Juneteenth Cincinnati
Celebrate Juneteenth with Juneteenth Cincinnati at the riverfront, Eden Park, and downtown June 11 through 19.
Juneteenth Cincinnati began presenting the Juneteenth Festival in 1988. It began in Cincinnati’s Drake Park. In the early years moved to Eden Park at the invitation of the Park Board.
The Festival celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865 at the end of the Civil War. It also celebrates the continuing struggle over the ensuing years to achieve the full fruits of freedom. