Juneteenth celebrations around Austin this month
AUSTIN (KXAN) — This year marks the fifth that Juneteenth is being celebrated as a federally recognized holiday, but the celebration of Juneteenth, or Emancipation Day, dates back to the 19th century.
On June 19, 1865, Union Major-General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 to the people of Galveston, stating that all slaves had been freed, according to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation freeing those who were enslaved on Jan. 1, 1863.
Celebrations commemorating the day began the following year in Texas and spread to other areas of the South, according to the commission. Juneteenth National Independence Day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
There are several celebrations planned to commemorate the holiday in Austin this month.
Freedom + Juneteenth, June 7
The Pease Park Conservancy and Art Is Cool are hosting “Freedom + Juneteenth: A Night of Jubilation” at Pease Park on Saturday, June 7, 6:30-9 p.m. The theme is “Family Reunion.” There will be music, games, food, a DJ set, a jazz band and more.
Mueller Juneteenth Celebration, June 7
The Mueller Neighborhood Association is hosting its inaugural Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Branch Park Pavilion (2006 Philomena Street, Austin, TX 78723). The event will highlight Black-owned businesses, historical education, and interactive activities.
Juneteenth Festival Round Rock, June 13-14
The Voice Inc., the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Omicron Nu Nu Chapter, and the city of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department are holding the 19th annual free Round Rock Juneteenth Festival in Old Settlers Park on June 13-14.
Stay Black & Live Citywide Juneteenth Celebration, June 14
The 2025 Stay Black & Live Citywide Juneteenth Celebration will be held Saturday, June 14. It’s a community cookout and music festival, taking place in the historic Rosewood Neighborhood behind the Carver Museum. Events start as early as 11 a.m., and music starts at 4. A full schedule can be found online.
City of Leander Juneteenth Block Party, June 14
The city of Leander will commemorate Juneteenth with a block party at Robin Bledsoe Park from 5-9 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will have musical performances, food vendors and a fun zone. The theme is “Still We Rise: Strength, Spirit and Solidarity.”
Austin Community College District’s 2025 Juneteenth Celebration, June 18
Austin Community College District’s (ACC) will hold its Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday, June 18, at the Eastview Campus from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hosted by the ACC’s African American Cultural Center, the communitywide Juneteenth celebration will include music, games, giveaways and more. This event is free and open to the public.
Hella Free: The Juneteenth Function, June 19
Cat Records & Austin Justice Coalition Present Hella Free: The Juneteenth Function in the Garage at Empire Control Room from 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. on June 19. Free entry.
Central Texas Juneteenth Parade and Festival, June 19
The parade starts at 10 a.m. on MLK Jr. Blvd. at Leona Street. A full parade route map can be found online. The Central Texas Juneteenth Festival celebration will have food and vendors directly following the annual parade. The fest will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at Rosewood Park.
Travis County’s 36th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, June 20
Travis County will hold its 36th annual Juneteenth celebration Friday, June 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. underneath the parking garage at 800 Lavaca St. The theme is “Still We Rise. Celebrating the Journey with Power and Purpose.” There will be food vendors, informational booths, music and games.
Juneteenth Book Club Brunch, June 21
The Austin Public Library Windsor Park Branch will host a Juneteenth Book Club Brunch on June 21 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. It’ll be a discussion of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein and a screening of the accompanying short film Segregated By Design (18 min). The event is free, and Bird Bird Biscuit will provide brunch.
Juneteenth Celebration at the NCHM, June 22
The Neill-Cochran House Museum will celebrate Juneteenth on Sunday, June 22 from noon to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and includes lunch and refreshments. More details are available online.
DRUMLine Live- Juneteenth Tour, June 22
DRUMLine Live is an international tour based on the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band tradition. The show, presented by Texas Performance Arts, is a synchronized musical showcase of the HBCU experience. It’ll be held at Bass Concert Hall starting at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $59.
