TAMPA, Fla. — Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, became a federal holiday after President Joe Biden signed the legislation on June 17, 2021.
The day commemorates the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865, where Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free — two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation — which had become official January 1, 1863.
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated to reflect and recognize achievements in the African American community. Here’s a look at the festivities that will be taking place around Tampa Bay.
Hernando County
Third Annual Juneteenth Hair & Fashion Gala
June 15, 6-9 p.m. | WellCome OM Integral Healing & Education Center
This event offers an opportunity to celebrate culture, style and serves as a platform for small businesses to showcase their products and services.
Hillsborough County
Fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival
June 15, 3-9 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium
Get ready to enjoy live DJ's, a slingshot car show, artistic dance performances, musical guests, a kids’ zone, plus a variety of retail vendors, community resource booths, and food vendors.
Juneteenth Cultural Celebration 2024
June 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art
Get ready for a community celebration of the holiday with art-making activities, live music and performances, family portraits and local vendors.
Juneteenth Celebration 2024
June 15, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | USF Sam & Martha Gibbons Alumni Center
The USF Black Alumni Society will be hosting a celebration of culture and community for the whole family. Members of the community and businesses attending include WUSF, Walton Academy for Performing Arts, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Institute on Black Life.
Father’s Day and Juneteenth Celebration
June 16, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Beulah Baptist Institutional Church A. Leon Lowry Center
Enjoy a day filled with live entertainment, food trucks, and youth activities including Double Dutch, a gaming truck, and small businesses showcasing what the community offers.
Arts Legacy REMIX: Fourth Annual Juneteenth Commemoration
June 17, 7:30-9 p.m. | Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater
This commemoration will be comprised of spoken remembrances, writings of historical importance and an original performance of music, poetry and dance created especially for this event.
Manatee County
Manatee Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 19 – 22, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | 13TH Avenue Dream Center
Guests can enjoy a variety of guest speakers and a meet-and-greet with local authors.
Pasco County
4th Annual East Pasco Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 22, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee
This event features vendors, guest speakers, a kids’ zone, and a variety of performances. There will also be live music, food and health screening offers.
Pinellas County
Juneteenth Literacy Festival
June 13-16, 22 | Various Locations
From learning strategies that leads to reading success for children to enjoying live music and food, experience multiple days of culture and fun. Spectrum Bay News 9 reporter Saundra Weathers will be in attendance. Visit the link to learn more.
4-Day Clearwater Juneteenth Celebration
June 13 – 16 | Various Locations
The Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition and the city of Clearwater are hosting a four-day series of Juneteenth events, from arts and performances to educational experiences. Click the links for more information and the locations.
Shades of Pride Festival: A LGBTQIA+ Juneteenth Celebration
June 14 – 15 | The Factory St. Pete
This two-day art and music festival showcases the Black and Brown experience of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Tampa Bay region through culture, music and panel discussions.
Freedom Fest
June 15, 4-8 p.m. | Tropicana Field Lot 1
Bring your lawn chairs and good vibes as there will be live music, raffles, giveaways and more.
Juneteenth Day Celebration
June 15, 1-6 p.m. | Pinellas County African American History Museum
This event features games, vendors, arts and crafts and a bounce house for kids. There will also be live presentations.
City of Dunedin Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 5-8 p.m. | John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park
Enjoy a day of recognition, restoration, and celebration. Experience live music and performances, craft and food vendors.
Gulfport's 4th Annual Celebrate Juneteenth
June 15, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Gulfport Casino Ballroom
In collaboration with The Woodson African American Museum, guests can enjoy a variety of presentations and discussions. There will also be interactive storytelling for kids.
Polk County
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
June 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Jackson Park
Get ready for a day filled with live music performances, art and cultural exhibitions, food vendors and community dance showcases.
2024 Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Lake Maude Recreation Park
The city of Winter Haven is highlighting a day of live entertainment, food and games, local artists and cultural education.
New Outlook Events, Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Polk City
June 22, 1-5 p.m. | Donald Brunson Community Center
The celebration includes live entertainment, dancing, vendors, education, and fun for all.
Juneteenth Freedom Festival
June 29, 1-6 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center
Dance to the rhythm of live music, enjoy food, and explore cultural exhibits that showcase the history and heritage of the African American community.