Juneteenth is on Friday. The holiday marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received the news that they were free.
Experience Columbus has a list of events to mark the historic event and holiday.
Juneteenth On The Ave
Saturday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Mt. Vernon Avenue
Juneteenth on the Ave is a collaboration between community-based organizations around Columbus’ historic Mt. Vernon Avenue. The event includes performing and visual artists and promotes Black-owned businesses. It features archival community photographs, art exhibits, food trucks, games, health screenings and more. The event is free.
29th Annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival
Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. at Genoa Park
Throughout the 29 years of celebration, the Juneteenth Ohio Festival has emerged as an enjoyable family weekend of cultural discovery, filled with a variety of events that promote cultural unity, enrichment and ethnic diversity. Guests will enjoy activities such as a college and career fair, local food and live rock and reggae music. Admission is free daily from 12 p.m. -- 3 p.m.
Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival
Friday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave.
The Ohio History Connection features a 1890s Juneteenth observation in the Ohio Village. Activities will include historical interpretations, storytelling and dance. Admission is free, but advanced registration is strongly encouraged. Activities run from 12 p.m. -- 4 p.m.
Juneteenth Unity Barbeque
Saturday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Point of Pride Center, 1410 Cleveland Ave., South Linden
Columbus Public Health hosts the free event for residents to learn about local resources and more.
Reynoldsburg Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday from from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Huber Park
The free Reynoldsburg event will include spoken word performances, drumming and dancing, music, children's activities and food trucks.
New Albany Juneteenth Celebration
Friday from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany.
The free event features performances by The Chuck Starr Band, GOREE and the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, along with food trucks and local vendors.
SaturDAY Party: Juneteenth Edition
Saturday from 2 p.m. -- 2 a.m. at The Beeline, Easton Town Center
The entertainment lineup includes performances by Joey Aich, DJ Sequel and DJ Little Ratchet Soul.
