Juneteenth 2021: Where to Celebrate In Austin Metro

AUSTIN METRO, TX — Every year on June 19, Americans across the country gather to celebrate Juneteenth.

The holiday, which first began in Texas, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings.

Here's where you can celebrate this weekend in the Austin Metro.

Juneteenth Parade in Austin

The parade will start at 10 a.m. Saturday at Salina Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. It will take an immediate right onto Chicon Street, a left onto Rosewood Avenue and another left onto Chestnut Avenue before ending at Pleasant Valley Road.

For more information, visit the Juneteenth Central Texas website.

Juneteenth Park Festival in Austin

The Juneteenth Park Festival will kickoff after the parade on Saturday, officials said. It is historically held in Rosewood and Boggy Creek Park at 2300 Rosewood Ave.

It will include speeches, entertainment and vendor booths. COVID-19 guidelines apply. For more information, visit the Juneteenth Central Texas website.

Juneteenth, but make it Queer in Austin

Embrace Austin will host a "Juneteenth But Make It Queer" event from 4 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday at 900 Red River St. in Austin. There will be a $5 cover charge at the door, which help benefit Austin’s QTBIPOC Community.

For more information, check out the Facebook event.

Juneteenth in Manor

Travis County will celebrate "Bring Your Family to the Park" Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at East Metro Park, 18706 Blake Manor Road in Manor.

For more information on the event, visit Travis County's website.

Juneteenth at Pioneer Farms in Austin

“Texas Juneteenth: Amazing History, Enduring Legacy” is a special program on the history of Juneteenth with live music, flags and historical exhibits, officials said.

It will include sneak preview tours of the nonprofit's Freedman Farm site, where construction is about to begin.

For more information on the event, visit Pioneer Farms' website.

Juneteenth in Round Rock

The Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival will take place from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.

For more information, visit the city of Round Rock's website.

Juneteenth in Bastrop

This year's Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom has been combined with the postponed Summer in the City event, so it will stretch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday on and near Main Street in Bastrop.

The 12-plus hours will include concerts, awards and games, along with food and drink vendors, officials said.

For more information, visit downtown Bastrop's website.

Juneteenth in Cedar Creek

This former freedom colony's traditional Juneteenth Celebration will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the restored Hopewell-Rosenwald School, 690 Texas 21 in Cedar Creek. There will be barbecue, refreshments and games for the entire family. Former students of the segregated Black country school are invited to share their oral histories.

For more information, visit the city of Austin's website.

Juneteenth in Pflugerville

The Juneteenth Open Market from Noir Creators will be from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Baptist Church, 1202 Russell St.

For more information, visit the Noir Creators Space website.

MORE ON THE EVENT: Celebrate Juneteenth With Open Air Market In Rosewood Park

Juneteenth in Hutto

This event will start at 10 a.m. Saturday with a citizens' march from Hutto Middle School to City Hall, then continue with an 11 a.m. ceremony and a festival from noon to 6 p.m. Information is available on the Black Families of Hutto Friends Facebook page.

Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas to inform African Americans they were emancipated from slavery.

Today, Juneteenth (June 19th) commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is seen as a time for reflection and rejoicing.

In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions join hands on that day to truthfully acknowledge a period in our country's history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.

On Thursday, June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill recognizing Juneteenth as a Federal holiday. It has been a state holiday in Texas for about 41 years, officials said.