ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louisans have been celebrating Juneteenth all week long and the party won't stop until the federal holiday, etched into history on June 19 every year.
5 On Your Side has listed several Juneteenth events, festivals, and more that you and your family can enjoy in the St. Louis area.
Inaugural North St. Louis County Juneteenth Celebration
Many of the events are part of the North St. Louis County Juneteenth Celebration, which has been underway for days. It's a celebration of "Black joy" throughout the northside leading up to the federal holiday on June 19.
According to a press release from the office of Chairwoman Shalonda Webb of District 4, the northside celebration is a five-day event that includes collaboration among St. Louis County Council District 1 and 4, and mayors throughout north county.
Webb has partnered with Councilwoman Rita Days of District 1 to kick off this year's theme, "Together We Can!", and each event will shine a spotlight on vast African American contributions and culture.
Some of the upcoming events planned for the celebration are as follows:
Friday, June 16
- Community Beautification Events from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- 24:1 Movie Watch
Saturday, June 17
- Bellefontaine Neighbors Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Ferguson Juneteenth Celebration from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 18
- Community Worship Events at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Juneteenth Music Festival in Florissant from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday, June 19
- 86th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner Thriving Forward at 5:30 p.m.
- Dellwood parade followed by a full community event at their Recreation Center from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. To register for the parade, click here.
To view the full event itinerary and more details, do so here. (Note: The document will be updated as more information is confirmed).
Don't forget, there are opportunities for volunteer and sponsorship available. If you would like to sign up as a volunteer, fill out this form.
NIC Juneteenth Festival in Soulard Park
Conveniently placed near downtown St. Louis, Soulard, one of the city's most iconic and historic neighborhoods, will be host to NIC's Juneteenth Festival.
- Register here for a chance to receive a free "fresh squeezed lemonade" on June 17 from 2-11 p.m.
Juneteenth Caribbean Heritage Festival: Missouri Gateway to Freedom and Justice
- Register to participate in the 12-hour third annual Juneteenth Caribbean Heritage Festival at Cricket Field in Forest Park on June 17 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The event is hosted by Africans Rising Together 2063.
Juneteenth "FREE-DOME" Celebration
- Enjoy this one-day event that centers family and celebrates African American heritage, history and culture at Fairgrounds Park on June 19 from 1-7 p.m.
Family Sunday
- Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum for hands-on art activities for your kids on June 18 from 1-4 p.m.
Father's Day and Juneteenth Kickball Tournament
- Attend or participate in this father-son kickball tournament to honor Father's Day and the Juneteenth holiday on June 18 from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. in Marquette Park.
The Illinois Black Woodstock Festival Juneteenth Edition
- Enjoy live performances and food at the Illinois Black Woodstock Festival at East St. Louis Community Park on June 19 from 3-8 p.m.
Juneteenth marks the effective end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, U.S. federal troops went to Galveston, Texas to let enslaved people know that they were freed after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by former President Abraham Lincoln two years prior.
"Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the U.S. and is considered the longest-running African American holiday," according to History.com. "On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday."
The nationwide celebration for Juneteenth is slated for Monday, June 19.
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