Each year, Juneteenth celebrations grow larger and more vibrant in our city of hope. June 19 marks the day enslaved people were freed following the Civil War's end. Initially, celebrations were held in churches, but they have expanded significantly, especially with the momentum of care for the second Civil Rights Movement. In our community, new events blend with traditional ones reflecting the evolving ways we honor this important day.
Events take place June 19, 2024 unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, June 15 | Mall C | 11:00 a.m. – 08:00 p.m.
Freedom Fest is a collaboration between Ingenuity Cleveland, Karamu House and Downtown Cleveland celebrating Juneteenth, a nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery on June 19, 1865. This marks the day when all African Americans were freed. At Mall C downtown, you can enjoy live music and performances to honor the celebration. This free outdoor event begins at 11 a.m. Festivities include live art performances and shopping that features Black-owned businesses, tasty food trucks, live music and more. This significant event promises to be a vibrant and memorable celebration, making it an occasion you won’t want to miss.
The library and its branches will host several events surrounding Juneteenth topics throughout the month of June:
Centennial Peace Plaza, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the 26th annual Juneteenth at Centennial Peace Plaza in the Cultural Gardens. Mayor Justin Bibb and Councilman Kevin Conwell give the welcome address and kick off the festivities. This free event includes a re-enactment of the 1865 Juneteenth event, music by the Lolade band and African dancing performed by the Royalty Dancers from Lorain. You also have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional “red foods” of Juneteenth at the African American Garden. The Grand March celebrates the end of Enslavement.
Cleveland Botanical Garden | Tuesday, June 11 | 6:00 p.m.
Cleveland Botanical Garden welcomes you to commemorate Juneteenth at the Garden. Stroll through the trails to enjoy a day filled with activities that celebrate Black culture and traditions. Desert Botanical Garden honors Juneteenth’s legacy of change by celebrating Black culture and excellence through storytelling, history, art, performance, community discussion and entrepreneurship. There are several interactive experiences including a reflection zone, wellness zone, and kid zone. There will also be musical performances, food trucks and vendors.
Wade Oval | Wednesday, June 19 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The outdoor celebratory event includes live entertainment and performances from Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, African Dance/Drumming, and Free Black! Rap duo.
ThirdSpace Action Lab | Tuesday, June 11 | 12 p.m.-4 p.m
Twelve Literary Arts, a local poetry and writing focused nonprofit, is hosting its Juneteenth Celebration, an arts festival dedicated to Black history, freedom, and togetherness. The event begins with a creative writing workshop led by poets JUST C.O.S. (Calil Cage), Morgan Paige of Poetry Unplugged and The Sparrow's Fortune Poetry Collective. You can participate in a Q&A on art, liberation practice and community building. Literary Cleveland will then host its second annual Juneteenth Open Mic. The festival ends with musical performances by vocalist CHIMI and hip-hop group Muamin Collective.
Juneteenth Celebration at The BOXSPOT
BOXSPOT, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Drop by The BOXSPOT for a family friendly event with spoken word, live entertainment and vendors.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 | 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
This family-friendly event is hosted by Ladies of Naomi: Women of Distinction as a part of the Naomi Light Series. The vibrant celebration of freedom and community spirit offers local job opportunities, educational tools and support services.
The Pivot Center for Art and Expression | June 14, 5:00 p.m.; June 15, 9:00 a.m.; June 16, 10 a.m.
Djapo Cultural Arts Institute hosts 15th Annual Juneteenth African Dance & Drum Fest at. Special Guest artists teach traditional dances from Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Haiti, Ivory Coast, USA and much more. Celebrate Juneteenth with art, music, dance, history, culture and folklore.
Edwins Too | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Come together with friends, family and community members to enjoy a scrumptious brunch spread. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere and engage in meaningful conversations, while honoring this significant day.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | Sunday, June 16 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mx. Juneteenth is a community event for and by Black Queer folx to commemorate Juneteenth, a holiday for reverence, remembrance and celebration. Through planning and organizing, Mx. Juneteenth celebrates the spirit of the Juneteenth holiday by creating a liberatory space that centers on radical politics, community care and expressive joy.
MidTown TechHive | Saturday, June 8 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This special event will honor the significance of Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, also known as Freedom Day. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with live performances, engaging activities, and the rich history of Juneteenth. Talented storytellers will captivate your imagination as they share stories that highlight the importance of this momentous day. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of fun and education. From music and dance performances to arts and crafts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
1899 Social Club | Tuesday, June 18 | 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Network & Socialize with northeast Ohio's Black Business Owners, Lawyers, Physicians, MBA's, Media/Journalist, Engineers, IT Professionals, Educators, Entrepreneurs, Nurses, Sports Professionals, Real Estate Professionals, Elected Officials, Fitness Professionals, Young Professionals & many more at The Juneteenth Mixer. Complimentary appetizers and handcrafted cocktails will be served.
28601 Chagrin Rd. | Friday, June 14 | 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
The Woodmere Juneteenth celebration promises a delightful blend of entertainment, culture, and family-friendly fun, marking this important occasion with style. College alumni will host informative booths, joined by fraternities and sororities, adding to the event’s lively atmosphere. Indulge in complimentary snacks, from buttery popcorn to sweet confections, generously provided by our sponsors. Local food vendors will offer a tempting array of culinary delights. Discover unique items from various vendors and contribute to the oral history of Woodmere Village. With a live DJ setting the mood, the event is sure to be a delight for all generations. Join the residents of Woodmere for a day filled with laughter, connection, and the creation of cherished memories. Don’t forget to bring your enthusiasm, lawn chairs, and warm blankets for a day dedicated to community and celebration.
3601 Lee Road, Shaker Heights | 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join M Frierson Therapy and NCBW100 for a special gathering honoring Juneteenth. Bring your own lunch and immerse yourself in a mindful eating meditation practice to celebrate freedom and unity. Come together in community and reflect to commemorate this important day in history. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect, reflect, and nourish your body and soul!
This Juneteenth celebration begins at 10 a.m. and continues at Glenview Park with fun, food and fellowship.
ONGOING EXHIBITS
This church was one stop on the Underground Railroad – Station Hope – before slaves crossed Lake Erie into Canada, where freedom was guaranteed. It is said slaves hid in the towers, waiting to see signals on the lake. Founded in 1816, St. John’s Episcopal Church is the oldest in the area, even though it moved a few times, nearly burned down once and has even been ravaged by a tornado. The site is now used for Station Hope events in conjunction with Cleveland Public Theatre.
The Cozad-Bates House, located in University Circle, is undergoing renovation. The neighborhood was home to abolitionists who worked and provided aid to refugees fleeing slavery and heading for Canada. Today the space shares information on the Land’s anti-slavery history alongside issues of modern day slavery in the U.S., like the 13th amendment. The interior of the Cozad-Bates House Interpretive Center features exhibits in three distinct spaces, each with its own story and purpose: the Gund Foundation West Wing, Cleveland Foundation East Wing, and the KeyBank Community Room. The interior exhibits of the Cozad-Bates House Interpretive Center are open to the public regularly on Saturdays from Noon-4:00 p.m.
The Toni Morrison Society's " A Bench By the Road"
In 2009, The Toni Morrison Society dedicated its second Bench by the Road at the cross streets of North Main and Lorain in Oberlin, OH. The project is part of the Society's initiative to memorialize unmarked sites in African American History. The site here commemorates Toni’s birth and public schooling life, all done in our city before she went to Howard University. Oberlin was also known to have hidden landmarks for refugees escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad.