Family Fun at the Carver Library
A community celebration featuring arts and crafts, story time, food and an engaging history lesson taught by storyteller Joan Stewart.
June 17–Juneteenth Austin Family Cookout and Music Festival
The Carver Museum presents a community cookout and music festival in celebration of Juneteenth.
June 18–Juneteenth Celebrations at the Neill-Cochran House Museum
The Neill-Cochran House Museum presents a celebration of West Austin Black History complete with dominoes, lawn games, a painting class with Rejina Thomas, and a Black West Austin Driving Tour.
June 19–Texas Performing Arts Presents Gladys Knight & Patti LaBelle
Texas Performing Arts welcomes multi-Grammy Award-winning performers and first ladies of soul Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle for an evening you won’t want to miss.
June 19–Blues + Business On Block 18
Experience the future of 11th Street with music, culture and local businesses. Hosted by Austin Economic Development Corporation, Six Square, E4 Youth, ATX Musicians and many more community partners.
June 19–Juneteenth Freedom Summit
The LBJ School’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD) is hosting an event titled “Juneteenth Freedom Summit: A Reimagining of Culture, Politics and Law.” Led by CSRD Founding Director Dr. Peniel Joseph, the summit will address the history behind Juneteenth and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead to build the Beloved Community in Texas and beyond.
In Houston
June 17–Juneteenth BLCK Market Celebration
A celebratory event featuring 100 small Black businesses and entrepreneurs, live music and food trucks.
Find more Houston-area celebrations.
In Dallas
June 17–Juneteenth 4K Walk and Festival
A festival featuring and health and wellness walk, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors and more.
Find more Dallas-area celebrations.
In Galveston
June 17–Juneteenth Festival
A celebration featuring great food, a marketplace and the 2023 Juneteenth of Men of Purpose Awards.
June 17–Juneteenth Parade and Picnic
An annual historic parade celebrating the legacy of Juneteenth followed by a picnic at Wright Cuney Park.
Find more Galveston-area events.