3 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth honors June 19, 1865: a day when approximately 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas—the last group in the United States to receive news of the Emancipation Proclamation (which had been issued nearly two and a half years earlier)—were declared free by the U.S. Army. Today, the celebratory spirit of the day lives on, as Juneteenth became an official national holiday in 2021. Locally, a number of educational institutions, community organizations, and businesses are honoring the day with their own special touches. Because June 19 falls on a Wednesday this year, the bulk of the events are slated for the weekend before (Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16), so plan accordingly. Here are three can’t-miss local celebrations.

Juneteenth Park-In and Party at Hard Rock Stadium

The City of Miami Gardens will throw down for its Juneteenth celebrations at Hard Rock Stadium June 15. Expect live bands aplenty spanning the R&B, soul, and jazz spectrums, as well as local food vendors and other festivities. Last year’s event started mid-afternoon and ran until 11 p.m., so prepare to party through the night.

Freedom Day Celebration at Florida International University

Free and open to the public, FIU ’s annual celebration is now in its fourth year. It’s happening June 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Dotson Family Pavilion. The experience will feature live music and dance performances, local artisans, and food truck vendors, all with an emphasis on Black-owned businesses and artists.

Black Art Brunch at Mizell Community Center

Two of our favorite things—art and brunch—collide at this Broward shindig, taking place at the Mizell Community Center June 15 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for general admission and go up to $60 for an all-inclusive experience with food and beverages. Entertainment highlights include South Florida’s own ThatDJChris, as well as actors from the Victory Black Box Theatre. Proceeds will benefit Noir Infusion Arts Projects’ mission to fuel more art and entertainment events from Black artists throughout South Florida.

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