Discover everything you need to know about the Houston and Galveston celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth and the 152nd anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation with our handy guide to 2015 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 in a few extras.
Juneteenth, Friday, June 19
- Al Edwards’ Emancipation Proclamation Reading and Prayer Breakfast at Ashton Villa in Galveston | FREE– Attend a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation that commemorates the original historic reading in Galveston on July 19, 1863. 8:30am.
- Juneteenth Fest at Emancipation Park | FREE – March around Emancipation Park with drummers and hear a dramatic reading before heading to Project Row Houses for a panel discussions. 10am.
- 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. Noon to 5pm.
- Freedom Stars Talent Show at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center | FREE – Youths ages 5 to19 compete for the Friends of Emancipation Park’s “Colors of Freedom Awards.” Noon to 2:30pm.
- Black Lives Matter Panel Discussion at Project Row Houses | FREE – A panel discusses recent tragic conflicts between black youths and the police in American communities. 3pm.
- Historic March and Inspirational Program at Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church in Galveston – 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 8pm.
- Houston’s Juneteenth Celebration at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – Celebrate the anniversary of this historic day with Gulf Coast music from Jewel Brown, Trudy Lynn & Steve Krase and The Peterson Brothers at Miller Outdoor Theatre. 7pm.
- Galveston Juneteenth Parade | FREE – Expect marching bands, drill teams, decorated cars, and high kicking performers from across Texas. Galveston’s Juneteenth parade begins on 20th Street and Strand, travels to 25th and turns left, continues on to Seawall and turns right. Parade ends between Seawall Boulevard and Avenue Q. 7:30pm.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
- 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 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. 10am to 7pm Saturday.
