Celebrate Juneteenth in Cleveland

From Freedom Fest to University Circle, Celebrate Black Heritage in CLE

Tyisha Blade, Aja Hannah, Daniel Newman June 18, 2025

Juneteenth Celebrations have grown from its church roots, into multiple days of widespread commemoration of the end of African American slavery, through observance, honor and togetherness. As June 19 marks the day Union troops in Galveston, Texas issued General Order No. 3, formally informing enslaved people that they were free, near the end of the Civil War, celebrations were initially bound to smaller groups. Today, celebrations have expanded in correlation with the momentum of the second Civil Rights Movement. In our community, new and traditional events help reflect the evolving ways we honor this important day.

Cleveland’s Juneteenth Freedom Fest

Mall C | Saturday, June 14 | 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865 - the day when all African Americans were freed from slavery. The Metrohealth Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest celebration and commemoration is set to become an annual destination event in Downtown Cleveland, positioning our city as a national leader in celebrating Juneteenth.

Composed of day-long live music, vendors, food and other festivities, the celebration will run Saturday, June 14 from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Mall C in the heart of Downtown Cleveland:

After gates open at noon, the city-wide, family-friendly celebration and commemoration of Juneteenth will feature main stage performances by Glenville Glamourettes, Tri-C Dance Academy and other local entertainers.
Ask a Doc, featuring African American medical professionals of the Cleveland area, will offer health pointers from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Be sure to check out the Vendor Village spotlighting Black businesses and entrepreneurs, Family Fun + Games zone featuring plenty of activities for kids, the mouthwatering eats available on Soul Food Row, community programming and education, spoken-word performances, interactive art demonstrations, more food trucks and beverage concessions.
The evening is scheduled to end with a “Before I Let Go” Juneteenth tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze Presented by Karamu House, the country’s oldest Black producing theatre, in celebration of its 110th Anniversary.

Cleveland Public Library

The library and its branches will host several events surrounding Juneteenth topics throughout the month of June:

Joyful Juneteenth: Come celebrate with storytellers from The Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers as they share Juneteenth tales on June 16 at 1:00 pm.
Juneteenth Scrapbook Art: On June 17 at 3:30 pm, celebrate Juneteenth by making scrapbook art to show what Juneteenth means to you. Make your own to take home or add to a community collage.
Juneteenth Beaded Bracelets: Make DIY beaded bracelets on June 18 at 3:00 pm to celebrate Juneteenth.
What is Juneteenth?: Join the CPL as they explore Juneteenth and make keepsake buttons to take home on June 21 at 1:00 pm. There will also be fun and age-appropriate activities for teens and tweens.

For more events, or to register, visit the CPL calendar.

Juneteenth Desert Botanical Garden

Cleveland Botanical Garden | Tuesday, June 10 | 5:00 p.m.

This special evening honors the legacy of freedom and spotlights Black history, creativity and resilience. Wander the scenic trails and take part in engaging activities for all ages. The Juneteenth Evening Festival features the theme “Reclaiming the Past, Remembering Black Voices, Reshaping the Future” and includes live music, dance performances, delicious food and a local market showcasing Black artists and vendors. Kids can enjoy interactive games and crafts, while adults explore the marketplace and enjoy the entertainment.

Bet on Black

ThirdSpace Action Lab | Thursday, June 19

This year, ThirdSpace Collaborative deepens its commitment to community collaboration. In challenging times, they focus on what they do best, activating space and people. For them, “Betting on Black” isn’t a gamble; it’s a celebration of soul power — the creative force that has fueled Black resilience, joy and the ongoing fight for freedom.

Freedom Lectures at ThirdSpace:
Rooted in the power of community, this series introduces our greater Cleveland family to changemakers from across the country who are working to advance Black-led initiatives and shift narratives. Each lecture is inspired by the themes from The Peoples Practice and shaped by the visions of the Cleveland Freedom Dreams Coalition. It’s about learning together, dreaming together, and building a freer, blacker future—together.

