Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.
We’ve compiled some of the biggest events going on in and around Columbia in honor of the holiday. We hope this helps you plan the perfect celebration!
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Juneteenth Parade in Downtown Columbia
- Saturday 6/18/22
- 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
- Begins at First Baptist Church – 1112 E. Broadway – and runs along Broadway
- A free community celebration.
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Juneteenth Celebration in Douglass Park
- Saturday 6/18/22
- 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Douglass Park – 400 N. Providence Rd.
- Following the Juneteenth parade in downtown Columbia, enjoy a day of community, family fun, food, games, vendors and more!
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Juneteenth Celebration at Shelter Gardens
- Saturday 6/18/22
- 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Shelter Gardens – 1817 W. Broadway
- Souls Sessions Como and Shelter Insurance are teaming up for an evening of music and poetry as well as food and products from local black-owned businesses.
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Singing in the Key of Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration by The Missouri Symphony
- Saturday 6/18/22
- 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
- Missouri Theatre – 203 S. 9th St.
- Featuring guest conductor Dr. Brandon A. Boyd and a community chorus, this concert celebrates traditional soulful music.
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Juneteenth After Party at Pressed Bar & Lounge
- Saturday 6/18/22
- 8:00 p.m. – Close
- Pressed – 803 Walnut St.
- Enjoy a Juneteenth celebration sponsored by Soul Sessions Como and The Village at Pressed Bar & Lounge.
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Juneteenth & Father’s Day Celebration in Douglass Park
- Sunday 6/19/22
- 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Douglass Park – 400 N. Providence Rd.
- Continuing from Saturday, this event also celebrates fathers in our community with free barbeque and more.
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The Village Presents: 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival
- Sunday 6/19/22
- 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Cosmo Park – 1615 Business Loop 70 W.
- Celebrate freedom and culture with guest speakers, live performances, fun activities and a variety of black-owned business vendors.
