Juneteenth Celebrations and Festivals Happening in Louisiana this Weekend: June 15 through June 19

Cities around the state will commemorate freedom with Juneteenth celebrations this weekend. Shreveport will celebrate sunflowers, West Monroe will hold its Big Fair, and craft beer will flow in Thibodaux.

SunflowersPhoto byiStock

Celebrated on June 19, Juneteenth is a commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Events are happening around the state this weekend to pay homage to this day of freedom.

A Sunflower Trail Festival, a Big Fair, and a Craft Beer Festival are also on tap.

Soul Food Festival - Franklin - June 16 & 17

Teche Drive (Bayou Side) - Willow to Jackson

Sponsored by 100 Black Men of St. Mary Parish, the Soul Food Festival in Franklin celebrates Juneteenth with music, Soul food, a health village, a 5K run/walk, a fishing tournament, a corn hole tournament, a car & bike show, and a children's village. Hear Lil' Nate & the Zydeco Big Tymers, Krossfyre, Get Cha Sum, and Sweet Southern Heat bands.

4th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee - Monroe - June 17

Downtown River Market | 316 South Grand Street

Black-owned businesses will be celebrated at the 4th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee in Downtown Monroe. Live entertainment, shopping, food vendors, kid-friendly activities, health expos, and more will be available.

New Orleans Juneteenth Festival - Congo Square - June 19

835 N Rampart Street

The New Orleans Juneteenth Festival is free and open to the public from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM in Louis Armstrong Park. Music will be provided by DJ Eye V.

Sunflower Trail Festival - Gilliam - June 17

12797 Main Street

Held at the Crossroads Museum in Gilliam, the Annual Sunflower Trail Festival features live music, arts & crafts, food, and a sunflower photograph contest. Several sunflower varieties and wildflowers are expected to be in full bloom along the trail between Shreveport and Gilliam. Festival gates are open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and admission is free.

The Big West Monroe Fair - West Monroe - June 16 through June 25

Ike Hamilton Expo Center | 501 Main Street

The Big West Monroe Fair features carnival rides, games, exciting shows, food, and loads of fun for everyone. Gates are open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for kids 5 and under and $10 for everyone else. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $30. Thursday, June 22, is dollar day when all rides cost $1.

Thibodaux on Tap - Thibodaux - June 17

W 2nd Street

The inaugural Thibodaux on Tap Craft Beer Festival will feature craft beer samples, Cajun cuisine, and live music. General admission tickets are $40 and guests must be 21+ to enter. The festival begins at 5:00 PM.