31 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth Locally
Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, is celebrated annually on June 19. This year, there are 31 ways you can celebrate locally in the Tampa Bay area.
The celebrations kick off with a Juneteenth Kickoff Mixer at Moore Eventful Event Hall in Clearwater on Thursday, June 15. This event will feature music, food, and drinks, benefiting the 2024 Black Excellence Summit.
On the same day, the Juneteenth Day of Action will take place at St. Petersburg City Hall, where attendees can celebrate Black history and demand the city keep the Historic Gas Plant city-owned to ensure a Black future in St. Petersburg.
The festivities continue on Friday, June 16, with the Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony and Festival in Tampa, where the Juneteenth Flag will be raised over Old City Hall followed by a festival at Lykes Gaslight Square Park. In Dunedin, the Juneteenth Celebration at John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park will include live music, performances, and craft and food vendors.
On Saturday, June 17, there will be a variety of events to choose from, including the Vibe ‘N Color: Juneteenth Jamboree at Venue on 6th in Tampa, the Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Warehouse Arts District Association in St. Petersburg, and the USF Juneteenth Celebration at the Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center in Tampa.
Other events throughout the weekend include the Juneteenth Hair and Fashion Gala in Brooksville, the Shades of Pride Festival in St. Petersburg, and the Juneteenth Cooler Fete at THAP Courtyard in Tampa.
The celebrations will culminate on Monday, June 19, with events such as the Juneteenth Freedom at the Tampa Bay History Center, the Krate Juneteenth Celebration at Krate at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, and the screening of the film “Moonlight” at Screen Door Cinema Kress Annex in Tampa.
Whether you’re interested in music, art, food, or history, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the Tampa Bay area this year.