City of Dallas celebrates Juneteenth
The City of Dallas offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Learn more here: Holiday Closures.
Juneteenth is known as the country’s second Independence Day.
According to the Smithsonian, even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas enslaved people were not free until June 19, 1865, when troops arrived in Galveston Bay, announcing that all enslaved people were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.
Throughout the month of June, there will be events in Dallas to mark that historic moment and celebrate Juneteenth.
Below is a list of events.
Dallas Libraries:
Juneteenth Celebration
A festival to commemorate Juneteenth! It will feature Black-owned businesses and restaurants, performances by Black and African American artists, Juneteenth-themed crafts and an art contest displaying work from local students. Please note: This event will be held both outside and indoors.
Saturday, June 15 at 11 a.m., Forest Green Branch
Into the Archives with Bob Rigdon: Preserving Dallas History Thru Metal Detecting
Bob Rigdon will lead a “detectorist deep dive” as he talks about the items of historical significance he found using his metal detector in historic Dallas locations like North Dallas Freedman’s Town and Tenth Street. Learn about his process and experiences, and see some of his finds on exhibit.
Saturday, June 15, 1 p.m., J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall
Juneteenth Unity Bracelets
Craft unity bracelets and weave together threads of our shared history. Each bead represents a story, a triumph and a legacy. Registration is required.
Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m., Oak Lawn Branch
Juneteenth Concert with musical guest Kamica King!
The community is invited to enjoy the musical stylings of Kamica King. This special concert is inspired by Juneteenth and is open to everyone!
Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch
This concert is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.
Juneteenth Jubilee
Learn about the significance of the Juneteenth holiday while enjoying a morning filled with storytelling and crafts for the whole family.
Sunday, June 16 at 10 a.m., Bachman Lake Branch
Human Library: Juneteenth Across Generations
Arrive between 10 a.m. and noon, and plan to spend 20 minutes “reading” another person—a human book—who has unique stories to share about Juneteenth. Participants are encouraged to actively listen, ask questions, learn and remain respectful of shared dialogues and experiences. Registration is required.
Sunday, June 16 at 10 a.m., Bachman Lake Branch
Crafter-noon: Juneteenth
Kids, get crafty with us! Make confetti poppers to celebrate Juneteenth. All materials will be provided while supplies last.
Sunday, June 16, 2 p.m., Renner-Frankford Branch
Juneteenth at Youth Discovery Center
Learn about the history of Juneteenth and how this holiday is celebrated!
Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m., J. Erik Jonsson Central Library Children’s Center Craft Area (2nd Floor)
Juneteenth Dance Workshop
In honor of Juneteenth, Obiora Asiama will educate kids on the history of traditional African dances and will teach them a part of a dance. They will finish the dance workshop with a better understanding of African culture and will feel more in tune with how to express themselves through dance.
Tuesday, June 18 at 4 p.m., Mountain Creek Branch
This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.
Juneteenth Celebration
Come together for a special Juneteenth craft rooted in African American History. CAP Artist Renee Miche’al Jones will empower through art that celebrates African culture, heritage and contributions to society. Suggested audience: Teens.
Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m., Highland Hills Branch
This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.
Juneteenth Celebration: The Bandan Koro Experience
Enjoy a performance by Bandan Koro featuring a high energy interactive and dynamic display of African drumming, song and dance choreography while sharing history and cultural context.
Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m., Prairie Creek Branch
This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.
Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate freedom, culture, and creativity at our special Juneteenth event! We’re hosting a two-hour extravaganza filled with dance, music, and community spirit featuring the talented Jazz Becuzz and Rob Holbert Group!
Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m., Polk-Wisdom Branch
This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.
Juneteenth: Recipes and Remembering
Bring in your own family recipes and stories and add them to our Juneteenth display. All recipes and stories will be collected into a digital booklet to share!
Thursday, June 20 through Saturday, June 22, Preston Royal Branch
Juneteenth Spinners
Create your own one-of-a-kind Juneteenth spinner and learn more about Juneteenth!
Thursday, June 20 at 11 a.m., Lancaster-Kiest Branch
Juneteenth Suncatcher
Design a unique suncatcher inspired by the colors and symbols of the Juneteenth flag and reflecting the themes of Juneteenth: freedom, unity, and hope.
