Summer Fun Checklist Activity: Take Part in a Juneteenth Celebration
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, a holiday to celebrate the announcement of the abolition of slavery. You can commemorate the sesquicentennial of Juneteenth at these local events:
2015 Miss & Little Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant – Thursday, June 18
The theme of this year’s event is Command Attention! Supporting Austin’s Military Veterans. The pageant will take place at the George Washington Carver Museum from 7-9 p.m.
Juneteenth Celebration at ACC Eastview Campus – Friday, June 19
Join ACC at the annual Sounds of Freedom celebration at the Eastview Campus, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members and students will enjoy live entertainment, games, vendor booths, a domino tournament, and college information. The event is FREE and open to all.
Music in the Park: Juneteenth Celebration (Pflugerville) – Friday, June 19
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, friends and neighbors for a free evening of music, entertainment and relaxation in Pfluger Park. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. and wraps up by 9:30 p.m. FREE!
Juneteenth Rhythm & Ribs Festival (Round Rock) – Friday, June 19 & Saturday, June 20
The Voice and the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department are again joining forces for the 7th annual free festival, which takes place from 7:30-11:30 p.m. in Old Settlers Park. Parking and admission are both FREE. The celebration continues at 2 p.m. the following day, Saturday. At 3 p.m., the Round Rock mayor kicks off the day’s festivities, which include live music, a health fair, moonwalks, clowns, games, food, vendors and more.
Juneteenth 2K – Saturday, June 20
The 2K Emancipation Run/Walk is a challenging fun run and walk down the Juneteenth parade route, beginning at the intersection of MLK and Comal streets. Participants can line up at 8:30 a.m., and the race begins at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $20, and you can download a registration form online.
Emancipation Parade and Park Celebration – Saturday, June 20
The Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the intersection of MLK and Comal streets. The route will continue along Chicon and will conclude at Rosewood Park, where there will be a celebration with entertainment, food and vendors until 8 p.m. FREE!
Juneteenth Celebration at the Carver Museum – Saturday, June 27
The dedication of Juneteenth Memorial Monument will be at 11 a.m. Festivities and Juneteenth Marketplace will be from noon – 4 p.m. There will be entertainment, games, vendors, reenactments, prizes and fun!
You can learn more about African-American history and culture any time at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, which is located at 1165 Angelina St. The museum is housed in a 36,000-square-foot facility that includes four galleries, a conference room, classroom, darkroom, dance studio, 134-seat theatre and archival space. The galleries feature a core exhibit on Juneteenth, a permanent exhibit on Austin African-American families, an Artist’s Gallery and a children’s exhibit on African-American scientists and inventors. Carver is open Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed Sundays).
