Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., originating in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived with news that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people were now free—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans for nearly 160 years and is recognized as an official holiday federally and in many states, including Michigan.
In recent years, Juneteenth celebrations have grown in popularity across the country. This year, cities around the Detroit Region are hosting various events to honor and celebrate the significance of Juneteenth. Here are some events you can attend to commemorate this historic day.
Liberty Fest 2024
June 13-15 | 3:30-10 p.m. | Heritage Park in Canton
During Canton’s 31st annual Liberty Fest, enjoy the city’s Juneteenth Community Celebration on the Amphitheater Stage. Enjoy a performance by the Detroit Social Club, hustle demonstrations, gospel music, and a performance by Larry Lee and Back in the Day Band. The Juneteenth celebration will take place from 3:30-10 p.m. at Heritage Park in Canton.
Canton Liberty Fest runs from 1-10 p.m. on June 13, 1-11 p.m. on June 14, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 15 and will include carnival rides and midway games, live entertainment, a marketplace, festival food, a fireworks display, and more. Learn more.
Celebration of Freedom
June 14 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Spirit Plaza
Join the City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity and Employee Engagement departments for an educational and interactive Juneteenth celebration. Attendees will experience the raising of the Juneteenth Flag, food trucks, poetry contests, resources and giveaways, and live entertainment by We The People Band. Divine 9 fraternity and sorority members will also stroll, plus city employees will participate in a talent showcase. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will also have a mobile pop-up display. Learn more.
Dancing in the Street
June 14 | 6-10 p.m. | Motown Museum
Join Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit and Motown Museum to kick off the weekend with an interactive, educational, and art-driven block party experience. This event aims to educate the community on the importance of Juneteenth, highlight music’s impact on social change, and showcase programs and resources offered by Motown Museum. The block party will also uplift Black expression through art and poetry. It’s free to attend, but donations are welcome. Learn more.
- 6-7 p.m. Free museum tours, an African dance workshop, and a presentation by Alnur
- 7-8 p.m. Live performances
- 8-9 p.m. DJ takeover and movie screening
Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration
June 15 | Noon to 6 p.m. | Civic Center Park
Stop by Madison Heights on Saturday, June 15, for a celebration you won’t forget. Enjoy live music, a food truck rally, and a tribute to Opal Lee, a 97-year-old retired Texas teacher known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” The event will also feature bounce houses, a 25-foot climbing tower, a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts, an educational exhibit, more than 50 vendors, and local nonprofits and community resources. Learn more.
Celebrating Juneteenth in Dearborn: Why It’s Important
June 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Annex of City Hall Artspace
Join Littlefield Action for Social Justice and Homage to Black Excellence for a panel discussion, “Celebrating Juneteenth in Dearborn: Why It’s Important.” The panel of Black community activists and Dearborn residents will offer their insight, experience, and varied viewpoints on what Juneteenth is and why it’s important to publicly celebrate it as a community. Attendees will have a chance to participate in a Q&A at the end. Learn more.
Juneteenth Freedom Fest
June 16 | Noon to 6 p.m. | Eastern Market
Join the Michigan Black Business Alliance and its partners, ranging from the City of Detroit to the Detroit Branch NAACP and Detroit Means Business to Black Leaders Detroit, at Eastern Mark to celebrate Juneteenth. Enjoy live entertainment, kid activities, Black business vendors, and more. Learn more.
Juneteenth: Detroit and the Final Stops of the Underground Railroad
June 17 | 6-7 p.m.
Join the Detroit Public Library – Campbell for a presentation with Shakiyla Kirkwood, trustee of the historic Second Baptist Church of Detroit and lecturer for the Detroit Underground Railroad Historical Society, on the significance of the Second Baptist Church of Detroit, which functioned as one of the final stops on the Underground Railroad as freedom seekers escaped to Canada. Learn more and register.
Wayne State University Juneteenth Event Series
June 17-19 | Wayne State University
Join Wayne State University for its annual Juneteenth celebration, a series of events commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and fostering a deeper understanding of the ongoing quest for equality and justice. The series will feature an art exhibition until June 28, panel discussions, and a keynote address by the Rev. Dr. Mayowa Lisa Reynolds, Principal at the Detroit School of Arts and Assistant Pastor at Fellowship Chapel.
- June 17, noon to 2 p.m.: Threads of Freedom Quilting Exhibition and Quilted Dreams: Hands of Freedom Workshop
- June 18, 10 a.m. to noon: Opening Ceremony
- June 18, 5-7 p.m.: Panel Discussion on DEI Education: The Importance Now and in the Future
Juneteenth Jubilee
June 19 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum is hosting its annual Juneteenth Jubilee, featuring a morning stretch, performances, speakers, and more, designed to highlight and support education, economic independence, and community engagement. Attendees can also visit the museum’s four current exhibitions: And Still We Rise, Double ID, The Audacity to Thrive, and Paths to Freedom. Learn more.
Juneteenth on the Cut
June 19 | 2-7 p.m. | Dequindre Cut
Celebrate Juneteenth on the Dequindre Cut with live music, vendors, food trucks, and more. Located on the eastern border of historic Black Bottom, the Dequindre Cut’s Juneteenth celebration will celebrate Black Bottom’s legacy with storytelling, performances, and interactive opportunities for all ages. Learn more.
Juneteenth Heritage Day
June 22 | Noon to 4 p.m. | Nankin Mills Park
Join Wayne County Parks, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and Friends of Wayne County Parks for their third annual Juneteenth Heritage Day. Enjoy live performances, a Black History 101 Mobile Museum, food trucks, lawn games, guided hikes, a photo booth, and more. Learn more.
Ypsilanti’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration
June 21-23 | South Huron parking lot (behind Puffers Reds)
In collaboration with United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Survivors Speak, A Brighter Way, University Bank, and other partners, the City of Ypsilanti will host a Juneteenth celebration featuring live music, food trucks, raffles, hustle lessons, vendors, youth activities, a Sickle Cell Disease Awareness walk, and more. Learn more.
The event is from 6-9 p.m. on June 21; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 22; 1-7 p.m. on June 23.