Learn about the history of the Juneteenth holiday
Juneteenth is held on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. It is also known as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day.
The Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, but many African American people living in geographically secluded communities still did not know they were free. This was especially true in Texas where the presence of Union troops was not significant enough to fully enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the emancipation of all enslaved African American people.
Visit the Huntsville Revisited Museum located inside the H.C. Blake Art & History Center. Curator William Hampton has an incredible amount of knowledge, stories, and memorabilia to share. Learn about everything from Huntsville's Black Business District to the Rocket City connection to Black Wall Street in Tulsa.
Juneteenth Celebrations & Events
Black Restaurant Week | June 13 through June 22, 2025
Black Restaurant Week Huntsville is excited and looking forward to continuing its week of events and support of every restaurant, chef, vendor, and owner of anything connected to feeding the Rocket City for the 10th year. This year’s 10-day celebration will be more exciting, informative, and inclusive. The year’s highlighted event will be the Rocket City Rodeo Southern Soul and R&B Festival. There will be live music, food trucks, food vendors, and vendors.
Learn more about Black Restaurant Week events here.
RESCHEDULED! Annual Juneteenth Festival | June 28, 2025 | 5-9 PM
The City of Huntsville’s annual Juneteenth Festival returns to Big Spring Park on Saturday, June 28 (originally scheduled for June 14 and postponed due to inclement weather). Presented by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Amazon, this free, family-friendly event runs from 5–9 p.m. and features live performances, hands-on STEAM activities, and a festive fireworks finale. Highlights include a dynamic set by headliner Element XI and an opening performance by the Huntsville Community Drumline.
Learn more about the event here.
1865 Juneteenth Event at Signals Museum | June 19, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Juneteenth Summer Skate Jam at The Orion Amphitheater | June 21, 2025
Enjoy live afrobeats curated by DJ Lisha & DJ B Short, grab eats from food trucks and sip on drink specials, shop with local vendors celebrating Black excellence
Don’t have skates? Rent a pair on-site from Pop-Up Skates for $12 (Inline and quad skates welcome; skateboards, longboards, and one-wheels are not permitted)
EVENT SCHEDULE
Family Skate: 5 PM – 8 PM
Adult Skate (18+): 8 PM – 11 PM
Learn more about the event here.
5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at The Camp | June 21, 2025 | 12 PM - All Day
The Camp is thrilled to announce the 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at The Camp, a cornerstone event in the community's celebration of freedom and culture. Not only can you attend the festival, but there will be a market from 12 PM - 6 PM as well!
Join us Saturday, June 21, from 12 PM – all day, to celebrate Juneteenth by supporting local Black-owned businesses, food trucks, and creators. This event is free and family-friendly with live performances all day.
Learn more about the event here.
Run with Kenyans: Kalenjin Heritage 5k run and 1 mile fun walk - June 22, 2025 | 7:30 - 10:30 AM
Celebrate Juneteenth weekend with the Annual Gotabgaa International Conference in Huntsville! Join the 5K Run & 1-Mile Family Fun Walk, meet Olympic athletes, and enjoy Kenyan music, food, and culture in a vibrant celebration of health, unity, and community.
Learn more about the event here.
