Celebrate Juneteenth in Central Texas with 9 family-friendly events across the Austin area
The official Juneteenth holiday is on June 19, but many Central Texas celebrations will take place this weekend.
After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, thousands of African Americans remained enslaved in Texas until Major General Gordon Granger and Union Army troops arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865 to announce that all enslaved people were free.
Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth recognizes the hard won freedom and ongoing struggles of African Americans. The Statesman has gathered 11 events, from car shows to cookouts, in the Austin area.
4307 E. Old Settlers Boulevard, 6 to 11:30 p.m.
Looking to get down on the north side this Juneteenth? Round Rock is hosting the city's 19th annual Juneteenth Festival at Old Settlers Park. Celebrate freedom, culture and community at this family-friendly event with live music, food and activities for all ages. Friday will feature a barbecue cook-off with music from Keith Frank and Dat Boy Play. Saturday hosts music by Melanie Fiona, Sean Ardoin and Kid Capri. There is currently construction underway at Old Settlers Park, so head to Yonders Point in the north portion of the park for the celebration. To learn more about the event, visit roundrocktexas.gov.
1165 Angelina Street, Noon to 10 p.m.
The George Washington Carver Museum will be hosting their 6th annual Juneteenth cookout in the historic Rosewood Neighborhood. The day starts at 11 a.m. with a car show and parade. The event will feature guest DJs, carnival games, workshops, activations and a free plate of smoked BBQ prepared by veteran pitmasters. Tameca Jones and Houston-based musician Chalie Boy will perform at 4 p.m. Watermelon and popsicles will be served all day long. For the full roster of upcoming 'Stay Black & Live' events, visit juneteenthatx.com.
601 South Bagdad Road, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Take a drive to Leander for the city's Juneteenth Block Party, produced in collaboration with the Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission. 2025's theme is 'Still We Rise: Strength, Spirit and Solidarity.' The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with a basketball tournament, live art and a pool and splash pad. The fun continues with line dancing and Soulful Soundz Party Band. Bring a new or gently used book for the Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation book drive on site. For more information and a full schedule of Leader's block party, visit leandertx.gov.
3401 Webberville Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ACC's Juneteenth celebration, hosted by the college's African American Cultural Center, will take place at their Eastview Campus. Activities include live entertainment, face painting, caricature drawing, lawn games, free food and giveaways. The event begins at 10 a.m. and is free and open to the public. The campus will be closed for classes for the day, and will resume normal schedules on June 20. For more information on ACC's upcoming public event, visit students.austincc.edu.
1165 Angelina Street, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The George Washington Carver Museum is hosting a Juneteenth remembrance ceremony to honor ancestors and come together in solidarity. Their goal is to gather in unity to mourn victims of violence in Texas and foster a safe space for communal grieving. The Carver Museum invites the public to gather in their lobby to elevate the spirit of fallen sisters, brothers and non-binary community members with song, prayer and meditation. Attendees are encouraged to wear white or bright, neutral colors. For more information on the remembrance ceremony, visit austintexas.gov.
606 E 7th Street, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Hella Free is a Juneteenth function presented by Cat Records and the Austin Justice Coalition at Empire Garage. The show features music by DJ P Funk, DJ DK, Big Champ the God, DJ Crash, Rikki the DJ and TV 2 Clean. Come out for a night of free music, culture and community, as concert-goers celebrate freedom and Black excellence in style. To grab your free ticket to the show, visit seetickets.us.
800 Lavaca Street, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Travis County presents 'Still We Rise,' their 36th annual Juneteenth celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. underneath the parking garage at 800 Lavaca St. The family-friendly celebration of freedom will include fellowship, food vendors, information booths, music and games. This year's theme is 'Still We Rise: Celebrating the Journey with Power and Purpose.' For more information and highlights from last year's event, visit traviscountytx.gov.
2310 San Gabriel Street, Noon to 4 p.m.
Commemorate the end of slavery and the ongoing journey towards equality at the Neil-Cochran House Museum's Juneteenth Celebration. This free, public event will feature guided tours of the slave quarters, a barbecue lunch from James Beard Award-nominated chef Damien Brockway of Distant Relatives, and a gospel music performance by Christopher D. Spivey & Co. Lunch is provided free of charge from noon until they run out. For more information on the event, visit nchmuseum.org.
