Juneteenth Celebration and events in Columbus

Celebrate the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States with Juneteenth on the third weekend in June.

Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed in Galveston, Texas after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863. 

Juneteenth is now a paid holiday for Franklin County employees, replacing Columbus Day, so there’s even more reason to celebrate! Read below for Juneteenth events focused on celebration and activism.

2024 Juneteenth

Annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival

The annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival is back at Genoa Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, 2024.

 Saturday June 15th, 2024

(Noon to 11:00pm)

Drum Call For Peace! (Noon)
College, Career Fair (Noon-6:00pm)
Wellness Pavilion (Noon-6:00pm)
Paradise Marketplace (Noon-10:00pm
Soul Food Fantasy (Noon-10:00pm)
Children  Under ground Railroad
Concert Series! (6:00pm)
Classic Car Show!

Sunday, June 16th, 2024

Father’s Day (Noon to 11:00pm)
Father’s Day Tribute (12:30pm-1:00pm)
College, Career Fair  (Noon-6:00pm)
Wellness pavilion (Noon-6:00pm)
Children’s Storytelling
Paradise Market (Noon-10:00pm)
Soul Food Fantasy (Noon-10:00pm)
Open Mic
Gospel Concert Robbie Lyles  (4:00pm )
C.O. Hot Boys (6:30pm)
​Old School Cocert E.U. Band  (8:30pm )
​Classic Car Show!

Admission is free until 3 pm. After 3 pm, $20 adult, $5 children. Proceeds Benefit Factual Literacy Initiatives. Tickets and details here.

Genoa Park, 303 W Broad St, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Juneteenth On the Ave

Saturday, June 15, 2024 from noon – 6 pm
Celebrate Juneteenth with us on the Ave – food, music, and community vibes all day long! Details here. 

MPACC BoxPark, 925 Mt Vernon Ave Columbus, OH 43203

Juneteenth/Summer Celebration at The Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Saturday, June 16, 2024 from 2 pm – 5 pm 

Celebrate Juneteenth & Father’s Day with an entire day of nature, art, community, family, music & more!

Join guest speaker Dudley Edmondson, Columbus, Ohio native and author of “The Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places,” as he highlights African Americans engaging with nature and the environment. He’ll also share, “What’s That Flower? A Beginner’s Guide to Wildflowers.” Following the presentation, join Dudley & Nicole Jacson on a guided walk through the park.

• 2 pm-3 pm: Guest Speaker, Dudley Edmondson
• 3:30 pm-4 pm: Guided bird hike
• 4 pm-4:30 pm: Guided bird hike

The event is free, but pre-registration is required to reserve your spot on the lawn. Food trucks on site or bring your own picnic. Details and registration.

Juneteenth – Jubilee Day Festival at Ohio History Connection/Ohio Village

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Texas, it’s been observed on the 19th of June annually since 1865.

Join Ohio Village for an 1890’s Juneteenth observation in the Ohio Village.

The Jubilee Day Festival will open with a parade that begins at 12:15 p.m. at the Ohio Village Welcome Center. Welcoming remarks will be in the Town Hall at 12:30 p.m., with other programs and activities to follow throughout Ohio Village.

Featured activities will include historical interpretations, storytelling, and dance. Admission is FREE! Advanced reservation recommended. See more details about Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival. 

Juneteenth Celebration at Huber Park in Reynoldsburg

Saturday, June 18, 2024 from 4 pm – 8 pm.

The celebration will include spoken word performances, drumming and dancing, music, children’s activities, and food trucks. See details.

Huber Park, 1640 Davidson Dr, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

New Albany Juneteenth Celebration

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the Hinson Amphitheater

Enjoy dance/drumming, spoken word, music, kids’ activities, food trucks, vendors, and more! This celebration is an initiative of the New Albany IDEA Implementation Panel.

Details about performances, vendors, and more.

Hilliard Juneteenth

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 9 am – 11 am 

Celebrate freedom in the City of Hilliard during this important holiday.

Enjoy live music, a community art project, and “walk and read” The Juneteenth Story, written by Alliah Agostini Livingstone, illustrated by Sawyer Cloud, and published by Quarto Books US.

This free event takes place at Roger Reynolds Municipal Park.

King Arts Complex Juneteenth Commemoration

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 10am – 3pm. Enjoy activities to commemorate a special date in history for African Americans.

Join King Arts Complex 

835 Mount Vernon Avenue Columbus, OH 43203

Juneteenth in Gahanna

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 4pm – 7 pm

Experience the soul-stirring melodies and powerful messages of Juneteenth at this special celebration!  The event will feature an array of speakers and uplifting performances for local gospel musicians, including a special appearance by GLHS alum and local musician Hawc Griffin.

Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, 425 South Hamilton Rd, Gahanna

Juneteenth BASH at the Columbus Metropolitan Library

June 23, 2024: Celebrate Black authors and their contributions to literature at the Columbus Metropolitan Library: Martin Luther King Branch.

This free event will shine a spotlight on Black heritage and the diversity of Black literature through readings, book signings, and discussions with talented writers. Details and registration.

WeRise Celebrates Juneteenth!

June 23, 2024 from 12 pm – 4 pm at The Point at Otterbein University, 60 Collegeview Road Westerville, OH 43081

Celebrate Juneteenth with performances, kids activities, music and more! See details here.

Cincinnati’s 37th Juneteenth Festival

June 15-17, 2024: The Festival will be in Eden Park on Saturday, June 15, with Father’s Day concert June Fest on Sunday. As always there will lots of activity in the Kids’ area.

Exhibit of unique art & poetry commissioned by Juneteenth Cincinnati and Kennedy heights Art Center for the “Voices of Freedom” project. Join or watch the First Annual Juneteenth Chess Tournament.

See full schedule and musical performances on the website.

The Father’s Day concert on Sunday features a variety of inspirational spiritual music and praise dancing in Seasongood Pavilion.