Photo courtesy of Phoenix on the Cheap Media File
Juneteenth is a National and an Arizona holiday that marks the end of slavery. The date originally goes back to the end of slavery in Texas, June 19, 1866. Juneteenth has been celebrated yearly in Texas since then, and throughout the years, has spread across the country.
It’s a day for all members of the community to share experiences by acknowledging and celebrating the African American influence on our country and on our state.
Here in the Valley of the Sun there are a number of FREE events celebrating Juneteenth this year:
Juneteenth Festival at George Washington Carver Museum
Celebrate Juneteenth at one of Phoenix’s only remaining Black Historic Landmarks, the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, for their inaugural Juneteenth Festival on June 15 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Commemorate Juneteenth’s legacy of community empowerment through the celebration of Black history, music, culture, and tradition. Explore Carver’s historic halls and enjoy indoor family-friendly performances, arts and crafts, vendor and community booths, and food trucks.
The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center is at 415 East Grant Street, Phoenix, 85004.
This is a FREE event, but please register here.
The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center does not offer on-site parking. The closest parking is at 443 South 4th Street, Phoenix.
Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration, Phoenix
Join neighbors at the Valley of the Sun JUNETEENTH Celebration, at Eastlake Park, Downtown Phoenix, on Saturday, June 15, from 5 – 10 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by local artists. Learn from community groups and education workshops. There will be free health screenings on site.
Youth activities include age-appropriate activities and an essay contest. Plenty of authentic soul food will be available to purchase. Eastlake Park is at 1540 East Jefferson, Phoenix, 85034.
This event is FREE, but register ahead of time at this link: Valley of the Sun JUNETEENTH Celebration.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, Scottsdale
No city celebrates with more gusto than Scottsdale at the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, on Saturday, June 15, from 2 – 7 pm. Join this large celebration of family-oriented fun with food, live entertainment, history displays, and a kid’s corner. Raffle give-a-ways too!
Scottsdale Stadium is at 7380 East 2nd Street, Scottsdale, 85251. This event is FREE, click here for more information: Juneteenth Freedom Celebration.
Tempe History Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration
Remember the past and look forward to the future is the theme of Tempe History Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration, taking place on Saturday, June 15, from 11 am to 3 pm, at 809 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, 85282.
This FREE event offers history, comedy, music, crafts, and food. Local African Americans who’ve contributed to Tempe’s history will be honored. Click here for more information: Juneteenth Celebration.
A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Joy in Tempe
Experience the fun at A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Joy, Juneteenth Block Party Celebration, Center Point Plaza, also in Tempe, on Saturday, June 15, from 7 to 11 p.m.
At this FREE event, enjoy a Black Art showcase, live music, interactive education displays, and markets with both Black-owned vendors as well as international vendors.
Center Point Plaza is at 660 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, 85281. Click here for more information: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Joy.
4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration 2024
Downtown Phoenix at the Footprint Center experience art and music on Saturday, June 15 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration.
Fun for the whole family. Bring the kids to have a drum lesson and to see a performance you don’t want to miss. Learn about black culture and dress up in cultural wear. Giveaways and raffles too.
Also, enjoy an incredible performance by the Pretty Precious Step team, a local non-profit with a mission to empower young girls in the community.
The Footprint Center is located at 201 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 85004.
Arizona Heritage Center Annual Juneteenth Celebration
History abounds on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at the Arizona Heritage Center’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Join community members at 10:00 a.m. to connect with a variety of organizations representing historical societies, action groups, state resources, and the community at large.
Guests are welcome to wander, discuss, and enjoy performances, activities, and food. Entrance to this special event is FREE.
RSVP here for free admission or choose the Supporter Admission Pass option for $10 to support future programming at the Arizona Heritage Center.
The Arizona Heritage Center is located at 1300 North College Avenue, Tempe, 85288.
Please check back with this post as more events for Juneteenth will be added.
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