1165 Angelina Street, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Get ready for the 19th annual Austin African American Book Festival coming to the Carver Museum and Carver Library. The special celebration of Black literature and culture is themed 'Our Stories, Our Voices' and will feature acclaimed author Walter Mosley. The festival is introducing a new element this year, a writer's workshop called 'Write On!' where attendees can participate in interactive sessions on Black literature and history. There will also be activities for children, an author showcase and a vendor marketplace. For more information visit aaabookfest.org.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 9 family-friendly Juneteenth 2025 events, things to do in Austin
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Black America Web
15 minutes ago
- Black America Web
10 Powerful Speeches on Juneteenth and the Fight for Racial Justice
Source: Scott Olson / Getty Juneteenth isn't just a celebration—it calls us to remember, reflect, and rise. These 10 powerful speeches, past and present, still speak loudly about freedom, justice, and equality. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the last enslaved people were free. This news came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Freedom finally reached those who had lived in bondage and darkness. People named that day Juneteenth. Juneteenth means more than a date—it symbolizes delayed justice and enduring hope. For generations, Black communities have honored Juneteenth with parades, music, and speeches. Leaders, artists, and activists capture the emotion, struggle, and pride of a people who refuse to be erased. They use their voices every year to keep the spirit of Juneteenth alive. Historic giants gave some of these speeches. Frederick Douglass exposed American hypocrisy in his Fourth of July address. Malcolm X challenged systemic injustice with 'The Ballot or the Bullet.' Maya Angelou shared poetry revealing the pain and beauty of Black identity. Modern icons gave others. President Obama reflected on Juneteenth's meaning during a year of protest. Opal Lee, the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' fought tirelessly to make it a national holiday. Beyoncé and Amanda Gorman bring art and activism to new generations. These voices demand to be heard—now more than ever. People echo their messages in classrooms, rallies, and social feeds. Juneteenth reminds us that we must know, feel, and protect freedom. Some speeches directly address Juneteenth. Others focus on racial justice and equality more broadly. Together, they help us understand the ongoing fight for Black liberation and the true meaning of Juneteenth beyond the holiday. 10 Powerful Speeches on Juneteenth and the Fight for Racial Justice was originally published on A timeless oration on American hypocrisy and Black freedom. Obama discusses Juneteenth's meaning in a timely ABC News segment. Opal Lee reflects on the history and importance of Juneteenth in this insightful video. Cornel West passionately connects Juneteenth to the ongoing struggle for racial justice and collective healing. A moving performance of Dunbar's poem, echoing enduring Black resilience. Vice President Harris emphasizes Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in America's journey toward equality and justice. Congressman John Lewis, a stalwart of the civil rights movement, delivered this impassioned speech at the 1963 March on Washington. At just 23 years old, Lewis called for immediate action and justice, emphasizing that the time for patience had passed. His words continue to inspire generations to engage in 'good trouble' for the cause of equality. In this TED Talk, Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, delves into the deep-seated issues within the American justice system. He discusses the legacy of racial injustice and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths to foster change. Renowned activist and scholar Angela Davis explores the intersection of race, capitalism, and justice in this compelling speech. She argues that true racial equality cannot be achieved without addressing the economic systems that perpetuate inequality. In this powerful testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, author Ta-Nehisi Coates presents a compelling argument for reparations, highlighting the enduring impact of slavery and systemic racism on Black Americans. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Mookie Betts hosts celebrity softball game for Black Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium
Black Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium on Thursday gives baseball fans a chance to see Nelly, Lil' Wayne and Lizzo, among others, perform differently -- on the softball diamond. Mookie Betts is also switching gears, as he and former Lakers forward Matt Barnes will coach the teams for the first celebrity softball game. It's all part of Juneteenth recognition, ahead of the night's regularly scheduled MLB game concluding the four-game series between the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. "It's going to be a good time with great vibes, and something I hope to do for years to come. Thank you to everyone who is playing in the game and helped put on this event," Betts said in a statement. Betts and Barnes will provide live, in-game commentary as they coach their teams donning customized Juneteenth cream and black jerseys. The teams' rosters will be filled with additional celebrity players, and some will umpire or spectate. Professional and amateur sports athletes from the MLB, NBA, NFL and the ATP Tour, will also participate, including Terrell Owens, James Loney, Jordan Love and Mo'ne Davis. Tickets remain on sale for the 7:10 p.m. start against the San Diego Padres at and fans are encouraged to arrive early to watch the softball game, starting at 5:30 p.m.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
‘America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' documents pay win for the group
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have scored a salary touchdown. The new season of the Netflix docuseries 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' includes the women getting a pay raise. ''Happy' isn't even the right word for it. It kind of felt like a relief, like everything had paid off,' former cheerleader Jada McLean said. 'And finally, we were done fighting.' Netflix bills the series as viewers get to 'Follow the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders from auditions to training camp and the NFL season as they chase their dreams and a coveted spot on the squad.' During the first season the audience learned that because of the low pay many of cheerleaders had to work second jobs. The women have advocated for more money for years. 'Our efforts were heard, and they wanted to give us a raise,' Megan McElaney, a four year veteran of the team, said. 'And we ended up getting a 400 percent increase, which is, like, life-changing.' The Dallas Cowboys have long been called America's team and according to Forbes magazine the franchise has 'been the most valuable pro sports team in the world for almost a decade' as reported by Associated Press. Season two of 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' is currently streaming on Netflix.
