Here are 9 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Central Florida

Gene Saladna
·3 min read
12

For more than 150 years, June 19 has been a day to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States.

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Communities across the country will be marking the day when in 1865 slaves in Texas learned that they, and all other slaves in the U.S., had been granted freedom.

And Central Florida is no exception.

Over the next two weekends, cities and towns across the area have planned festivities for residents to partake in the celebration.

READ: Juneteenth: What is it; what to know about the holiday that celebrates slavery’s end

Read on to find an upcoming Juneteenth event near you.


BREVARD COUNTY

Cocoa Arts & Cultural Celebration

Features live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and a local legends display inside the Civic Center.

  • Date: June 10

  • Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Location: Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Boulevard, Cocoa, FL 32922


LAKE COUNTY

City of Groveland Juneteenth Celebration

Groveland’s third annual Juneteenth event will celebrate with cultural dance and stepping performances, a barbecue competition, music, and a guest speaker.

  • Date: June 16

  • Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Location: Lake David Park, 450 South Lake Avenue, Groveland, FL 34736

READ: What is Juneteenth? 5 things to know


MARION COUNTY

Ocala Juneteenth Celebration

The Ocala Juneteenth Celebration Commission will host an event featuring food, vendors, entertainment, and more.

  • Date: June 17

  • Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Location: Webb Field, 1501 West Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL 34475


ORANGE COUNTY

Eatonville Juneteenth Parade 2023

“Celebrate, Educate & Unite” is the theme of this year’s Eatonville Juneteenth parade. The parade travels east on Kennedy Boulevard from Keller Road to West Avenue

  • Date: June 17

  • Time: 10 a.m.

  • Location: Eatonville, FL


City of Orlando 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

The event will feature live music and entertainment, a kid’s zone, vendor village, and food trucks.

  • Date: June 17

  • Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Location: Clear Lake Park, 2301 29th Street, Orlando, FL 32805

Parramore Juneteenth 407 BLK YRD Block Party

The Juneteenth block party heads back to Parramore to take over Creative Village! Festivities will include food trucks, DJs, performances, vendors, kids’ activities, and an art walk.

  • Date: June 17

  • Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Location: Luminary Green Park, 437 North Terry Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801


OSCEOLA COUNTY

City of Kissimmee Juneteenth Festival

Bring the family to Kissimmee’s Juneteenth Festival — a celebration of community, culture, and unity. The event will include live music, delicious food, and craft vendors.

  • Date: June 17

  • Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Location: Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 69 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34741


SEMINOLE COUNTY

Sanford Juneteenth Block Party

Enjoy food, vendors, music, and more at a block party in Ft. Mellon Park.

  • Date: June 17

  • Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Location: Ft. Mellon Park, 600 East 1st Street Sanford, FL 32771

Sanford will hold its Juneteenth block party on June 17.
Sanford will hold its Juneteenth block party on June 17.


VOLUSIA COUNTY

Daytona Beach Juneteenth Community Parade

In partnership with Bethune Cookman University, NAACP, City of Daytona Beach, and Habitat for Humanity, the 1st Juneteenth Parade will feature bands, floats, and community organizations.

  • Date: June 17

  • Time: 10 a.m.

  • Location: 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

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