Table of Contents
Juneteenth is an annual holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States after the Civil War. Texas was the first to commemorate the holiday, even though we were the last to hear about the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Black Texans will be BBQing, parading, dancing, and communing with friends and family this weekend to celebrate Juneteenth on Monday, June 19th, and there are plenty of places around Austin where you can continue the party.
View this post on Instagram
Stay Black and Live: Juneteenth Festival
George Washington Carver Museum, Library & Genealogy Center
June 12 – 19th
Juneteenth is not the same without Stay Black & Live’s day-long music festival, with a stellar lineup of local Black talent like Mama Duke, WC Clark, Ivy Roots, and more. In response to the ongoing global health crisis and endemic violence experienced by Black and Brown people, in 2020—the Carver Museum and Six Square joined forces to create Stay Black and Live. What started as a livestream has now become a fixture of Austin’s citywide Juneteenth celebrations. This year’s weeklong festival runs from June 12 -19, 2023.
Freedom & Juneteenth: A Night of Jubilation
Pease Park – The Tudor Cottage & Terrace
1100 Kingsbury Street
Austin, TX 78703
Thursday, June 15th at 7 pm
Join us for an enchanting night of jubilation, screenings, and commemoration of Juneteenth, as we honor the rich and inspiring history of Austin’s Black Freedom Communities. We invite you to revel in the festivities and engage in enlightening discussions that will deepen your understanding of this significant cultural event. Let us come together in a spirit of merriment and reflection as we celebrate this momentous occasion.
- 7:00 arrive & get food
- 7:30 panel discussion
- 8:30 documentary discussion & preview
Panelists:
- Dr. Tara Dudley, Assistant Professor, UT Austin
- Funmi Ogunro, Director / Editor / Producer of the upcoming documentary on Black Freedom Communities
- Harrison Eppright, Manager, Visit Austin
- Rachel E. Winston, Black Diaspora Archivist, UT Austin
- Cullen Cooper, Producer
- Stephanie Lang, Creative Producer
- Shanisha Johnson, Central Texas Juneteenth
Central Texas Juneteenth Parade & Celebration
Chicon St, Between E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Rosewood Ave & Rosewood Park
Saturday, June 17th at 9:30 am
Celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 17th the OG Austin way: with a parade on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The route travels down Chicon Street and ends at the corner of Chestnut and Pleasant Valley. Families are encouraged to bring their young ones and join in on the festivities at Roseward Park following the parade.
View this post on Instagram
Black Makers Market
African American Cultural and Heritage Facility
912 East 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
Saturday, June 17th at 2 pm
Discover and support 40+ incredible Black-owned businesses at the Black Makers Market, a vibrant community event with art, food, fashion, and more! This outdoor, family-friendly event promises an unforgettable experience that highlights the talent and creativity within our community. Don’t miss the chance to find unique products, artwork, and delicious treats while enjoying an afternoon filled with good vibes.
The Black Makers Market is a lively celebration of Black culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Here’s what you can expect:
- 40 exceptional Black-owned businesses offering a diverse array of products and services
- The hottest DJ sets to keep the energy high and your feet moving
- Mouthwatering food options from local Black-owned bakers and eateries
- A dedicated kids’ corner with fun activities and engaging experiences
- An Instagram-worthy photo op to capture memories of this special event
Join this free, in-person outdoor event and show your support for our thriving Black community. Interested in showcasing your business as a vendor? Apply now at blackmakersmarket.com/apply.
View this post on Instagram
Juneteenth Freedom Fest
Colony District Park
Saturday, June 17th
The Austin Area Urban League puts on a Freedom Fest every year, so make sure to celebrate the rich culture and history of Juneteenth with music, barbecue, and time with family and friends here.
Art Noir: A Juneteenth Celebration
2324 Studios & ATX Urban Art Store
2324 East Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78702
Sunday, June 18th at 6 pm
Art Noir is a Juneteenth immersive art experience that celebrates the intersection of music, visual art, and dope vibes. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Art Noir as you sip on handcrafted Tito’s cocktails, move to the beats of DJ Lauren Light, and explore the mesmerizing works of local black visual artists. This event is not to be missed, so mark your calendars and prepare to witness the magic of Art Noir, Juneteenth weekend.
View this post on Instagram
Juneteenth Celebration at Antone’s
Antone’s Nigthclub
305 East 5th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Monday, June 19th at 5:30 pm
Tickets to this Austin Juneteenth celebration are $19 and include 1 cocktail, 1 free raffle ticket, entry to Antone’s Blues Show happening after the panel!
5:30pm – The event will kick off with a happy hour featuring a special Juneteenth cocktail, accompanied with sound by Dj KayCali!
6:30pm – To follow is the panel discussion where we’ll sit with Chris Tobar (OfColor) as he breaks down “How To Keep the Creative Fire Burning While Facing the Realities of Being Black in America/in Austin” with local innovators within various fields. Panelists include Kam Franklin (singer, songwriter), Kalu (Kalu and the Electric Joint), Richard Samuel (Riches Art Gallery), Magna Carda (Hip-Hop Duo), Raasin McIntosh (Raisin In The Sun). They’ll give their insight and perspective on mental health, time management, and what they do as impactful movers in the community to stay grounded through all your efforts of taking and making space out here in Austin.
Until 10pm – You’ll have the opportunity to shop and learn about local products/merchandise from some local black vendors during our night market with DJ Ashmar!
Carrying the Torch: A Juneteenth Remembrance and Reading for the Future
Texas Capitol
1100 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Tuesday, June 20th at 7 pm
Join Torch Literary Arts for this special event to acknowledge the historical significance of Juneteenth and celebrate the accomplishments of the African American community. Poets, writers, and guest speakers will share original work to acknowledge the federal holiday and celebrate the future of African Americans in Texas.
Note: This event takes place at 2 locations.
7 pm – Texas African American History Memorial at the Texas Capitol (speeches & readings) Located to the left near the South Gate entrance at Congress and 11th Street.
8 pm – African American Cultural and Historical Facility (readings, dancing, and food) 912 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
This event is free. Donations are appreciated by those who are able to support Torch.
We’ll start at the Texas African American History Memorial at the Texas Capitol and keep the celebration going at the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility.
Join us for presenters: Amanda Johnston, Ebony Stewart, Stephanie L. Lang, Florinda Bryant, and Tova Charles! Learn More
Book giveaway! Get your signed copy of Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom by Sharon Dennis Wyeth.
Music by DJ Aquamanchill
Soul Food by Mashae’s Catering
Menu: Smothered Chicken, BBQ Beef Sausage, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Collard Greens, Four Mac & Cheese, Jalapeños Cheddar Muffins, Mini Red Velvet Bundt Cakes, Peach Tea, and Rum Punch
Looking for more ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Austin? Check out these Black-owned restaurants this weekend!
Featured Image Credit: AustinTexas.org