Discover everything you need to know about the Houston and Galveston celebrations of the 151st anniversary of Juneteenth and the 153rd anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation with our handy guide to 2016 Juneteenth celebrations in Houston.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the date that the news of the Emancipation Proclamation first reached Texas and was read aloud in Galveston, two years after it had become U.S. law.
We pulled together some key events this weekend in both Houston and Galveston and added a few extras.
Juneteenth Celebrations in Houston & Galveston
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
- Freedom Stars Talent Show at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center | FREE – Youths ages 5 to 19 compete for the Friends of Emancipation Park’s “Colors of Freedom Awards.” Noon to 3pm.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
- “The Making of The Underground Railroad” at 1838 Menard House in Galveston – This program will feature musical performances, presentations on key figures of the Underground Railroad, and a coded quilts exhibit. Students aged 6 through 18 are welcomed for free, but must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Space is limited and reservations are required. 8:30am to noon.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
- Juneteenth Gala at Ashton Villa in Galveston – The Galveston Juneteenth Coalition will present its second annual Juneteenth Gala in the ballroom of Ashton Villa. Dr. George Wright, President of Prairie View A&M University, will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $25 per person; a reserved table for 8 is $225. 7pm.
Saturday, June 18, 2016
- Emancipation Proclamation Reading & Prayer Breakfast at Ashton Villa in Galveston | FREE – The Galveston Juneteenth Coalition will present the 37th annual Al Edwards’ Emancipation Proclamation reading and prayer breakfast at the historic Ashton Villa in Galveston. Complimentary breakfast will be provided. 8:30am.
- Houston’s Juneteenth Parade | FREE – The Bayou City’s original Juneteenth parade travels from Texas Southern University Gym to Project Row Houses and features floats, western wagons, trail riders and marching bands from Houston area high schools and colleges. 10am.
- Juneteenth Picnic at Wright Cuney Park in Galveston | FREE – Celebrate the 38th annual Annie Mae Charles Juneteenth Picnic at Wright Cuney Park in honor of the holiday. Complimentary refreshments will be provided as well as entertainment and music for the entire family. 11am to 3pm.
- Juneteenth Fest at Emancipation Park and Project Row Houses | FREE – Saturday festivities continue at Project Row Houses with a celebration of food, vendors, entertainment and exhibits. 11am to 7pm.
- Juneteenth Family & Friends Day Festival in Galveston | FREE – Come out to celebrate at the Juneteenth Family & Friends Day Festival at the Kermit Courville Stadium on Galveston Island. Noon to 8pm.
- Juneteenth Parades in Galveston | FREE – The city of Galveston will host two Juneteenth parades on Saturday. The first will take place at noon beginning at 26th and Winnie streets and will end at 41st and Ball streets. The second parade will begin at 7pm and will start at 20th and Strand streets, travel to 25th Street, turn left toward Seawall Boulevard, and then will end at 28th Street and Avenue Q. First parade noon; second parade 7pm.
- 3rd Annual Juneteenth at Jack Johnson Park in Galveston | FREE – Partake in free local entertainment at the park’s pavilion. Food and refreshments will also be available for sale in this park next to the historic Old Central Cultural Center. 1pm to 4pm.
- Shiloh A.M.E. Church Juneteenth Block Party | FREE – Enjoy an annual Juneteenth celebration with a free to attend church block party near the Kermit Courville Stadium. 1pm to 5pm.
- Juneteenth Gospel by the Sea Concert in Galveston – Enjoy the sounds of the sea and a gospel choir for Juneteenth at Moody Methodist Church. This event will feature the Wright Cuney Angels, the James B. Thomas Clef Club, Jerusalem Gospelaires, Galveston Mass Choir, St. James EPIC Jazz Ensemble and MANNA. Tickets are $5 with one canned good. 6pm to 9pm.
Juneteenth, Sunday, June 19, 2016
- Juneteenth “Celebrating Human Excellence” at Wright Cuney Park in Galveston | FREE – This Juneteenth party will feature plenty of music, food, and fun to help celebrate the 151st anniversary of the holiday at the kid and adult-friendly Wright Cuney Park. 2pm to 6pm.
- Historic March and Inspirational Program at Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church in Galveston | FREE – Witness the reading of General Order #3 from the steps of the Old Galveston Courthouse and then march with jubilation and song to Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church in this annual reenactment of original Texas reading of the Juneteenth Emancipation Proclamation. 6pm to 7:30pm.
- Houston’s Juneteenth Celebration at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – Celebrate the anniversary of this historic day with soul music from Maceo Parker and Thundersoul Orchestra and a performance from poetry slam team Meta-Four Houston at Miller Outdoor Theatre. 7:30pm.