Juneteenth celebrations are happening this weekend in Columbus to celebrate the 1865 liberation of the last enslaved people in the U.S., two years after the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth isn't until Monday, but several organizations are hosting celebrations for the federal holiday throughout the weekend in the Columbus Metro area. This includes multiple festivals, a parade, concerts and a potluck.
Here is a list of several Juneteenth events happening this weekend in central Ohio:
- Juneteenth of the Ave is a festival on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Avenue in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood between North 17th Street and St. Clair Avenue. The event features performing and visual artists and black-owned businesses.
- The Juneteenth Ohio Festival takes place in Genoa Park from noon to 11 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The festival is free until 3 p.m. and tickets cost $5 to $20 after that time. The festival has concerts, soul food, a car show and career fairs.
- Reynoldsburg is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday in Huber Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The Grange Insurance Audobon Center is hosting a free Juneteenth & Summer Celebration on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required and attendees will be able to enjoy live music, eat at food trucks and see author Carolyn Finney.
- Ohio Village is hosting a Jubilee Day Festival Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
- The inaugural Juneteenth Parade kicks off in the Linden neighborhood at 10:30 a.m. Monday. The parade steps off at Hudson Avenue and heads south on Cleveland Avenue.
- The Kelton House Museum and Garden is hosting Juneteenth: a Celebration for the Soul on Monday at 6 p.m. with music and storytelling.
- Bexley has a Juneteenth Potluck Cookout on Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with performances by the East High School Drum Line and DJ RISIO at the Jeffrey Mansion Shelter House.
