Juneteenth is this Friday, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in the Queen City.
For those unaware, Juneteenth is a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth,” in reference to the day the Union army ended slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. Celebrations of Juneteenth began in the south the very next year. As time has progressed, every state recognized the day in some form or fashion by 1979, and it was made an official federal holiday in 2021.
Below is an inconclusive list of ways to celebrate the holiday—and our local Black community—all over town.
39th Annual Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival
Saturday – Sunday, Eden Park, 1501 Eden Park Dr, Mt. Adams
One of the oldest city-wide Juneteenth celebrations, this festival began in 1988 and has been going strong since. Across two days in Eden Park, guests will see plenty of vendors, food sellers, historical reenactments, educational opportunities and a bevy of entertainment across two stages.
Friday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, 3458 Reading Rd, Avondale
This festival from the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio is filled with food, fun, activities and more. The day begins with a new mural unveiling just down the road at 9 a.m. at the Holloman Center for Social Justice, then the party resumes at the Urban League headquarters. Local radio legend Lincoln Ware will broadcast the event on 1230 AM The Buzz.
Juneteenth Jubilee at Findlay Market
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Findlay Market, 1801 Race St, Over-the-Rhine
Findlay Market is hosting a massive, three-day celebration of Juneteenth all weekend long, but the culmination is their annual Juneteenth Jubilee, which has attendees come together for a celebration of Black culture full of food and music. Read more from us about Findlay Market’s weekend of Juneteenth celebrations here.
Friday, 6 p.m., Esoteric Brewing, 918 E McMillan St, Walnut Hills
Runners, walkers and community members are invited to celebrate Juneteenth at this 5K. Starting at Esoteric Brewing, the free event features both running and walking routes through the neighborhood, followed by an afterparty with music, fitness challenges, raffle prizes and Black-owned vendors.
Friday, 10 a.m., Freedom Center, 50 E Freedom Way, Downtown
Cincinnati is one of 11 cities to host this special event, as part of the Juneteenth celebration at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. It honors Dr. Opal Lee, an activist and teacher who is widely known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” for her efforts in pushing the day to become a federal holiday. Participants across the country will walk 2.5 miles simultaneously, symbolizing the approximately 2.5 years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free in 1865. Tickets are $39.
Freedom Center’s Juneteenth Jubilee
Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Freedom Center, 50 E Freedom Way, Downtown
Shortly after the walk listed above, the Freedom Center will take over Freedom Way downtown for an all-out bash featuring plenty of food, entertainment and live music. Museum admission is also free on Friday, with a special exhibit revolving around the theme “What does Afro-futurism mean to you?”
Friday, 4 – 7 p.m., Hirsch Recreation Center, 3630 Reading Rd, Avondale
This carnival event led by the Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association (CAFA) in partnership with the Avondale Community Council promises plenty of carnival rides, games, a live DJ and free food while supplies last. Attendees can learn about fire safety and explore a fire truck, and sign up for a raffle with prizes like Kings Island tickets, bicycles, electronics, gift cards and more.
Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom
Friday, 12 – 4 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St, Over-the-Rhine
Head to Washington Park for plenty of live speakers and performances all afternoon, with food trucks, Black-owned vendors and a special kids zone scattered throughout the park.
City of Florence Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, 12 – 5 p.m., Florence Nature Park, 7200 Nature Park Dr, Florence
Head across the river and bring your family and friends out for an afternoon filled with culture, connection, entertainment, education and celebration. Interactive art and education will be present at the festival alongside plenty of cultural performances.
Saturday, 6 p.m., Esoteric Brewing, 918 E McMillan St, Walnut Hills
This fashion event honoring Juneteenth features fashion runway sets, immersive performances from local musical talent, diverse vendors and much more. Admission is free.
