Celebrated every year on June 19, Juneteenth marks the day when African American slaves in Galveston, Texas, were told in 1865 that they had been freed, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation outlawed slavery and two months after the Civil War ended in April 1865.
As of 2021, Juneteenth is a national holiday, and Houstonians have celebrated it for decades; its proximity to Galveston makes it a special place for those who celebrate the day the very last slaves were freed.
On Saturday, Rep. Charlene Ward Johnson hosted the 2026 Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade. The celebration began at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center and ended at Dolly Wright Street.
See below for a list of events throughout Southeast Texas that commemorate Juneteenth.
Juneteenth 161 Fest: Home Base
Date: June 17
Hosted by the Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy, the cultural celebration will feature live performances (including a talent show), visual arts, and a community gathering honoring 161 years of freedom and resilience. The event is free to attend.
Click here for more details.
Harmonies of Heritage: A Juneteenth Celebration of African American Music
Dates: June 18, 25, 27, 30
Hosted by the Freedmen's Town Museums Houston, this event honors the physical and sonic history of our community through four incredible local musical icons: Dr. Anne Lundy, Ms. Ruth Stewart, Dr. Gloria Harrison-Quinlan, and Ms. Ina Zellers. The events on the dates above are free, but private tours of the museum are available.
Click here for more details.
Juneteenth: The Reunion 2026
Date: June 19
Hosted by Emancipation Park Conservancy, there will be live performances featuring national artists across R&B, Gospel, Southern Soul, Hip Hop, Jazz, and more, delivering a soundtrack that reflects the richness and diversity of our culture. The event is free to attend.
Click here for more details.
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Juneteenth Culture Fest at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Date: June 19
Featuring the legendary Maze "The Music is Forever" and the incomparable Chanté Moore, the Juneteenth Culture Fest is a soulful celebration of freedom, culture, and timeless sound, blending the heart of classic soul, the smoothness of R&B, and the rich grooves of funk and neo-soul for an unforgettable night of love, legacy, and music that moves the soul. A pop-up art gallery will also be available. The event is free to attend.
Click here for more details.
Juneteenth Celebration at Redemption Square
Date: June 19
Redemption Square is hosting an evening of music, guest speakers, food trucks, games, and so much more. Local food and artisan vendors will also be in attendance. The event is free to attend, but reserving a spot is recommended.
Click here for more details.
2026 Juneteenth Trail Ride and Parade hosted by Black Cowboy Museum
Date: June 19
Area trail ride associations, local businesses, car clubs, and African American churches will participate in a three-hour trail ride and parade, beginning at the proposed new location of the Black Cowboy Museum at 630 Charlie Roberts Lane, Kendleton, TX. The ride will begin at 9 a.m.
Juneteenth with Friends of The Sugar Land 95
Date: June 19
Friends of the Sugar Land 95 will celebrate Juneteenth and honor the lives and legacy of the Sugar Land 95. There will be a documentary screening, commemorative flag placing, and DNA collections.
Click here for more details.