Discover everything you need to know about the Houston and Galveston celebrations of the 153rd anniversary of Juneteenth and the 155th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation with our handy guide to 2018 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 from Saturday, June 16 through Juneteenth, Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
Juneteenth Celebrations in Houston & Galveston
Saturday, June 16, 2018
- Mayor Turner’s Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade | FREE – Mayor Sylvester Turner hosts the Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade at 10am. The parade will begin at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center located at 6719 W. Montgomery, travel north on W. Montgomery, west on Dolly Wright and conclude at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church located at 1620 Dolly Wright. 10am.
- Juneteenth Celebration at Emancipation Park | FREE – Emancipation Park, located in the historic Third Ward neighborhood, hosts a Juneteenth Celebration with live music, vendors, and other festivities. 10am to 5pm.
- Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration at Houston’s This Is It Soul Food | No Cover – One of the oldest African-American restaurants in Houston, This Is It, dishes out delicious soul food for their Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration. Hear from the last living Buffalo Soldier, Sargent Major James Williams. 12:30pm to 4:30pm.
- The Galveston Juneteenth Parade | FREE – The city of Galveston hosts their annual Juneteenth Celebration Parade beginning at 7pm. This year the Parade will begin at the cross streets of 20th and Strand before traveling west on Strand to 25th Street. 7pm.
Juneteenth, Tuesday, June 19, 2018
- Al Edwards Emancipation Proclamation Reading & Prayer Breakfast at Ashton Villa | FREE – A historical reenactment of U.S. Major General Gordon Granger’s reading of the Proclamation and General Order No. 3, abolishing slavery in Texas will occur along with participation by the Nia Cultural Center’s Freedom School Program, along with local elected dignitaries and several ministers. There will be a complimentary breakfast after the program. 8:30am.
- Juneteenth FREEdom Ride at 3rd Ward Tours | FREE – Take a morning social bike ride around the 3rd Ward community to celebrate Juneteenth. 10am to noon.
- Juneteenth Celebration at Eldorado Ballroom | FREE – Join Project Row Houses and celebrate Juneteenth in style. They will be gathering with the community at the Historic Eldorado Ballroom right across from Emancipation Park for an afternoon of fun, food, and family-friendly activities. Noon to 5pm.
- Juneteenth Celebration Happy Hour at Ogun Art + Wine | No Cover – Join Ogun Art + Wine for an evening of reflection and enjoy cocktails, wine, and light bites in celebration of Juneteenth. 6pm to 9pm.
- A Gulf Coast Juneteenth at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – Miller Outdoor Theatre host their beloved blues and Creole music festival featuring the Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas. 7:30pm.
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
You can find more fun in our interactive event calendar and 365 Weekend Guides.
Be sure to subscribe to our free Weekend Guide email to receive a round-up of great things to do this weekend in Houston in your inbox every Thursday. If you don’t want to miss a thing, you can also opt in to our Daily Update emails (emailed six days a week).
Click here to sign up for free.