Here's where you can celebrate Juneteenth in the Twin Cities
MINNEAPOLIS — Juneteenth is right around the corner, and we've got the hook-up on celebrations. Here's everything you need to know about celebrating Juneteenth in the Twin Cities this year.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery.
Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth commemorates the day that 250,000 Texan slaves were declared free by the U.S. Army. At the time, this was the last area in the U.S. to comply with anti-slavery laws.
In 2021, Juneteenth became federally recognized but has been celebrated annually for decades. Ironically, Texas become the first to make it a state holiday in 1980.
(NOTE: This is the basic definition of Juneteenth. The history surrounding the Juneteenth holiday is complex and significant. To learn more about the history of Juneteenth, click here.)
Events happening June 18
Minneapolis Pre-Juneteenth Celebration
- When: June 18, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Where: Loring Park Patio, 1382 Willow St, Minneapolis
Events happening June 19
Juneteenth Tours at Fort Snelling
- When: June 19, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Fort Snelling
Screening of Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: MN African American History
- When: June 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Where: OMG Studios, 550 Vandalia Street Suite 220, St. Paul
- OMG Studios will be screening a documentary that was created to challenge our understanding of slavery and its impact on Minnesota.
Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival
- When: June 19, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Where: Various Locations
- Activities include live music and dance, art galleries, wellness activities, black-owned market, storytelling, drum circles, food trucks, history zone, interactive installations, and more.
Juneteenth with the Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions
- When: June 19, 12 p.m.-5 p.m., programmed events 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Where: Rondo Commemorative Plaza, 820 Rondo Avenue, St. Paul
- The Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions will host its fifth annual Juneteenth event, celebrating the music of the Rondo neighborhood. The event will feature a variety of speakers, musical guests and vendors.
Maple Grove Juneteenth Celebration
- When: June 19, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Where: Town Green, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove
Marshall Juneteenth Celebration
- When: June 19, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Where: Justice Park, 704 Oak Street, Marshall
Albert Lea Juneteenth Celebration
- When: June 19, 5:30 p.m.
- Where: 201 Broadway Ave S., Albert Lea
- When: June 19, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Where: Maetzold Amphitheater, 7499 France Avenue S, Edina
Blackout Improv presents: Juneteenth at the Ordway
- When: June 19, 7 p.m.
- Where: The Ordway Theatre
Events happening June 20
Juneteenth Breakfast featuring Bakari Sellers
- When: June 20, 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
- Where: St. Paul Event Center, 400 Wabasha Street North #320, St. Paul
Events happening June 21
- When: June 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Where: Northrop, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis
- Come and see a 90-minute two-act play that addresses a traumatic time in our history.
28th Annual Community Peace Celebration
- When: June 21, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Where: Western Sculpture Park, 387 Marion St, St Paul
Juneteenth Jubilee Black Burlesque Show
- When: June 21, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Where: LUSH Lounge & Theater, Minneapolis
Events happening June 22
Screening of Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: MN African American History
- When: June 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Where: Rondo Community Library
- The Rondo Library will be screening a documentary meant to challenge our understanding of slavery and its impact on Minnesota.
Woodbury for Justice and Equality Juneteenth celebration
- When: June 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Where: Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive, Woodbury
Juneteenth Minnesota — A Family Celebration!
- When: June 22, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Where: Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul
Events happening June 23
- When: June 23, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Where: Viking Lakes, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan
We will continue to modify this list of events as Juneteenth comes closer.