Celebrating Juneteenth 2025 in Houston and Galveston

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were declared free in Galveston, Texas. This day represents a powerful moment of justice and a pivotal step towards freedom and equality. Remembering Juneteenth’s importance honors the resilience and contributions of Black Americans. Celebrate the legacy of this historic milestone by taking part in these upcoming events in the Houston and Galveston area. 

Events in Houston 

Juneteenth Culture Fest, taking place at Miller Outdoor Theatre, will be a celebration of culture through music. 

Juneteenth Culture Fest 
Fri., June 13, 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Free
Celebrate Juneteenth through music at the Juneteenth Culture Fest at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Jam out to gospel, blues, R&B, neo-soul and funk stylings from artists including the Ernest Walker Band, LeToya Luckett, Madicin, Jenni P, and Ruben Studdard. The performance begins at 8:30 p.m. and is 2 hours long. All entry is free but covered seating must be reserved online.

Enjoy teacakes and red punch at The Heritage Society’s popular Black history tour.

Juneteenth at The Heritage Society
Sat., June 14, 19, 21, and 28, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
The Heritage Society Museum Gallery 
Free/ages 5 and under, $6/ages 6 to 12, $17/ages 21+, $14/ages 65+
Enjoy teacakes and red punch at The Heritage Society’s popular Black history tour. Explore the following three houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory for their “Routes of Enslaved Peoples’ Project” - 1847 Kellum-Noble House; 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage; and 1870 Yates House. 

Juneteenth Musical Tribute to the Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Sat., June 14, 4-9 p.m.
Emancipation Park
Free
Join in the 160th Juneteenth Celebration with a powerful Musical Tribute to the late, great Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. This high-energy celebration of freedom and legacy will feature soul-stirring performances by the Community Choir, the powerhouse vocals of Mary Griffin, gospel legend Yolanda Adams, and the funk pioneer himself George Clinton. Honor the incredible life and legacy of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, whose tireless dedication helped make Juneteenth a national holiday. 

Summer of Soul: Bank of America’s Screen on the Green
Sat., June 14, 7-10 p.m.
Discovery Green at Anheuser Busch Stage
Free
Enjoy the film Summer of Soul under the stars. Grammy nominated Uncle Jumbo will kick off the evening with songs and dance-a longs that focus on joy, connection, kindness, and wellbeing. In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents Summer of Soul, a powerful and transporting documentary – part music film, part historical record. The film is focused around the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African American music and culture and promoted Black pride and unity. Bring a blanket or camping chairs and snacks or a picnic.

A Voice Within
Tues., June 17, 7-9 p.m.
Emancipation Park
$25
Enjoy A Voice Within, a new song cycle by Houston Grand Opera Composer-in-Residence Joel Thompson and librettist and Houston poet laureate emeritus Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, presented in partnership with the Emancipation Park Conservancy and the African American History Research Center at the Gregory School. A Voice Within is comprised of 12 songs that share stories of Black Houstonians. The poems are based on interviews with longtime city residents, as well as oral histories from the collections of the Emancipation Park Conservancy and the Gregory School’s African American History Research Center. The performance will feature beloved soprano Nicole Heaston and rising baritone Justin Austin, accompanied by pianist Donald Lee III. Moderating a pre-performance panel discussion about the new song cycle will be Emmy Award-winning Houston broadcast journalist Linda Lorelle

Juneteenth Yoga in the Park 
Thurs., June 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Discovery Green at Anheuser Busch Stage
Free
Embrace the future, celebrate freedom, and pay tribute to the past with soul-nourishing yoga to celebrate Juneteenth. In collaboration with Rice University, Breathe Free 501c3, and Gold Yoga Institute, Discovery Green will be hosting an outdoor class with meditation and grounding sound therapy, as well as invigorating sun salutations and dance sessions. 

Commemorate Juneteenth at Children's Museum Houston's Juneteenth Celebration, including the powerful rhythms of the Joy of Djembe Drumming Ensemble.

