On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were freed by executive decree. Since then, Juneteenth has been celebrated as a day of independence, starting with the newly freed people in Texas.
Juneteenth has been celebrated for years, but in 2021, it became a federal holiday.
Here is where to celebrate the country’s second Independence Day this year in central Ohio.
Events in the city
Juneteenth on the Ave will take place on June 20 from 12 to 6 p.m. on Mt. Vernon Avenue, in the heart of King-Lincoln Bronzeville. The celebration is built on the pillars of honoring collective history, celebrating freedom and empowering and inspiring liberation. The family-friendly event will feature live music, art, vendors and local resources.
The Juneteenth Ohio Festival is a two-day celebration from 12 to 10 p.m. at Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., on June 19 and 20. Admission is free from 12 to 3 p.m., but starting at 3 p.m., tickets are $20 for adults, while children’s entry remains free. The 29th annual festival will include live performances, food, children’s activities, a virtual Underground Railroad exhibit and a college career fair.
On June 18, State Senator Hearcel F. Craig is hosting a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at 11:15 a.m. at the Ohio Statehouse, West Plaza (High Street side), 1 Capitol Square. The East High School Band will be performing. The event can also be viewed live on The Ohio Channel. Juneteenth Ohio also advertised this event and will have a representative speak during the celebration.
Ohio History Connection will host a Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival from noon to 4 p.m. on June 19 at Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Avenue. The event is free and open to the public. While centered on history, culture and community, events will include performances, food tastings, live music and dance.
Learning-based community events
For Juneteenth, the Columbus Metropolitan Library is having a Black author spotlight on June 14. The third annual Juneteenth BASH (Black Author Spotlight on Heritage) is held at the Martin Luther King Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 1467 E. Long St., from 1 to 5 p.m. The event will include spoken word, music and storytelling, children’s activities, food trucks and more. The event is free, but it is possible to register for tickets ahead of time at eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-bash-2026-black-authors-spotlight-on-heritage-tickets.
The Lincoln Theatre Association is hosting Juneteenth Legacy, an interactive community learning event, from 10 a.m to 3 p.m on June 19 at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. Events include a quilting class, food tasting lab, community drum and dance class, a mural walk and interactive archival work based in the Columbus community.
Food and fun
Noniknows Edwin Healing House is hosting a Juneteenth community gathering: THE CHILL OUT: Sip & Sooth is an ancestral reconnection and release at Bicentennial Park, 233 S. Civic Center Drive, from noon to 5 p.m. June 20 to 21. The event will feature music, a guided somatic release, space for rest reflection and connection, refreshments and snacks. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/the-chill-out-sip-soothe-tickets.
On June 13 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Sunset Park Franklinton, 210 S. Glenwood Ave., there will be a Juneteenth Cookout Day Party. Tickets to the cookout include two drinks, a plate and entry. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/the-cookout-day-party-tickets.
Columbus Cultural Orchestra is hosting Juneteenth Jams on June 13 at the Harmony Project, 4411 Tamarack Blvd. The event will feature student performances of orchestra favorites and original student beats and songwriting. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the show is at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit ccomusic.org/events/juneteenth-jams.
On June 19 from 6 to 9 p.m., United Skates of America, 3362 Refugee Road, is hosting a Juneteenth celebration roller-skating night in honor of the holiday and Black music month. Admission is $11 and skate rental is $6.
Events for those 21 and up
Urban Audio Collective is hosting a JuneTeenth Artist Showcase on June 19 at 1380 Sullivant Ave. from 7 to 11:30 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. The event is for those 21 and older and will have live music, dancing and concessions. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-artist-showcase-tickets.
The Beeline at Easton Town Center, 3989 Merchants Row, is having a Juneteenth Edition of its SaturDAY Party from June 20 at 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on June 21. The event is for those 21 and older and will include live music and drink specials throughout the night.
Neighborhood events
Bexley: The Bexley Public Library is having a Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom & Resilience at Jeffrey Mansion Carriage House on June 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be live music, student artwork, student spoken word and student performances.
Hillard: The city is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration at the Station with music from The Flex Crew, as well as community art projects. The event is on June 18 at Hilliard’s Station Park, 4021 Main St. from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
New Albany: The 2026 Juneteenth Celebration will take place June 19 at the Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Road. Gates open at 6 p.m., but food trucks and live music will be available starting at 5 p.m. There will be roller skating, local vendors and live music.
Reynoldsburg: The city will have a Juneteenth Celebration on June 20 at Huber Park, 1640 Davidson Drive, from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be food, live music and community resources, as well as an opportunity to shop and support Black-owned businesses.
Whitehall: There will be a Juneteenth celebration hosted by NPHC Columbus on June 20 at John Bishop Park, 4815 Etna Road, from 1 to 5 p.m. The event is free and will include food trucks, vendors and live music.
Reporting Intern Ella Diehl can be reached at ediehl@dispatch.com
(This story was updated to correct information regarding the flag-raising event at the Ohio Statehouse.)
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How to celebrate America’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth, in Columbus
Reporting by Ella Diehl, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ella Diehl, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
