Spirit of Freedom
Nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Texas with news of freedom on June 19, 1865. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day.
In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday, providing the opportunity for all Americans to better understand the evolution of our nation and its people, celebrating African American resilience and achievement, and preserving the history of Freedom Day.
The Juneteenth Cincinnati organization has produced an annual Juneteenth Festival in the city since 1988. The festival began at Daniel Drake Park in Kennedy Heights and in the early 1990s moved to Eden Park, in partnership with the Cincinnati Parks.
Juneteenth flag-raising ceremonies will be held on Friday, June 16 at the Hamilton County Courthouse and Cincinnati City Hall, kicking off a weekend of celebration.
Along with a two-day festival in Eden Park, other celebrations will be held over the weekend, leading up to Monday’s holiday.
Cincinnati’s 36th Annual Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 17, 12–9 p.m.
Eden Park, 950 Eden Park Drive
juneteenthcincinnati.org
The festival’s diverse, family-friendly, and free activities include traditional storytelling and games in supervised children’s area. Other programs include health screenings, historical re-enactors, and the inaugural Juneteenth Chess Tournament from ChessTime, a new Cincinnati chess club.
With two stages, the day’s entertainment includes music, dance, and poetry performers. Food truck and vendors include Fullman’s Treats, We Do BBQ, Southern Bell, Sundae Skool Bus, and more.
The celebration continues on Sunday, with June Fest: A Father’s Day Concert from 2–6 p.m., featuring a variety of inspirational spiritual music and praise dancing in Seasongood Pavilion.
4th Annual Paloozanoire Juneteenth Block Party
Saturday, June 17, 4–11 p.m.
Freedom Way at The Banks
More information
At this annual Juneteenth Block Party presented by Fifth Third Bank, everyone is invited to celebrate with good vibes and inclusivity.
The JBP is dedicated to the people –i ncluding families, creatives, entrepreneurs and those climbing the corporate ladder.
FREE, registration is required at the link above.
SpeakFreely: Juneteenth Evening at the Museum
Saturday, June 17, 6:30–10 p.m.
Tickets: $10 members, $20 non-members
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way
freedomcenter.org/voice/event/speakfreely/
For Juneteenth, the oldest celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, the Freedom Center has an evening with music, poetry, food and drink sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group. Playing off the idea of a “speakeasy,” SpeakFreely takes guests back to an era of underground speakeasies that brought people from all backgrounds together in a social setting.
Experience music from Destiny L and Chasing Dreams, ranging from classics to current hits in jazz, R&B and blues. Through the rich history of these musical styles, guests can experience the social connection and artistic expression born in the speakeasy era. In addition to the performances, tickets include access to the museum galleries, light bites and a cash bar.
The evening is a way to celebrate freedom, honor history and create new memories in a spirit of unity and appreciation for the contributions of African-Americans.
Juneteenth Panel Discussion & Tasting Event
Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 18, 5 p.m.
Findlay Market, 1801 Race St.
www.findlaymarket.org/marketevents/juneteenth
Juneteenth at the Market
Participating Merchants
A “Mother's Touch” Cakes – Gourmet Mini Cupcakes
A&D Ernest – Jollof rice (mild, medium/regular and spicy)
Bouchards – Fried Green Tomatoes
Chamaele – Honey Straws
Chico's Cheesecakes v Cheesecake brownies and cheesecake bites
Dat's Ole School Cookin’ – Spicy Cat Fish Bits and Miniature Cajun Corn on Cob or Peach Cobbler Pudding
Flash in the Pan – Corn & Edamame Salad
Flavors of the Isle – Jerk Chicken
Gramma Debbies Kitchen – Collard & Kale Greens with Onions and Smoked Turkey Legs, Paired with a Piece Cornbread.
Honey Child Artisan Pops – Mini Pop
Makers Bakers Co. – Grandmas Original Pound Cake or You Don’t Know Watermelon Salad
Miley Pooh Sweets – Peach Cobbler Cake Babies or Golden Oreo Pound Cake
NayNays – Choice of Jalapeño bread, Cheese and Garlic Bread or Monkey Bread
Head's Up Trading Co. – $1.50 off an item
Creative Candle – $1.50 off an item
Flash in the Pan – Corn & Edamame Salad
Juneteenth at the Market is a two-day event to celebrate and showcase the Black-owned businesses and community partners at Findlay Market.
The weekend will kick off on Saturday, June 17, with a discussion with community leaders and business owners to discuss the history and importance of the Juneteenth. Tickets are free, but reservations are requested. Kara Willis from The Mercantile Library will moderate.
The afternoon includes performances programmed by It’s Commonly Jazz! from Erwin Stuckey and his Omega Band (1–3 p.m.) and Paul Hawthorne & Company (4–6 p.m.)
On Sunday, a ticketed event features Black-owned businesses, with 100% of the ticket proceeds going back to those businesses. Attendees can redeem tickets for small bites at merchants and vendors, with each ticket good for one sample.
Enjoy music performances by Tracy Walker & Friends, Aprina Johnson, and Nick Jackson Speaks.
A limited number of tickets will be for sale on-site at 10 a.m. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended! Juneteenth at Findlay Market is sponsored by SEI and Pope Financial Planning.
YBG Juneteenth Block Party Vendor Registration
Saturday, June 17, 2–6 p.m.
Ziegler Park, 1322 Sycamore St.
More information
The Young Black Genius (YBG) celebrate the history and culture of the African-American community, with a day of live performances, , games, music and more. Local food trucks and vendors will also be at the park.
The Cincinnati Young Entrepreneurs Market will be onsite with information on youth resources, including job opportunities, sports activities and leadership programs.