While June 19 is recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth celebrations are already underway in Northeast Ohio and will continue through the end of the month.
June 19, 1865, marks the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston learned of their emancipation, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation giving enslaved people their freedom.
Signal Cleveland has created a list of events celebrating the holiday.
Cleveland Juneteenth events
Juneteenth Celebration at Soldiers and Sailors Monument
What: The celebration will focus on the origins of Juneteenth and include reading of General Order No. 3 and dialogue about its meaning. Story time featuring books from the Cleveland Public Library’s inventory, coloring stations, snacks and Monument tours will also be available. When: June 19, 11 am-3 pm. Where: 3 Public Square
What: Stop by the Memorial/Nottingham Branch of the Cleveland Public Library to learn about the history of Juneteenth while making keepsake buttons. Age-appropriate activities planned for teens and tweens. When: June 21, 1-3 pm. Where: 17109 Lakeshore Blvd.
Third Space Action Lab Bet on Black Events
What: Third Space Action Lab is celebrating Juneteenth by hosting events throughout the month including a Soiree Garden Party at the Rockefeller Greenhouse, a TSRR Book Club discussion of Happy Land, a meet and greet with authors Cebo Campbell and Bree Baker, an intergenerational lunch, a yoga/meditation session and much more. When: Select dates through June 29. Where: 1464 East 105th Street #302.
Suggested Reading
Akron events
Juneteenth 2025 with the Akron Urban League
What: Get ready for a day of live performances, Food trucks, Local vendors, Family-friendly activities and more at the Akron Urban League headquarters. This year’s theme, Stronger Together, reinforces the importance of unity and community resilience. This event is in collaboration with the Akron NAACP and The Freedom Bloc. When: June 21, 11 am-6 pm. Where: 440 Vernon Odom Blvd.
Juneteenth Celebration & Parade
What: Parade from the Buchtel Community Learning Center to the John Brown House (514 Diagonal Road). Activities include tours, live music, entertainment, vendors and more. When: June 21, Parade steps off at 11:30 am. Celebration from 12-3 pm. Where: 1040 Copley Road. Sponsored by the Village Keepers of Ohio, Buchtel PTA, and the Summit County Historical Society.
Juneteenth Musical Celebration at Jilly’s
What: B&V Community Resource House will host a Juneteenth celebration featuring live music, food and vendors.When: June 21, 7-11 pm. Where: 111 N. Main St.
[Correction: An earlier version of this listing said the Downtown Akron Partnership was a sponsor. It was just helping to promote the event.]
Cincinnati events
Juneteenth Jubilee at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
What: A day of dynamic live performances on the plaza and unique vendors awaits attendees. Inside the Freedom Center, guests can enjoy mini-tours and drop-in activities. Thanks to a generous donation from the Fifth Third Foundation, admission to the Freedom Center during this event is complimentary. When: June 19, 10 am-6:30 pm. Where: 50 East Freedom Way.
Juneteenth Block Party Celebration
What: The Urban League of Southwestern Ohio presents the 4th annual Juneteenth Block Party with food trucks, family-friendly games, and hands-on art, all while local radio legend Lincoln Ware broadcasts live from the event. When: June 19, 10 am-1 pm. Where: 3458 Reading Road.
Paloozanoire’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Block Party
What: Cincinnati’s largest and most-anticipated event returns with Food Truck Alley, DJs, an upgraded Family Zone and the return of the Homecoming Experience honoring the Divine 9 fraternities, sororities and alumni organizations. Free, but RSVP required. When: June 21, 4-11 pm. Where: The Banks, East Freedom Way.
Black Wall Street and Juneteenth Block Party
What: The Cincinnati Young Entrepreneurs and Sweet Sistah Splash present a young entrepreneurs business fair with food trucks, live music, line dance classes, a T-shirt printing station, youth resource speakers and much more. When: June 21, 12-4 pm. Where: Ziegler Park, 1322 Sycamore Street.
Columbus events
Juneteenth Commemoration at King Arts Complex
What: A day of activities including a Juneteenth Poetry Slam, community yard sale, live music, local vendors and more. When: June 19, 10 am-3pm. Where: 835 Mount Vernon Avenue.
What: Get ready for a vibrant celebration of culture, community and history through educational reenactments, food demonstrations, film screenings, live music and much more. This is a free event, but registration is strongly encouraged. When: June 19, 12-4 pm. Where: Ohio History Center, 800 East 17th Avenue.
What: The MLK branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library invites you to participate in their literary extravaganza! Indulge in books, authors, music, refreshments, prizes, children’s activities, health screenings and more! Register for this event through Eventbrite and be entered into a drawing for $25 gift cards. When: June 22, 1-5 pm. Where: 1467 East Long Street.
Juneteenth 2025 – Kelton House & Museum
What: The Kelton House Museum and Garden will host an afternoon of poetry readings, and African drumming by Akwaaba- an All-Women’s West African Drum Group. Poets include Susann Moeller, Chiquita Mullens Lee, Karen Scott and Rose M. Smith. Free admission, but please register. When: June 22, 2-5 pm. Where: 586 East Town Street.