Thursday, June 20 at 4 p.m., Mountain Creek Branch
Visit Dallas
Dallas MLK Freedom Walk
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the celebration in Dallas. The festivities will begin with a 4K Freedom Walk, no matter what age, to advocate health and wellness for all attendees with an entry fee from $15-$135. This event will conclude with a free community festival featuring live entertainment, vendor product sales and fun activities for friends and family to enjoy.
Saturday, June 15 – 2922 MLK Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75215
Fair Park Juneteenth Festival Of Service
This free event at Fair Park will start with a day of serving in the community in Mill City, South Dallas. If volunteering and serving communities is your passion, Dallas welcomes your support in assisting with this beautification and revitalization project. All organizations, non-profits, churches, and community stakeholders are encouraged to participate.
Saturday, June 15 – Automobile Building, 1010 1st Ave, Dallas, TX 75210
Juneteenth Jubilee at Bachman Lake Branch Library
You won’t want to miss this event celebrating freedom and unity. The morning is filled with narrative sessions sharing the Juneteenth story. You will have the ability to immerse yourself in the beautiful story of resilience and freedom. It is a must for all attendees to walk through the Human Library experience while enjoying some fun activities commemorating the day. You have to act fast there is limited space available at this event. Must register to attend.
Sunday, June 16 – 9480 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas, TX 75220
Dallas Juneteenth Festival
Looking for a great place to celebrate with friends? Head over to Lofty Spaces for the TexasFoodFest.com Juneteenth Celebration. Enjoy live performances from local artists and dancers, and indulge in a variety of delicious offerings from numerous restaurants and food vendors. Art enthusiasts can explore the many art exhibits on display – you’ll find plenty of cool new pieces to admire and we hope you will even take one or a few home! The cost to attend is free but limited to one person per email. You can purchase the $5.00 ticket and have an opportunity to win $200 to shop at the event. The $80 tickets allows you to skip the lines to enter and at each vendor for the full VIP experience.
Sunday, June 16 – 816 Montgomery Street Dallas, TX 75215
Juneteenth Celebration @ Nash Davis Park
This community barbecue, hosted by the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation in collaboration with community leaders, will feature live musical performances, health resources, giveaways, free fun activities, and complimentary food and refreshments. Registration is not required.
Tuesday, June 18 – 3710 N Hampton, Dallas, TX 75212
Opal’s Walk for Freedom
If you are health-conscious, put on your walking shoes and join along for a meaningful community walk. You and your family will have the honor of walking 2.5 miles alongside the esteemed “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Opal Lee. A retired teacher and counselor, Opal Lee is also a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and a dedicated activist who played a pivotal role in making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday, who began the fight in 2016 at the age of 89. You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to walk with a living legend and advocate for freedom.
Wednesday, June 19 – 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210
Manifest Your Purpose Juneteenth Market 2024
As the week of celebration closes, join MYP on June 22nd for an exciting Juneteenth celebration! This day will be filled with shopping and networking opportunities featuring over 50 local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
To create special memories you will be able to capture Instagram-worthy moments at the photo op booth. There will be delicious food from local food vendors, and you can pick up a few items from art to men’s and women’s apparel. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event! It’s free to the general public, but registration is required.
Saturday – June 22 – 816 Montgomery Street, Dallas, TX 75215
Dallas Park and Recreation
Join us at one of these recreation centers to commemorate liberation and celebrate the journey to equality.
June 14
- Arcadia – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Eloise Lundy – 5 to 6:30 p.m.
June 15
- Hiawatha Williams – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Juanita J. Craft – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- K. B. Polk – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Martin Luther King Jr. – 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Nash Davis – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June 18
- Churchill – 3 to 6 p.m.
- Exline – 12 to 4 p.m.
- Fretz – 3 to 6 p.m.
- John C. Phelps – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Kiest – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Lake Highlands – 9 to 11 a.m.
- Park in the Woods – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Pleasant Oaks – 10 to 11 a.m.
- Thurgood Marshall – 5:30 t0 7:30 p.m.
June 20
- Exall – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June 21
- Timberglen – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