The Soiree - June 12 at Rockefeller Park Greenhouse: Join ThirdSpace Action Lab for their second annual Juneteenth Soirée, where this year’s theme—Grandma’s Home—sets the vibe. Think warm hugs at the door, the smell of something good on the stove, and the kind of soul-nourishing love that made you feel seen, safe, and full.
Black is Free BBQ - June 22: Ten-5 is the home base of our block party BBQ. Come down to Glenville to experience music, line-dancing, local shop vendors, food, haircuts, massages, and more!
Brea Baker & Cebo Campbell - June 20 at MLK Library: Author Cebo Campbell (Sky Full of Elephants) and Brea Baker (Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership) will hold a Convo about Black Land.
Fight the Power - June 26 in the ThirdSpace Reading Room: In honor of Black Music month, join ThirdSpace for an Interactive lecture-listening session that explores Black music as expressions of joy, resistance, and liberation. During the session, ThirdSpace will offer stories and history behind the lyrics from some of Black music’s most celebrated songs for the culture.
BLK Pride on 105: More info to come
TSSR Book Club: Join the ThirdSpace Reading Room book club’s discussion on Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s luring tale of family, land, and royal bloodlines.

16th Annual Juneteenth Culture Fest

Cain Park | Saturday, June 14

Djapo Cultural Arts Institute will hold its 16th Annual Juneteenth Culture Fest, in partnership with the City of Cleveland Heights, with Master teachers from across West Africa, Brazil, and the U.S. The highly anticipated event has a history of attracting thousands of participants throughout Northeast Ohio, inviting all to participate as a vendor, volunteer, or guest of Festival Workshops. Entertainment will feature an Interactive African Drum Experience, Juneteenth Poetry Lounge, and performances by Cleveland Chorale featuring Timothy Reddick, Afro Funk Revolution, and more at Evans Amphitheater in Cain Park.

Rekindle Juneteenth Celebration Brunch

Edwins Too | Thursday, June 19 | 9:00 a.m.

Come together with friends, family and community members to enjoy a scrumptious brunch spread at EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere and engage in meaningful conversations, while honoring this significant day.

Mx. Juneteenth: A Black & Queer Liberation Celebration

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | Monday, June 16 | 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Rock Hall is partnering again with Mx. Juneteenth to host this Queer and Black Liberation Celebration. Through intentional planning and organizing, Mx. Juneteenth will capture the spirit of the Juneteenth holiday by creating a liberatory space that centers on radical politics, community care, and expressive joy.

Celebrate Black Music Month: A Tribute to Roy Ayers

BOP STOP @ The Music Settlement | Saturday, June 14 | 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

In celebration of Black Music Month, this special night at Bop Stop honors the legendary Roy Ayers, one of the most influential vibraphonists and composers in jazz and soul history. Expect a vibrant tribute led by Forecast featuring Lem Adams, Cleveland’s own jazz-funk collective, along with other bands. There will also be a silent art auction and food available on-site.

Crafted in Culture: Juneteenth Showcase

Crate & Barrel Legacy Village | Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Crate & Barrel hosts "Crafted in Culture," a special Juneteenth event celebrating diversity and artistry. This one-day showcase highlights the work of talented Black artists and crafters from Greater Cleveland, offering a unique chance to shop handcrafted goods and support local creatives.

Juneteenth Celebration

Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens | Saturday, June 14 | 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Juneteenth returns to Dunham this year with a fabulous lineup of live performances, vendors, food, and fun for the whole family!

Juneteenth Celebration

Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument | Thursday, June 19 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The family-friendly event will feature programming dedicated to the origins of Juneteenth, including readings of General Order No. 3 and dialogue about its meaning. Story time featuring books from the Cleveland Public Library, coloring stations, snacks and Monument tours will also be available for guests.

4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Disciples Christian Church | Sunday, June 15 | 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Disciples Christian Church is looking forward to hosting the community with a joyful day of music, food, and togetherness in celebration of freedom and unity with live performances, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. It's a chance to honor the past and look toward a brighter future.

ONGOING EXHIBITS:

St. John’s Episcopal Church

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.

Cozad-Bates House

The Cozad-Bates House, located in University Circle, was a part of a neighborhood 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 12:00 p.m. - 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.