Commemorating Juneteenth in Indianapolis

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation’s enforcement and the liberation of the remainder of enslaved people, both in Texas and throughout the newly reformed United States. We’ve rounded up all the free local events you can attend to observe the occasion around Indy.

Friday, June 14

3rd Annual Juneteenth Foodways Festival | 3:30-8 p.m. | Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware Ave., Indianapolis | Celebrate the many ways in which Black culinary traditions have influenced American culture by exploring the story of White House Chef Dolly Johnson and sampling food from local Black-owned businesses.

Saturday, June 15

Indy Juneteenth Celebration | 10 a.m. | Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Indianapolis | One of the country’s largest Juneteenth festivals celebrates its seventh year with a parade, live performances, food, and local vendors.

Juneteenth Celebration: History, Health & the Arts | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Enjoy offerings focused around the theme “History, Health and the Arts,” including live music + dance performances, active games, a preview of a new documentary about Indiana cycling legend Major Taylor, and a collaborative community mural.

Juneteenth Free Admission Day | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis | Get first access to a new interactive kiosk dedicated to African American historical sites in Indiana.

Juneteenth and Jazz Community Celebration | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Take part in live performances, artistic activities, and delicious local food.

Wednesday, June 19

Juneteenth Jubilee | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | Reflect on the history of the African diaspora and its varied celebrations of liberation and vision for the future in the new exhibition “Truth of Freedom: African Diaspora to Afrofuturism” — plus enjoy dancing, art-making activities, and live music.

Juneteenth Recital | 7-8 p.m. | All Souls Unitarian Church, 5805 E. 56th St., Indianapolis | Get inspired by beautiful gospel + choral music at this concert featuring renowned singer Amanda Thomas.