Round Rock To Kick Off Juneteenth Celebration

ROUND ROCK, TX — The annual Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival is scheduled this weekend with a full array of entertainment for families.

"The Voice” Inc. and the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department are joining forces again for this annual event celebrating the emancipation of slaves in 1865. The festival kicks off on Friday, June 14, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The family fun continues Saturday, June 15, from 2 p.m. to midnight at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.

The festivities on Friday start at 7:45 p.m. with an opening ceremony featuring Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan and the Round Rock City Council. The two-day event then features Grammy Award winning DJ/Producer Kid Capri, rap legend and Grammy Award winner KOOL MOE DEE and back by popular demand, Next Town Down and Cupid and the Dance Party Express.

There will also be clowns, moonwalks, games, health fair, specialty food, retail vendors and much, much more! Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the emancipation of slavery in the state of Texas. Historically, the celebration falls on June 19th and commemorates the day in 1865 that Texans were told by Union troops that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were now freed. Though the Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863, there was little impact on the lives of Texans until 1865.

Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.

For more information about the Juneteenth Celebration, visit www.roundrocktexas.org/Juneteenth. Admission is FREE and parking is just $5 per car.

Entertainment Lineup

Friday, June 14

7:30 p.m. Festival opens
7:45 p.m. Opening ceremony
8:15 p.m. OWBC Judah Praise
8:30 p.m. OWBC Sanctuary Choir
9:00 p.m. Next Town Down
10:30 p.m. Grammy Award winning artist, KOOL MOE DEE

Saturday, June 15

2:00 p.m. Festival Opens
2:30 p.m. Soul Tree Collective
4:30 p.m. BBQ Cook-off winners announced
5:30 p.m. The Levites
7:30 p.m. Caboose
9:00 p.m. Cupid and the Dance Party Express
10:30 p.m Grammy Award winning DJ/Producer, Kid Capri