Juneteenth is only a month or so away, TBAY. The National Juneteenth Museum says the holiday is a day to “celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation’s enforcement and the liberation of the remainder of the enslaved both in Texas and throughout the newly reformed United States.”
This year, the federal holiday falls on Wednesday, June 19. And we’ve pulled together 10+ standout options to take part:
Editor’s note: Some of these events require tickets or registration, so be sure to sign up before.
Juneteenth Lunch and Learn | Friday, June 14 |11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Hilton Carillon, 950 Lake Carillon Dr., St. Pete | $136 | Aja McNair, an experienced education curriculum consultant, shares collective and independent strategies to support reading among young African scholars.
Shades of Pride: Juneteenth | Friday, June 14 + Saturday, June 15 | Times vary | The Factory, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Pete | Free | The festival, which highlights the Black and Brown experience of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Tampa Bay area, features a poetry slam, night party, panel discussions, live musical performances, and The Honors Ball.
Juneteenth Cultural Celebration | Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa | Free with ticket | The downtown museum’s celebration includes art-making activities, live music and performances, family portraits, and food trucks — plus, you can donate to the Juneteenth Cultural Celebration Purchase Fund.
R.O.C. the Block | Saturday, June 15 | 3-9 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | Free with ticket | The 4th annual festival takes over Ray Jay with live music and performances, a video game truck, 20+ food vendors, local shops, kids activities, and a fireworks show to cap off the night.
PWRTRC Juneteenth Music Festival | Saturday, June 15 | 4-9 p.m. | Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr. SE, St. Pete | $40 | Rock out to musical acts like Shawn Brown, one of the world’s top Hammond organ jazz musicians, and the local fave Beat Down Band, plus take kiddos to the a hockey shooting rink or to meet Marvel characters.
R.O.C. the Block has activities for the whole family.
Photo via @yokieempire
Juneteenth 5K CommUnity Walk/Run | Sunday, June 16 | 8 a.m. | 2401 E. Yukon St., Tampa | Free with registration | Pull on the Hokas for a community run + walk in honor of Juneteenth + to bring awareness to diabetes prevention.
AfroCAN 2024: Juneteenth Fest | Sunday, June 16 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1000 E. Harrison St., Tampa | Free entry | Dress in Afro-inspired chic attire, shop the vendor village featuring Black-owned businesses, learn more about the holiday, enjoy African American dishes, and bring a blanket to enjoy live music and performances on the lawn.
Arts Legacy Remix: Juneteenth | Monday, June 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | Free | Join for spoken remembrances, writings of historical importance, and an original performance of music, poetry, and dance crafted for the night.
Juneteenth Pints of Science and Vendor Fair | Tuesday, June 18 | 6-9 p.m. | New World Tampa, 810 E. Skagway Ave., Tampa | Free with registration | Listen to experts from the University of South Florida, the Arts Conservatory for Teens, and the Tampa Bay History Center discuss art, history, and healthcare.
Good Stock Out of St. Pete Mentorship Expo | Monday, June 17 + Tuesday, June 18 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Pete | Free | Kids can ponder career tracks and make connections with professionals and local resources — make sure to register.
Juneteenth Summer Block Party | Wednesday, June 19 | 4 p.m. | Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1000 E. Harrison St., Tampa | Free | Hosted by the Tampa Police Department and the Black History Committee, the event features food trucks, games, and more.
