TOLEDO – Juneteenth – or June 19 – marks the day in 1865 when Union troops, led by
General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that slavery had officially ended.
This came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln declared in the 1863 proclamation “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.”
More than 250,000 African Americans in Texas joined almost 3.5 million of those who were already freed in other parts of the country as Union forces advanced through the South and enforced emancipation. Though Lincoln’s proclamation had laid the foundation, freedom arrived unevenly and was often long delayed.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Black Independence Day, represents the final large-scale emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, a turning point that has been celebrated for generations as a day of liberation, resilience and remembrance.
Still, not everyone was freed, even on Juneteenth. Enslaved people in Union-loyal states, like Kentucky and Delaware, remained until the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865. And even after abolition, many Black Americans continued to face systemic racism, segregation and violence.
Despite its heavy historical weight, Juneteenth has always been marked by joy. It is a celebration of survival and culture—of family, food, music and pride. Communities across the country gather to honor the past and uplift the future through cookouts, parades, concerts, education and storytelling. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday.
In Toledo, Juneteenth is celebrated through events that bring together residents, organizers, artists and educators. We’ve compiled a list of events for those who want to join in.
Thursday, June 19
Toledo Museum of Art Campus | 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Music, performances and activities make up this year’s celebration at TMA, including live jazz, R&B/neo-soul and electric guitar sets in the galleries, along with a magician, interactive art experiences, and family-friendly programming throughout the museum.
There will also be yoga, a sound bath, storytelling, gallery drawing, and a LocalEyes tour with a Toledo artist. Food trucks will be present all day at the FREE event.
Glass City Pavilion and Event Lawn | 3:30-9 p.m.
Live entertainment, food trucks, games and other activities will be taking place at the Glass City Pavilion at this FREE cultural festival.
Glass City Metropark | Kids run begins at 5:30 p.m. / Adult run begins at 6 p.m.
Juneteenth 2.5 Miles for Freedom Run
Bring the kids for a free 1K run at Glass City Metropark! Cost for adults: 2.5 mile – $12; TRRC members get a $2 discount taken at checkout.
Club Evolution | 6 – 11 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Take in live performances by Vteala Fields, LaBiche and other performers at this open mic night. $18. Tickets on Eventbrite.
Friday, June 20
Maumee Indoor Theater | Doors open at 3 p.m. / Show starts at 3:30 p.m.
Attend a recital by Famed Studios called Coming to America, an exploration of the immigrant experience and our country’s diversity. Kids: $12. Adults: $24. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 21
The Pinnacle | Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Honor 2025 scholarship recipients with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® – Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter at an elegant Juneteenth Brunch and Silent Auction. There will be a live performance by Distant Cousinz, food, and dancing. Cost for admission: $71. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
