A Guide to Local Events
Juneteenth is Thursday, June 19 and is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
This month, a series of events in Kansas City will honor this historic occasion, and we invite you to be a part of the celebration. Juneteenth is a time to reflect, learn, and embrace the rich heritage of African American culture. It’s an opportunity for us to unite as a community and deepen our understanding of the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing fight for justice and equality.
UPCOMING JUNETEENTH EVENTS:
Clay Country African American Legacy Inc,: 25th Annual Juneteenth Celebration – Celebrate Juneteenth with laughter & culture with back-to-back comedy shows featuring Guy Torry! Don’t miss the laughs! Friday, June 6 – Saturday, June 7; Visit Eventbrite page for details; Garrison School Cultural Center, Ruth Moorepark, Liberty Square.
Juneteenth at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center – This FREE family-friendly event, built with community partners, provides an opportunity to honor the history and celebrate Juneteenth with art, music, food, and more! Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 10 AM – 1 PM, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66212.
Juneteenth in Prairie Village’s Franklin Park – Join Prairie Village for what will certainly be another fantastic Juneteenth Celebration at Franklin Park! Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Franklin Park – 8700 Roe Avenue Prairie Village, KS 66207.
8th Annual Juneteenth Cultural Parade – The entire community is invited to JOIN the celebration! Watch over 100 parade entries marching into the heart of the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. Saturday, June 7, Starting at Noon, Pre-Parade Show 11:00-11:45 AM.
Juneteenth Celebration at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – This free Juneteenth Celebration honors the enduring contributions of African Americans with a full day of festivities, including live music and dancing, storytelling performances, and educational experiences in the museum’s galleries. June 12, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO 64111.
Juneteenth Overland Park – This event includes the June Freedom 5k Run, a parade, special appearances including Rae Daniels and KC Wolf, live music, and more! Saturday, June 14th, 7:30 AM – 2 PM; PrairieFire at 135th & Nall, Overland Park, Kansas.
Juneteenth in JoCo – Johnson County Government will host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, June 19 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Lenexa Civic Campus Commons, 17101 W. 87th St. Lenexa, KS.
BLOC 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration – Each year for Juneteenth, Brothers Liberating Our Communities gathers to celebrate the end of another school year, the beginning of summer, and LIBERATION in our communities. Through revolutionary educational work, our teachers and leaders are creating a better tomorrow, today. Friday, June 20 | 6 – 8 PM
JuneteenthKC – Kansas City’s Official Juneteenth Festival! Brought to Kansas City in 1980 by Horace M Peterson III, founder of the Black Archives of Mid-America INC, Juneteenth is an annual heritage celebration and platform that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Africans in America and provides the backdrop to pay tribute to the founders of our community. Saturday, June 21 | Noon to 10PM | 18th & Vine Jazz District.