Juneteenth Celebration at Children's Museum Houston
Thurs., June 19, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Children’s Museum Houston
Free
The Children’s Museum offers various ways to commemorate Juneteenth through its Juneteenth celebration! Experience the powerful rhythms of the Joy of Djembe Drumming Ensemble and DJ Ferbidden, who will also be playing upbeat music for all ages at the Juneteenth celebration. Ongoing events include making your own bright suncatcher flag, decorating paper plate wreaths, and viewing a spectacular one-day-only art display by T. Ellis! Admission is free with a ticket to the museum, available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Juneteenth Family Fun Day
Thurs., June 19, 12-4 p.m.
Emancipation Park
Free
Gather the entire family and enjoy a variety of activities at Emancipation Park including Small Vendor Market featuring small local businesses, food trucks, music, splash pads, giveaways & Juneteenth Art Installations, performances by Emancipation Senior Line Dancers, “The Project” a spoken word & musical tribute to Rev. Jack Yates presented by L.A.V.A. (12:00 pm), movie screening of Juneteenth Faith & Freedom at the Cultural Center from 4-6pm, and the Sheila Jackson Lee Exhibition “A Legacy of Leadership & Service” at the Cultural Center from 12-7 p.m.. 

Juneteenth Freedom and Friendship Celebration
Thurs., June 19, 12-5 p.m.
Community Artist Collective 
Free
Enjoy live music, BBQ food trucks and activities for all ages at the Juneteenth Freedom and Friendship Celebration with the Community Artist Collective and DiverseCity Realty. Celebrate this historic day of unity in a fun atmosphere from noon to five p.m. for free! 

Juneteenth Jam
Thurs., June 19, 5-8 p.m.
4112 Washington Ave
$7.18
Juneteenth Jam will be filled with music, food, and community to honor Black heritage, family, and independence. This event, which is being hosted by two Black women, Anniecia Marlena and Jasmine Leslie, is about more than simply networking; it's about connecting across generations, encouraging one another, and having a great time. 

Juneteenth at the Buffalo Soldiers Museum
Thurs., June 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat., June 20-21, 10 a.m-4 p.m.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Free
The Center for African American Military History (CAAMH), which operates the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM), will celebrate the 160th Anniversary of Juneteenth with a three-day celebration centered on community engagement, empowerment, and education. The celebration will include exhibits, panel discussions, artistic installations, and interpretations related to the Emancipation Proclamation complemented by a living history encampment.

Enjoy performances, an art-making workshop, and more, all with a focus on Black history, in honor of Juneteenth. 

A Juneteenth Celebration at Bayou Bend
Sat., June 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Free
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens hosts this family-centered program in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. Enjoy performances, an art-making workshop, and more, all with a focus on Black history. A drop-in art-making workshop, led by teaching artists Norola Morgan and Janice Warren, is open to all. In the house, docents are on hand to talk about aspects of the Bayou Bend Collection that connect to the story behind Juneteenth. 

Celebrate the rich history of Juneteenth with live music, food, and browsing vendors at the BLCK Market at Houston Botanic Garden.

Juneteenth Jamboree with Houston BLCK Market
Sat., June 21, 3-8 p.m.
Houston Botanic Garden
$12/adult, $8/child, senior, student,military
BLCK Market presents the largest monthly gathering of small black businesses to celebrate Juneteenth. Enjoy shopping, food. and live music before relaxing in the gardens with a soothing sound bath. 

Houston Juneteenth Soul Food Festival 
Sun., June 22, 12-6 p.m.
Glitz & Glam Events Center
$23.17
Savor a variety of dishes from over 20 different food vendors, such as oxtails, pork chops, greens, fried chicken, seafood, BBQ, funnel cake, turkey legs, tacos, and vegan and keto alternatives. Clothing, accessories, jewelry, bath & body, men's wear, health, and much more will be offered by a number of additional small business owners. 

