Communities across Houston and Galveston are preparing to celebrate Juneteenth with a full slate of parades, festivals, and ceremonies, honoring the day when freedom finally reached the last enslaved people in Texas.
June 11 | Juneteenth Kickoff Event: Galveston’s official Juneteenth Kickoff event is happening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Nia Cultural Center.
Guests can enjoy thoughtful artwork, entertainment, food and drinks from local restaurants, and a photo booth.
The Nia Cultural Center, founded by Galveston native Sue Johnson, is dedicated to community education, advocacy, and cultural programming. This event officially opens a week of Juneteenth celebrations across the island.
June 13 | Tom Bass Park Juneteenth Celebration: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tom Bass Regional Park Section III will host a Juneteenth celebration honoring freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice.
This year’s theme, “A Reckoning: Reclaiming the Past, Remembering Black Voices, Reshaping the Future,” invites the community to reflect on Black history, uplift the voices that have shaped generations, and reaffirm the collective responsibility to build a more equitable future. The event will feature storytelling, music, cultural tributes, and community gatherings in celebration of strength, unity, and progress.
Each Saturday in June | Visit Houston Signature Experience Tour “From Plantation to Emancipation”: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park offers a guided tour featuring reenactments by actress Kijana Wiseman from 10 to 11 a.m. This immersive experience uses song, historical accounts, and family portrayals to explore the journey from enslavement to freedom.
June 13 | The BLVD Juneteenth Golf Tournament: A Juneteenth golf tournament hosted by Galveston community leader Edward Grogan is set for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Moody Gardens. The event will be organized as a shotgun tournament, with cash prizes and trophies awarded to top players throughout the day. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Galveston Ball High School Golf Program, and organizers say a $1,000 donation has already been made to support the school’s golf team.
June 14 | Juneteenth Culture Fest at Miller Outdoor Theatre: This free, soul-stirring celebration of freedom, culture, and music kicks off at 8:30 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The night will feature a lively mix of gospel, blues, R&B, neo-soul, and funk, with musical tributes to legends like Roberta Flack, Angie Stone, Luther Vandross, Johnnie Taylor, Frankie Beverly, Tony! Toni! Toné!, and more.
June 14 | Juneteenth Mini-Lecture - Lost Restaurants of Galveston’s African American Community: From 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Galveston’s Juneteenth Exhibit will host a mini-lecture highlighting the lost restaurants of Galveston’s African American community. The talk will explore the rich culinary history of the island and its connection to Juneteenth, offering insight into the community’s past through the stories of these long-gone local landmarks.
June 14 | Juneteenth Festival 2025: Presented by The Cam Agency, LLC, this family-friendly Juneteenth Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the J. Harris Barber Academy parking lot, 12805 Cullen Boulevard in Houston.
The free event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Juneteenth with live performances, guest speakers, and a diverse lineup of African American music, ranging from traditional jazz to contemporary styles.
Attendees can enjoy food trucks, interactive activities for all ages, and an atmosphere filled with cultural enrichment and artistic expression.
June 14 | Galveston Island Juneteenth Festival and Celebration: From 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Menard Park will host the Galveston Island Juneteenth Festival and Celebration. This free event will feature live entertainment, a showcase of local businesses and entrepreneurs, and a variety of food vendors for guests to enjoy.
June 14 | The Generation Park Juneteenth Celebration at Deussen Park: From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Alexander Deussen Park will host the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration presented by Generation Park. This free, all-ages event honors the 1865 announcement of freedom in Texas and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to music, food, art, business, and culture.
The celebration features a vendor market with local food and artisan vendors, live concerts, entertainment, a food truck row, a kid’s zone, and more. Free parking is available on site.
June 14 | The BLVD Juneteenth Sidewalk Poetry Session: From 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Galveston community leader Edward Grogan will host a Sidewalk Poetry Session featuring the poetry collective Apotheosis Epidemic. The evening will honor Nia Cultural Center founder Sue Johnson and local community advocate Rosalyn Jackson. A community leadership award will also be presented to a Galveston resident who has made significant contributions to the community.
June 19 | Juneteenth Dance Workshop: The Institute of Contemporary Dance in Houston will host its Second Annual Juneteenth Dance Workshop on June 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This full-day event celebrates Juneteenth and the rich heritage of the African diaspora through diverse dance styles.
Participants will experience classes featuring Afro-Peruvian, Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Haitian Folkloric, West African dances, and more.
June 19 | Juneteenth 160 Fest: Join the all-day cultural celebration from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy Visitor’s Center, 1204 Victor St., honoring the legacy of the formerly enslaved people who built Houston’s first free Black neighborhood.
The festival features a fireside chat with Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, workshops with Heist Agency, artist Aris Brown, and Black at Microsoft, yoga with Raveen Alexis, sounds by DJ Tazz, a community talent show, and a dance party with DJ Elevated.
Attendees can also enjoy food, local small business vendors, and family-friendly fun throughout the day. Visit houstonfreedmenstown.org/juneteenth-2025/ to learn more and secure your spot.
June 19 | Juneteenth Jam: From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., 4112 Washington Avenue in Houston will host Juneteenth Jam, a free, all-ages celebration of Black freedom, family, and legacy.
Hosted by Houston entrepreneurs Anniecia Marlena of A Mother’s Way and Jasmine Leslie of The Rosebud Brand, the event offers music, food, and a space to connect across generations while supporting community growth. Free parking is available onsite.
June 21 | McNair TX 83rd Juneteenth Celebration: The JD Walker Community Center and Edna Mae Washington Park in Baytown will host the 83rd annual Juneteenth Celebration featuring a parade followed by a festive gathering in the park.
June 22 | Juneteenth Soul Food Fest: Join the celebration from noon to 6 p.m. at Glitz & Glam Events Center, 13625 Beechnut St, Houston.
This festival features a delicious lineup of soul food vendors, live music, dance performances, and local small business booths. Enjoy vegan and traditional dishes, shop accessories and more