2021 Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the end of racial slavery in the United States and a time to reflect on what freedom means today. Listed below are events on and off campus that commemorate this important day of remembrance. In addition to celebrating with family and friends and live and virtual events, we encourage you to learn more about this pivotal point in American history by perusing a collection of books, editorials and journal articles in our Juneteenth Reading Roundup.
On Campus
BFSA Presents “Juneteenth + Djmotivate + Instagram Live”
What: Join the Black Faculty Staff Association (BFSA) for a Juneteenth celebration featuring a live DJ set celebrating Black artists.
When: Friday, June 18, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Log on to @Texasbfsa via Instagram
Inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Summit
What: The LBJ School of Public Affairs and The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD) are hosting “The Juneteenth Freedom Summit: New Birth of American Freedom,” commemorating the formerly enslaved Black women and men who helped to remake conceptions of race, democracy and citizenship. Leading voices will explore why Juneteenth matters now, in this season of national political awakening around racial justice and equity, more than ever. Moderated by CSRD’s founding director Peniel Joseph, the event features a keynote lecture on the meaning of Juneteenth, a part of the CSRD William C. Powers Jr. lecture series, and lightning round discussions on important racial equity issues with distinguished local thought leaders. More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 11 a.m.
Where: Online
“Understanding Juneteenth Celebrations within the Politics of Race and Memory” with Anthony L. Brown
What: The College of Liberal Arts presents an annual Juneteenth observance: “Understanding Juneteenth Celebrations within the Politics of Race and Memory,” a talk by Anthony L. Brown, professor of curriculum and instruction in social studies education and a faculty affiliate of the Department of African and African Diaspora Studies and the Warfield Center. Closed captioning will be available.
When: Thursday, June 10, 11 a.m.
Where: This will be a virtual event. Registration is required to attend.
“On Juneteenth” With Annette Gordon-Reed
What: Join the LBJ Library for an evening with Harvard Professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed. In her new book “On Juneteenth,” the historian and Texas native examines the Lone Star State roots of Juneteenth and its continuing importance to the fight for racial equity. Dr. Daina Ramey Berry, chair of the history department at The University of Texas at Austin, will moderate the discussion. More info.
When: Thursday, June 17, 7 p.m.
Where: This will be a virtual event. Register on their event page.
In and Around Austin
Juneteenth ATX Celebration Watch Party
What: Please join Black UX Austin for an in-person outdoor watch party of the virtual Juneteenth Celebration stream. Bring your masks, blankets, chairs, food, etc. and celebrate Juneteenth! More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Life in the City UMC Garden, 211 E. Monroe St., Austin, TX
Juneteenth But Make it Queer
What: A night of community building, fun and fundraising with queer Black DJs and vendors. Proceeds benefit Embrace Austin, a coalition working with Austin’s queer and trans family living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River St. Austin, TX
Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival
What: “The Voice” Inc. and the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department are joining forces again for the annual Round Rock Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival. More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 4-11:30 p.m.
Where: Lakeway Pavilion in Old Settlers Park, Round Rock, TX
Juneteenth Open Market
What: Noir Creators Space is highlighting the Historic Pflugerville Colored Addition by featuring local Black business owners and creatives. More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 12-6 p.m.
Where: St. Mary’s Baptist Church, 1202 Russell St., Pflugerville, TX
Stay Black and Live Vol. 2
What: A city-wide Juneteenth festival presented by Six Square, CarverMuseumATX, and the Black Austin Coalition, in partnership with Jump On It, the Austin Area Urban League, Austin Justice Coalition and GEAYA. More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Rosewood Recreation Center, 2300 Rosewood Ave., Austin, TX
2nd Annual Hutto Juneteenth Celebration
What: Celebrate Juneteenth with Black Families of Hutto Friends. Community Leaders and Organizations will speak on the historical and significance of the Juneteenth celebration. The event will also feature a Festival & Vendor Fair with local retailers and food trucks. Come enjoy local entertainment and have some fun. More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: W. Live Oak St., Hutto, TX
Find more Austin-area celebrations.
In Houston
BLCK Market Houston—Juneteenth Event
What: BLCK Market presents a Juneteenth celebration showcasing quality brands and products by African American small business owners and entrepreneurs. More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, 3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX
Find more Houston-area celebrations.
In Dallas
Juneteenth Celebration Parade, March & Festival
What: Festivities include a parade and march, live music, vendors and a golf tournament. More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Fair Park, Dallas, TX
Find more Dallas-area celebrations.
In San Antonio
Annual Juneteenth Festival
What: The San Antonio Juneteenth Association presents a festival featuring live music, food and children’s activities. More info.
When: Friday-Saturday, June 18-19, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Comanche Park, 2600 Rigsby AVe., San Antonio, TX
Find more San Antonio-area celebrations.
In Galveston
Juneteenth Parade & Picnic
What: Celebrate Juneteenth at the annual Parade & Picnic event. More info.
When: Saturday, June 19, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Ball Street (16th to 41st), Galveston, TX
Juneteenth: Four Galveston Women
What: The Nia Cultural Center presents a community-wide celebration featuring reenactments of four iconic women who hail from Galveston, the home of Juneteenth. More info.
When: Friday, June 11, 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: 2211 Strand St., Galveston, TX