TAMPA, Fla. — Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, became a federal holiday after former President Joe Biden signed the legislation on June 17, 2021.
The day commemorates the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865, where Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free — two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation — which had become official January 1, 1863.
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated to reflect and recognize achievements in the African American community. Here's a look at the festivities that will be taking place around Tampa Bay.
Citrus County
- Little Miss and Mister Juneteenth Kids' Pageant | Friday June 19, 6 p.m. | George Washington Carver Center
The pageant is designed to celebrate heritage, empower the youth and build the future. The public is invited to this inaugural pageant celebrating local gifted and talented young people in the spirit of culture, confidence and community. - Family Fun Day | Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Alexander Family Park
Enjoy entertainment, games, line dancing, vendors, and plenty of food. Everyone is welcome to help celebrate freedom, honor history and embrace community.Â
Hernando County
Hillsborough County
- Children's Board Free Family Day: Juneteenth Cultural Celebration | Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art
Prepare for a community celebration featuring art-making activities, live music and performances, photobooth experience, gallery activities, local vendors, and more. - ROC The Block – 6th Annual Juneteenth Festival | Monday, June 15 – Saturday, June 20
This is a multi-day festival featuring a youth summit, a “Cultural Couture Ball,†a public discussion about issues within the community, a family fun day at Topgolf and celebration featuring DJs, vendors and dance performances. Some of the events are free, but all the events are ticketed. - Tampa Police Juneteenth Summer Block Party | Thursday, June 19, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Fair Oaks Park Community Center
This event will feature activities focused on youth education, and strengthening positive relationships throughout the community. Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend this family-friendly event celebrating culture, unity, and community investment.Â
Manatee County
- 2026 Manatee Juneteenth Community Festival | Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m. | 13th AV Dream Center
Today, family reunions remain an important tradition in the African American community — a time to gather, celebrate heritage, and strengthen community bonds. Join others to honor that legacy at the 2026 Manatee Juneteenth Community Festival.
Pasco County
- East Pasco 2026 Juneteenth Event | Saturday, June 20, 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee
This special community event will bring families, neighbors, and friends together to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements that Juneteenth represents.
- Juneteenth Celebration: “Boots on the Ground: Celebrating Marchin' On†| Friday, June 19, 7 p.m. | Richey Suncoast Theatre
This second annual Boots on the Ground Juneteenth experience will again be hosted by comedian and “King of Crowd Work†Rudy Wilson. There will be audience participation, giveaways, lessons in African American history, and more. Dust off those boots and come ready to dance!
- Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Booker T. Washington School
Celebrate unity in the community, recruit new members and raise funds for the African American Club of Pasco County, and enjoy entertainment, food, fun and fellowship.Â
Pinellas County
- Juneteenth Free Museum Day | Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | The James Museum of Western + Wildlife Art
Visitors can enjoy a museum visit free of charge on Juneteenth. Last available timed ticket is at 3:30 p.m. - Juneteenth Backyard Boogie | Friday, June 19, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Deuces Park
Enjoy good eats, beats, and celebrate Juneteenth with the community. - For the Culture: Juneteenth Game Night | 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Culture Creative
A night of music, movie moments, culture debates, dance battles, nostalgia, competition, and laughter.
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Polk County
- Juneteenth Freedom Festival | Saturday, June 27, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center
Support local vendors, enjoy good food, and celebrate unity at this community event. - Freedom Fest Juneteenth Jazz and R&B Concert | Friday, June 19, 5:45 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Lake Wales Family Recreation Center
Enjoy listening to live jazz, R&B vocalists and a VI cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
- 2026 Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center
This community-wide event honors the historical significance of Juneteenth while celebrating culture, heritage, and achievements. Attendees can look forward to an engaging and meaningful experience featuring live music, performances, local food and retail vendors, family-friendly activities and educational exhibits.
Sarasota County
- Juneteenth Arts Festival | Friday, June 19, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. & Saturday, June 20, 1 p.m. | Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
View African artifacts from The African American Cultural Resource Center and enjoy a special presentation directed by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. The festivities continue Saturday, featuring a wide-ranging celebration of art and culture, with live music, films from local filmmakers and students from Ringling College of Art & Design, and numerous local organizations and businesses. - Unearthing Our Roots: Juneteenth Visual Poetry Workshop | Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Historic Leonard Reid House
Organized by the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, participants will learn how to preserve family memories by creating visual poems through photography, writing and collage-making. - Newtown Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 20, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | MLK Boulevard, between Links Avenue and Pershing Avenue
Community centered celebration featuring live music, food, vendors, and family fun.