Galveston Events

As the birthplace of Juneteenth, where General Gordon Granger issued the order that brought news of emancipation to the last enslaved people in the U.S., Galveston holds deep historical significance. The Juneteenth activities on Galveston Island are more than just a celebration; they encourage reflection, camaraderie, and a deeper understanding of the history of freedom. Activities, which range from parades and live music to storytelling, educational programs, and cultural exhibits, pay tribute to the past while empowering the present and future.

The Underground Railroad and Living History With the Buffalo Soldiers
Tues., June 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
1838 Menard House
Free
Visit the historic grounds of the 1838 Menard House, the oldest residence in Galveston, where history comes alive through outdoor programs and living history reenactments. The Buffalo Soldiers will host an encampment, offering an inspiring glimpse into their legacy and encouraging youth to connect with this proud heritage. Families are invited to bring sack lunches and enjoy picnicking under the open sky. 

Juneteenth Parade & Picnic 
Thurs., June 19, 3-4:30 p.m.
Ball St from 26th to 41st Galveston, Texas 77550
Free
The Parade will begin at 3 p.m. and end at Wright Cuney Park, where the picnic will immediately follow. This is a community event, open to all. Come out and enjoy the festivities!

Juneteenth 160: Freedom, Fireworks, & Family
Thurs., June 19, 3-9 p.m.
Menard Park
Free
Celebrate the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth at Menard Park with a day of remembrance, culture, and community. Sponsored by Councilmember Sharon Lewis and the City of Galveston, the event opens with remarks from Mayor Craig Brown. The night will include a tribute to local veterans, recognition of Galveston’s first Black lifeguard, a former Miss Juneteenth, spoken word, DJ Spicy, violinist Dominique Hammons, and author Anthony Griffin giving away books. Enjoy food trucks and end the night with fireworks over the Gulf! Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Juneteenth Red Carpet Meet & Greet 
Sat., June 21, 5-7 p.m.
The Grand Opera House
Free 
Take part in a Red Carpet Meet & Greet, presented by the San Antonio Juneteenth Freedom Coalition, Tray Brown, and April Winn! Get ready for a night filled with live entertainment, door prizes, and great company. Enjoy delicious food from Leon's BBQ, featuring the Freedom Burger from the Purple Majesty menu. Then, experience a powerful stage play by Connections In Texas, produced by Greg Ellis.

The Juneteenth historical marker is located on 2201 Strand Street in Galveston. One of over 200 markers on the island, the marker honors the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abe Lincoln and was sponsored by the Texas Historical Commision. (Photo courtesy of Galveston CVB)  

More Opportunities to Honor Juneteenth in Galveston 

Freedom Walk Tour
This free, self-guided tour takes participants through five historic sites that were instrumental in the events leading up to Juneteenth.

“And Still We Rise…” Exhibit at Ashton Villa 
This immersive exhibit features over 16 oral histories, historical documents, and digital displays that explain the legacy of Juneteenth. Visitors can engage with multimedia installations that highlight the contributions of Black Texans in shaping their own path to freedom. The exhibit is open Friday through Sunday, with group tours available by appointment. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 6–18), and free for children under 5. The exhibit is also open throughout June in celebration of Juneteenth. 

Juneteenth and Beyond Guided Tours
Galveston's first African American-led tour franchise offers guests a chance to explore the rich history and cultural significance of Juneteenth. Tours must be reserved and paid for ahead of time via their official website. Admission is $35.

The "Absolute Equality" Mural in Galveston. The mural, unveiled in 2021, intends for us to reconsider the role of monuments and memorials in telling significant moments in American history. (Photo courtesy of Galveston CVB) 

Absolute Equality Mural 
This 5,000 square foot mural was made by Houston artist Reginald C. Adams adorns the side of the Old Galveston Square Building on the Strand. It powerfully depicts the journey of Black Americans from slavery to freedom.