Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, occurs annually on June 19. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth’s commemoration is on the anniversary date of June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led a force of soldiers to Galveston, Texas, to deliver General Order No. 3. This message stated that the war was over, the Union had won, and it had the manpower to enforce the end of slavery.
The announcement came two months after the effective conclusion of the Civil War and more than two years since President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
This is why we celebrate Juneteenth, as it honors the day all of the enslaved were legally freed.
Lexington Special Events
Juneteenth Jubilee
Presented by: African Cemetery No. 2
African Cemetery No. 2, 419 East Seventh St.
Saturday, June 14 | 7 – 8:30 p.m.
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of this celebration of spirit and freedom honoring the Civil War soldiers who fought for that freedom. This year will be a retrospective program featuring highlights from past programs since 2005. Sgt. Robert Bell, 12th Heavy Artillery Regiment will be the guest speaker.
Juneteenth Freedom Day
Presented by: Wise Guys Urban Uplift Foundation
Location: Douglass Park, 726 Georgetown St.
Date & Time: Sunday, June 15 | 2 p.m.
A community celebration to raise awareness of culture, history, equality, and bring peace to the neighborhood through food, music and youth activities.
“A Sense of Place”
Location: Cadentown Rosenwald School, 705 Caden Ln.
Date & Time: Thursday, June 19 | 11 a.m.
The Sense of Place initiative focuses on the stories of Black Freetowns – places where rich spiritual traditions, educational opportunities, and enterprise developed and grew overtime. Join us for a free Juneteenth celebration, remembering and celebrating the History of Fayette County’s Rural Black Hamlets.
STILL, WE DANCE A Juneteenth Reflection Inspired by Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”
Presented by: Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center
Location: Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 East Third St.
Date & Time: Thursday, June 19 | 6 – 8 p.m.
A powerful celebration of American freedom through the art of dance, cultural expression, and community engagement. Experience a day that lifts the spirit and honors the truth that the soul was never chained.
Juneteenth Celebration
Presented by: Kentucky U.S. Freedmen Coalition
Location: Charles Young Park, 215 Midland Ave.
Date & Time: Saturday, June 21 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Entertainment, food, information booths, vendors, and community fellowship celebrating Black American liberation.
SoulTeenth Fest
Presented by: SoulFeast Week
Location: Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St.
Date & Time: Saturday, June 21 | 2 – 9 p.m.
SoulTeenth Fest is the vibrant Juneteenth celebration at the heart of SoulFeast Week—honoring culture through entrepreneurship, culinary artistry, and community. With free, accessible programming for all ages, the festival highlights local and national talent, diverse vendors, and immersive experiences that celebrate the rich heritage and cultural relevance of Central Kentucky.