Juneteenth events abound in Jackson. Here is a rundown to help you celebrate

Kiara Fleming, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·3 min read
1
Chiquila Pearson and Jerry Jenkins, left, of Hasan Drums, lead Kuku or a celebration dance, during a past Jackson area Juneteenth celebration.
Chiquila Pearson and Jerry Jenkins, left, of Hasan Drums, lead Kuku or a celebration dance, during a past Jackson area Juneteenth celebration.

Juneteenth, the day set aside to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the U.S. were freed, was made a federal holiday in 2021.

The holiday is observed on June 19 each year unless that date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case the holiday is observed on the Friday or Monday that June 19 falls closest to respectively.

This year, June 19 falls on Monday, making this a three-day weekend, and plenty of options are on the calendar to celebrate this weekend. Perhaps top among those celebrations is the three-day free weekend Juneteenth Jubilee at the Two Mississippi Museums, with free admission 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday sponsored by Ingalls Shipbuilding.

That is not the only Juneteenth celebration happening throughout the Jackson metropolitan area and the state this weekend, though. Below, we have rounded up some of the top Juneteenth celebrations happening in the Jackson area and beyond this weekend:

More: Father’s Day is this weekend, so let's spoil dad with some of these budget-friendly gifts

Juneteenth Jubilee at Two Mississippi Museums

This is an exterior shot of the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, Miss., photographed April 24, 2023.
This is an exterior shot of the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, Miss., photographed April 24, 2023.

This free weekend offers a chance to "explore themes of emancipation and liberation in Mississippi history during the Two Mississippi Museums’ Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 17, with free admission sponsored by Ingalls Shipbuilding," according to the Two Mississippi Museums' website. "Beginning at 9 a.m., this day of celebration will feature Juneteenth-themed tours at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., a Juneteenth family gallery activity, and visits to This Is Home: Medgar Evers, Mississippi, and the Movement exhibit.

Visit Jackson notes the Two Mississippi Museums' event Monday will feature live music starting at 4 p.m.

  • When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 17 through Monday, June 19

  • Where: Two Mississippi Museums, 222 North St. No. 1206, Jackson

  • Admission: Free

  • Times: Saturday's celebration will feature Juneteenth-themed tours at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., a Juneteenth family gallery activity, and visits to This Is Home: Medgar Evers, Mississippi, and the Movement exhibit. For more information, call 601-576-6850, or email info@mdah.ms.gov.

Juneteenth on Farish 

The marquee of the Alamo Theatre can be seen on Farish Street in downtown Jackson on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021.
The marquee of the Alamo Theatre can be seen on Farish Street in downtown Jackson on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021.

Celebrate heritage and culture at the 17th annual Juneteenth on Farish Street festival.

  • When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Saturday, June 17

  • Where: Farish Street Historic District North Farish Street, Jackson

  • Admission: Free

Juneteenth Celebration  

Bring your little ones to celebrate freedom and African-American culture with African drumming and a drum circle from Mississippi Djembe.

  • When: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 19

  • Where: Ridgeland Public Library, Highway 51, N. Ridgeland

  • Admission: Free

More: Willie Nelson headed back to the Brandon Amphitheater. See when

Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration at New Horizon

Celebrate a Juneteenth homecoming, featuring a gospel concert, golf tournament and a Father’s Day dinner.

  • When: : 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 15 through Sunday, June 18

  • Where: New Horizon Event Complex, 1770 Ellis Ave., Jackson

  • Admission: Free. For more information, see here.

Juneteenth Family Fun Day at Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport

A 65-foot sails entry fountain fronts nearly 6 acres filled with an amazing collection of sea life, wildlife, birds and much more at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport.
A 65-foot sails entry fountain fronts nearly 6 acres filled with an amazing collection of sea life, wildlife, birds and much more at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport.

Visitors can enjoy a family fun day at the Mississippi Aquarium viewing different types of sea life, food, gift shops and more.

  • When:  1 p.m. to 7 p.m. ,Monday, June 19

  • Where: The Mississippi Aquarium, 2100 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport

  • Admission: Free

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Juneteenth celebrations abound in Jackson MS this weekend