LIST: Juneteenth events in the metro area
There are many events planned throughout the metro area, and the state, to mark Juneteenth this year.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday last year, becoming the first new national holiday since the government approved Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
The celebration honors the formal end of slavery in the U.S., when Black people in Texas were freed. Many celebrated June 19 before its national recognition and designation.
Browse the list below to see where you can commemorate Black freedom in the Twin Cities and surrounding area this weekend.
Apple Valley
Friday, June 17, 4:30-8:30 p.m. at Apple Valley Community Center
This Juneteenth event will feature Black-owned businesses, food, children’s activities and a DJ.
Brooklyn Center
Friday, June 17, 12:30 p.m. at Centerbrook Golf Course
A Juneteenth golf tournament is set to take place, with various tee times.
Saturday, June 18, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Centennial Park
A family-friendly Juneteenth celebration will include entertainment, food, vendors, art activities, power bungee, lawn games, teen activities, COVID-19 vaccines, face painting and more.
Brooklyn Park
Friday, June 17, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at North Hennepin Community College
A Juneteenth event will include performances from local artists, storytelling, family activities, a live DJ, raffles and food trucks.
Burnsville
Saturday, June 18, 1-3:30 p.m. at North River Hills Park
This “Celebrating Freedom” event will feature music and dance performances, live painting, children’s crafts, and food.
Minneapolis
Thursday, June 16 noon-4 p.m. at the Center for Changing Lives
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is hosting its first annual Juneteenth event and will feature more than a dozen Black-owned vendors.
Friday, June 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Harrison Park
An outdoor Juneteenth celebration will be held, with music, dancing, activities, and food.
Friday, June 17, 6-8 p.m. at Creekview Park
There will be music, food, and activities, followed by Movie in the Park: Summer of Soul, starting at dusk.
Friday, June 17, 5 p.m.-Saturday, June 18, 12 a.m. at Granada Theater
A Freedom Ball will be held and will include dinner and dancing.
Saturday, June 18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Bethune Park
A Juneteenth parade will end at Bethune Park, where there will be food trucks, stage entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and exhibitors.
Saturday, June 18, noon-3 p.m. at Midtown Global Market
At this event, there will be traditional storytelling, drumming, music, cultural wellness, spoken word, food and more.
Saturday, June 18, noon-6 p.m., starting at Willard Park
The University of Minnesota is hosting a Juneteenth celebration, featuring a range of activities and including guest speakers.
Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. along West Broadway Avenue, between Bryant and Emerson avenues
A Juneteenth block party will be held, featuring local businesses, food trucks and vendors, community speakers, children’s activities, and live music and entertainment.
Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m.-noon at Target Field Station Plaza and Amphitheater
A Juneteenth Movement Yoga and Healing event will be held. In addition to yoga, there will be guest speakers and food.
Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Sabathani Community Center
This event will feature over 50 vendors presenting food, clothing, art and more.
Sunday, June 19, 1-6 p.m. at Hook and Ladder
The “Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival” will include live music, guest speakers, Black-owned businesses, art and food vendors.
Sunday, June 19, 9 p.m. at Mortimers Bar
DJ Cam Jones will host the Juneteenth Music Festival at Mortimers Bar.
St. Louis Park
Sunday, June 19, noon-4 p.m. at the Recreation Outdoor Center
This event will feature musical entertainment, food and a keynote address.
St. Paul
Friday, June 17, 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Minnesota Humanities Center
There will be a Juneteenth Breakfast held and will include music and a guest speaker.
Saturday, June 18, 3-7 p.m. at Boyd Park
The YWCA St. Paul is hosting a Juneteenth celebration with music and entertainment.
Saturday, June 18, 5:30-11:30 p.m. at the Intercontinental Hotel
The St. Paul NAACP event will include a dinner and keynote address from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Do you know of a metro area event not on this list? Submit it here.