Juneteenth in Orlando: Celebrate with special events
On June 19, Juneteenth — also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or Jubilee Day — marks the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States.
The date commemorates 158 years since federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and the end of the Civil War. In the past several years, Juneteenth has taken on added meaning and significance since George Floyd’s death at the hands of the police.
Every year, the holiday experiences more widespread recognition, with a number of Orlando-area celebrations planned. Here are ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Central Florida.
Orlando’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebrationwill gather community members for live music and entertainment, a kids zone, a vendor village and food trucks at Clear Lake Park. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, city commissioner Regina Hill and city commissioner Bakari Burns will join for the festivities, which take place 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 17 at 2301 29th St. in Orlando. More information: orlando.gov
Juneteenth 407 Weekend shines the spotlight on Black-owned businesses and brings the community together for a scavenger hunt. Download the Eventzee app and get an invitation code the morning of June 16. Prizes are up for grabs for scavenger hunt winners. Event organizers are hosting a “Better Together” Juneteenth mixer from 6-9 p.m. June 16, a Juneteenth Block Party from 4-9 p.m. June 17 and brunch from noon-4 p.m. June 18. The scavenger hunt and block party are free to participate in, while the other events require tickets. More information: juneteenth407.com
The Culture Day Party at Ember brings people together for a celebration of Black art, music and culture complete with food and drinks. Guests must follow dress code with black statement T-shirts and white lettering, African dress or all black from head to toe. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $25 for VIP admission. VIP tables and couches are also available. The celebration is 6-11 p.m. June 17 at 42 W. Central Blvd. in Orlando. More information: tgainesent.com
A Juneteenth Celebration in Hannibal Square commemorates the holiday with Orlando Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome, a panel discussion with historians, music and a presentation highlighting community leaders. The event is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 17 at 721 New England Ave. in Winter Park. More information: hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org
Eatonville’s Juneteenth Weekend Celebration starts with a Father’s Day gala at the Venue on Lake Lily from 6:30-9 p.m. June 16, then a Juneteenth Parade through downtown Eatonville starting at 10 a.m. June 17. A Juneteenth Freedom Celebration gathers the community at Life Center Church from 6:30-8 p.m. June 19. More information: 1887juneteenth.com
The Central Florida Juneteenth Celebration at Lake Lily in Maitland promises a memorable occasion filled with music, food and cultural performances topped with fireworks to end the celebration. The free event is noon-9:15 p.m. June 17 at 701 Lake Lily Drive in Maitland. More information: eventbrite.com
The Kissimmee Juneteenth Festival celebrates community, culture and unity with live music, food and craft vendors at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Find the free festivities noon-4 p.m. June 17 at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. More information: eventeny.com
The Juneteenth Resource & Cultural Arts Festival from the city of Ocoee has community resource booths to help with free diapers, free food, legal assistance, scholarships, voter registration and Medicare. Listen to live performances from spoken-word artist Shawn Welcome, jazz trombonist Derek Harris and more at Bill Breeze Park. Explore the event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 17 at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. More information: ocoee.org
Longwood’s 2nd Juneteenth Celebrationat Reiter Park will feature a live performance by Silkee Smoove Band, food trucks, vendors, water slides and more. Find the free festivities 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 17 at 311 W. Warren Ave. in Longwood. More information: longwoodfl.org
A Juneteenth Block Partyin Sanford brings a community event with live music, food, beverages and vendors. There also will be a splash pad and family-friendly activities at Fort Mellon Park. The free event is 5-10 p.m. June 17 at 600 E. 1st St. in Sanford. More information: sanfordfl.gov
The Mount Dora Juneteenth Festival features free food, beverages, family activities and live music at Cauley Lott Park. The event is 5-10 p.m. June 17 at 1717 N. Highland St. in Mount Dora. More information: ci.mount-dora.fl.us
Clermont’s Juneteenth celebration offers community fun in the form of art, music, dance and education about the holiday. Visitors also can find authentic cuisine at the free festival from 5-8 p.m. June 17 at 100 3rd St. in Clermont. More information: clermontfl.gov
A Night Under the Stars: Jazz & Jubilee at Shady Park in Winter Park commemorates Juneteenth with jazz music, food and spirits. Black-owned businesses will showcase cultural wear, custom jewelry and art for sale. More information: equitycouncilcorp.org
A Juneteenth Street Celebration in Sanford features food from Shantell’s Just Until, live music and performances, vendors, community discussions and a carnival celebration. The free event is noon-7 p.m. June 18 at 503 Sanford Ave. in Sanford. More information: eventbrite.com
A Lunch and Learn from Black Theatre Girl Magic brings a family-friendly Juneteenth experience for kids with a barbecue lunch, readings of children’s books, face painting, a DJ bubble party and more. Advance registration is encouraged for the free event 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 18 at Orlando Family Stage (formerly Orlando Repertory Theatre), 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. More information: blacktheatregirlmagic.org
The 3rd Annual Facets of Freedom: A Celebration of Juneteenth from Black Theatre Girl Magic presents a night of remembrance and celebration of Black culture in the arts. Experience musical performances, dance, spoken word and a visual-art exhibit. Tickets are $25 for the event 7-11 p.m. June 19 at the Renaissance Theatre, 415 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. More information: blacktheatregirlmagic.org
A Juneteenth Field Day brings family and friends together for tug-of-war, potato-sack races, a water-balloon toss and more at Barnett Park. The free event is noon-4 p.m. June 19 at 4801 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
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