Each year, Juneteenth celebrations grow larger and more vibrant in our city of hope. June 19 marks the day enslaved people were freed following the Civil War's end. Initially, celebrations were held in churches, but they have expanded significantly, especially with the momentum of care for the second Civil Rights Movement. In our community, new events blend with traditional ones reflecting the evolving ways we honor this important day.
Mall C | Saturday, June 14 | 11 am - 8 pm
Freedom Fest is a collaboration between Ingenuity Cleveland, Karamu House and Downtown Cleveland celebrating Juneteenth, a nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery on June 19, 1865. This marks the day when all African Americans were freed. At Mall C downtown, you can enjoy live music and performances to honor the celebration. This free outdoor event begins at 11 am. Festivities include live art performances and shopping that features Black-owned businesses, tasty food trucks, live music and more. This significant event promises to be a vibrant and memorable celebration, making it an occasion you won’t want to miss.
The library and its branches will host several events surrounding Juneteenth topics throughout the month of June:
- Joyful Juneteenth: Come celebrate with storytellers from The Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers as they share Juneteenth tales on June 16 at 1 pm.
- Juneteenth Scrapbook Art: On June 17 at 3:30 pm, celebrate Juneteenth by making scrapbook art to show what Juneteenth means to you. Make your own to take home or add to a community collage.
- Juneteenth Beaded Bracelets: Make DIY beaded bracelets on June 18 at 3 pm to celebrate Juneteenth.
- What is Juneteenth?: Join the CPL as they explore Juneteenth and make keepsake buttons to take home on June 21 at 1 pm. There will also be fun and age-appropriate activities for teens and tweens.
Cleveland Botanical Garden | Tuesday, June 10 | 5 pm
This special evening honors the legacy of freedom and spotlights Black history, creativity and resilience. Wander the scenic trails and take part in engaging activities for all ages. The Juneteenth Evening Festival features the theme “Reclaiming the Past, Remembering Black Voices, Reshaping the Future” and includes live music, dance performances, delicious food and a local market showcasing Black artists and vendors. Kids can enjoy interactive games and crafts, while adults explore the marketplace and enjoy the entertainment.
ThirdSpace Action Lab | Thursday, June 19 | Event Schedule Coming
This year, ThirdSpace Collaborative deepens its commitment to community collaboration. In challenging times, they focus on what they do best, activating space and people. For them, “Betting on Black” isn’t a gamble; it’s a celebration of soul power — the creative force that has fueled Black resilience, joy and the ongoing fight for freedom. A collaborative event schedule is coming soon.
TBA | June 13 - 15
Djapo Cultural Arts Institute hosts 16th Annual Juneteenth African Dance & Drum Fest. Special Guest artists often teach traditional dances from Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Haiti, Ivory Coast, USA and much more. Celebrate Juneteenth with art, music, dance, history, culture and folklore.
Edwins Too | Thursday, June 19 | 9 am - 12 pm
Come together with friends, family and community members to enjoy a scrumptious brunch spread. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere and engage in meaningful conversations, while honoring this significant day.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | Saturday, June 21 | 11 am - 4 pm
The Rock Hall is partnering again with Mx. Juneteenth to host this Queer and Black Liberation Celebration. The event is rooted in the spirit of Juneteenth and cultivates a space for reverence, remembrance and radical joy. and will feature black queer feminist performances, small businesses and artists, as well as community care.
BOP STOP @ The Music Settlement | Saturday, June 14 | 8 pm - 12 am
In celebration of Black Music Month, this special night honors the legendary Roy Ayers, one of the most influential vibraphonists and composers in jazz and soul history. Expect a vibrant tribute led by Forecast, Cleveland’s own jazz-funk collective, along with other bands. There will also be a silent art auction and food available on-site.
Crate & Barrel | Saturday, June 21 | 10 am - 4 pm
Crate & Barrel hosts "Crafted in Culture," a special Juneteenth event celebrating diversity and artistry. This one-day showcase highlights the work of talented Black artists and crafters from Greater Cleveland, offering a unique chance to shop handcrafted goods and support local creatives.
Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens | Saturday, June 14 | 12 pm - 4 pm
Save the date for this 2025 celebration. More details to come.
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument | Thursday, June 19 | 12 pm - 1 pm
The Cleveland Soldiers' and Sailors" Monument will hold their ceremony on Thursday, June 19.
Disciples Christian Church | Sunday, June 15 | 3 pm - 6 pm
Disciples Christian Church invites the community to a joyful day of music, food and togetherness in celebration of freedom and unity. With live performances, family-friendly activities and delicious food, it's a chance to honor the past and look toward a brighter future.
ONGOING EXHIBITS:
This church was one stop on the Underground Railroad – Station Hope – before slaves crossed Lake Erie into Canada, where freedom was guaranteed. It is said slaves hid in the towers, waiting to see signals on the lake. Founded in 1816, St. John’s Episcopal Church is the oldest in the area, even though it moved a few times, nearly burned down once and has even been ravaged by a tornado. The site is now used for Station Hope events in conjunction with Cleveland Public Theatre.
The Cozad-Bates House, located in University Circle, was a part of a neighborhood home to abolitionists who worked and provided aid to refugees fleeing slavery and heading for Canada. Today the space shares information on the Land’s anti-slavery history alongside issues of modern day slavery in the U.S., like the 13th amendment. The interior of the Cozad-Bates House Interpretive Center features exhibits in three distinct spaces, each with its own story and purpose: the Gund Foundation West Wing, Cleveland Foundation East Wing and the KeyBank Community Room. The interior exhibits of the Cozad-Bates House Interpretive Center are open to the public regularly on Saturdays from 12 pm - 4 pm.
In 2009, The Toni Morrison Society dedicated its second Bench by the Road at the cross streets of North Main and Lorain in Oberlin, OH. The project is part of the Society's initiative to memorialize unmarked sites in African American History. The site here commemorates Toni’s birth and public schooling life, all done in our city before she went to Howard University. Oberlin was also known to have hidden landmarks for refugees escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad.