Rob Salinas/Houston Public Media
Juneteenth, the federal holiday on June 19, celebrates the day when enslaved Texans learned they were free. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger delivered the news in Galveston on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by then-President Abraham Lincoln.
Becoming a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth is celebrated with music, parades and marches.
Below is a list of Juneteenth celebrations in the Houston and Galveston areas this year, some of which are scheduled for the days leading up to the holiday or during the following weekend.
Wednesday, June 17
The Underground Railroad and Living History with the Buffalo Soldiers | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1838 Menard House, 1604 33rd St. in Galveston
The 1838 Menard House, which is the oldest residence in Galveston, will host the four-hour event. It will feature stories about Juneteenth and the Underground Railroad as interpreters portray the voices of freedom-seekers and trailblazers. The Buffalo Soldiers will also host an encampment.
The event is free and open to the public. Families are invited to bring sack lunches for a picnic.
“Looking Back” Brown Bag Lecture Series | noon-1 p.m. at Nia Cultural Center, 2217 The Strand, Ste. 101 in Galveston
Nia Cultural Center is welcoming community members to celebrate history with its “Looking Back” Brown Bag Lecture Series that will feature Deloris Houston, Shirley Adams, Bobby Johnson and Kelton Sams. Speakers will highlight “The 1960 Sit Ins,” with audience members hearing students talk firsthand about the 1961 Central High School Student Movement.
Juneteenth Fest 2026 | noon-5 p.m. at Freedmen's Town Visitor Center, 1204 Victor St. in Houston
The celebration hosted by the Freedmen’s Town Conservancy in Houston will feature live performances and visual arts while honoring 161 years of freedom. The program includes Zumba, a talent show and a fireside chat with activist Kendrick Sampson.
The event includes a $5 admission fee.
Thursday, June 18
5th Annual Galveston Juneteenth Freedom to Thrive | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Avenue M in Galveston
The annual small business forum will include government and corporate procurement panels, small business workshops, nonprofit organization training and development as well as access to capital workshops.
Juneteenth: Voices of Freedom | 6-8 p.m. at The Bryan Museum, 1325 21st St. in Galveston
The curated poetry showcase will feature a lineup of artists from the Galveston and Houston areas. The event will bring together spoken word, music and community.
Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members and can be purchased through The Bryan Museum website.
Author Talk: Black Freedom with Blair LM Kelley | 7 p.m. at Kindred Stories, 2310 Elgin St. in Houston
In her new book, Black Freedom: The Visual History of Juneteenth and Emancipation Days, historian and author Blair LM Kelley traces the story of how Black communities have commemorated freedom, preserved their history, and fought for full citizenship through generations of celebration and remembrance. Kelley will discuss the book during an author talk.
Tickets are $5.
Friday, June 19
Echoes of Emancipation Juneteenth Celebration | Noon at Reedy Chapel, 2015 Broadway in Galveston
Festivities at the historic church, which predates Juneteenth, will begin at noon with outdoor activities, cultural displays and local vendors. At 6 p.m., there will be a reenactment march to symbolize the historic walk toward liberation. Following the march, participants will gather for a worship service.
Juneteenth Music Festival and Fireworks | 1-10 p.m. at Menard Park, 2222 28th St. in Galveston
The day-long celebration will include live music, community tributes and fireworks. There will be gospel, blues and jazz performances.
The festival is free and open to the public. A more in-depth breakdown of the day’s schedule can be found on the Visit Galveston website.
Juneteenth Parade and Picnic | 3 p.m. at 26th and Ball Street in Galveston
The parade will make its way from 26th and Ball Street to 41st and Ball Street with a community picnic to follow.
Juneteenth: “The Reunion” | 4-10 p.m. at Emancipation Park Conservancy, 3018 Emancipation Ave. in Houston
The free event will include live performances, food vendors and a domino tournament. Event organizers invite attendees to come dressed in their best all-white attire.
Juneteenth Night Light Bike Ride | 7-10 p.m. at 3409 Emancipation Ave. in Houston
Participants will slowly cruise Houston on LED bikes while listening to music that celebrates Black culture. Ticket prices range from $13-$55.
Juneteenth Culture Fest | 8:15-10:15 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Dr. in Houston
This year’s celebration at Houston's Hermann Park will bring in performances from Maze and Chante Moore. There will also be an art popup hosted by the Anderson Center for the Arts and the 5th Ward Cultural District.
Information on tickets and seating is available at the Miller Outdoor Theatre website. The concert will also be livestreamed on the event website as well as its YouTube and Facebook pages.
Saturday, June 20
Black Houston Bus Tour | 8 a.m. at 1300 Victor St. in Houston
Tour over 40 historical Black landmarks, murals, main streets and institutions. Participation in the tour is free and open to the public.
BLCK Market at Night | 3-9 p.m. at 2920 Riverby Rd. in Houston
East River will host the evening featuring a marketplace of Black-owned businesses, live DJs, food trucks and an African drummer performance by Baba Ogunrinde. Admission to the event is free.
“Hidden Figuresâ€: Strand Summer Series | 7-9 p.m. at Hendley Green, 2302 Strand St. in Galveston
Guests are invited to bring blankets, chairs and friends for a movie night featuring the movie “Hidden Figures,†a biological drama about three African-American women working at NASA during the 1960s Space Race.
Admission is free.
Sunday, June 21
Her Voice, Her Story | 4-6 p.m. at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St. in Galveston
The evening will honor Black women who have transformed American music with a concert presented by Galveston Symphony Orchestra.
Information about tickets can be found at The Grand 1894 Opera House website.
Houston Public Media's Laura Walker contributed to this report.
