What is Juneteenth? Find Columbus area celebrations
Looking for a way to celebrate Juneteenth? We've got a round up of events around the Columbus area.
Juneteenth is recognized annually on the June 19. Here's why and how the Columbus area is celebrating.
What is Juneteenth?
Formally titled Juneteenth National Independence Day, the holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Though former President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, news of the signing didn't reach Galveston, Texas, until June 19, 1865. Upon receiving the news, Galveston's freed slaves broke into celebration.
Since then, people elsewhere in Texas and all throughout the United States have begun celebrating the abolishment of slavery on June 19. Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021.
What Juneteenth celebrations are being held in the Columbus area?
Bach to Biggie: A Juneteenth Concert
When: 6-7:15 p.m. and 8-9:15 p.m. on June 16
Where: Ross Community Studio at the WOSU headquarters, 1800 N. Pearl St.
Price: $20 for adults, $10 for students, free for children
Details: The Columbus Cultural Orchestra will mix tunes from classical composers like Bach with recent hip-hop legends like The Notorious B.I.G. Tickets are being sold online.
Bexley Juneteenth Celebration
When: 6-8 p.m. on June 19
Where: Jeffrey Mansion Shelter House, 165 N. Parkview Ave.
Price: Free
Details: Community members will gather to hear a keynote speaker and a musical performance. Though burgers, hot dogs and vegetarian food is provided, guests are encouraged to bring shareable side dishes. Reserve a spot online through Eventbrite.
Grange Insurance Audubon Center Juneteenth and Summer Celebration
When: 3-7:30 p.m. on June 17
Where: Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 505 W. Whittier St.
Price: Free
Details: Author Carolyn Finney will speak and lead a talk and walk. Following, food trucks will be available before a live jazz band kicks off a performance at 6 p.m. Register online.
Inaugural Juneteenth Parade
When: 10 a.m. on June 19
Where: Begins at East Hudson Street and travels south on Cleveland Avenue to 11th Avenue
Price: Free
Details: Join the Linden community in catching floats, marching bands and community organizations in a celebration of cultural unity.
Jubilee Day Festival, Columbus
When: 12-4 p.m. on June 18
Where: Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Ave.
Price: Free
Details: Those looking for fun and reflection time can get both at this event, hosted by the Ohio History Connection, which includes a parade and a church service. Registration is available online.
Juneteenth: A Celebration for the Soul, Columbus
When: 6 p.m. on June 19
Where: Kelton House Museum and Garden, 586 E. Town St.
Price: Free
Details: The museum will open at 4 p.m. and the event begins at 6 p.m. with a keynote address from singer, poet and entertainer Gabrielle Solange. There will be music. Food and drinks music will be available. Online registration is encouraged.
Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom, Westerville
When: 12-4 p.m. on June 24
Where: Alum Creek Park North, 221 W. Main St.
Price: Free
Details: Vendors, food trucks and kids activities will be present at this event, which is hosted by WeRISE for Greater Westerville, a community group that works to end racism. Get an eTicket at no cost via Eventbrite.
Juneteenth on the Ave., Columbus
When: Noon-6 p.m. on June 17
Where: Mt. Vernon Avenue between North 17th Street and St. Clair Avenue (Mayme Moore Park)
Price: Free
Details: Join the King Arts Center and a number of groups in celebrating the holiday by enjoying the arts and supporting Black-owned businesses. More information is available online.
Juneteenth Skate Party, Columbus
When: 6-9 p.m. on June 16
Where: United Skates of America, 3362 Refugee Road
Price: $9 admission, $5 for skate rental
Details: Kick off the holiday weekend with some family-friendly fun at the rink. All adult skaters must fill out a liability waiver form, which is available on the United Skates of America website.
JuneteenthOhio Festival, Columbus
When: Noon-11 p.m. on June 17 and 18
Where: Genoa Park, 303 W Broad St.
Price: Free until 3 p.m. daily. Then $15 per day per adult if purchased online or $20 at the gate
Details: Enjoy reggae, blues and gospel music at this annual event, which also features soul food and a college and career fair. A weekend-long activities schedule, online ticket information and more available at juneteenthohio.com.
Major Taylor Cycling Club Juneteenth Community Ride, Columbus
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 10
Where: St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 639 E. Long St.
Price: Free
Details: Those looking to get active for Juneteenth can participate in one of two bike treks: a 20-mile ride at 10 a.m., or a 10-mile, family-friendly ride at 10:30. Register online using Eventbrite.
New Albany Juneteenth Celebration
When: 4-8 p.m. on June 19
Where: Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin-Granville Road
Price: Free
Details: Enjoy six music and arts performances, plus food trucks and activities for kids. An itinerary is available online.
Nothing But Brunch, Columbus
When: 2-10 p.m. on June 18
Where: Marvin's Restaurant and Longue, 460 S. Front St.
Price: $10-$20
Details: Celebrate the holiday with brunch, booze and bops. Event leader DJ TeaBee aims to bring people together over African music. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
The Revival Open Mic Experience, Columbus
When: 8:30-10:30 p.m. on June 18
Where: Wild Goose Creative, 188 Mc Dowell St.
Price: $20
Details: Creative minds can showcase their skills on the mic or enjoy other performances, as well as food, raffles and local vendors. Tickets are being sold on Eventbrite.
Reynoldsburg Juneteenth Celebration
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 17
Where: Huber Park, 1640 Davidson Dr.
Price: Free
Details: At this suburban gathering, attendees can start the morning with a "Unity in the Community" 5K and health screenings. More information is available on the Reynoldsburg website.
Hosting a Juneteeth event in the greater Columbus area and want to be added to our list? Email jnimesheim@dispatch.com by Friday, June 16.
JNimesheim@dispatch.com
@JackNimesheim
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What is Juneteenth? Find Columbus area celebrations
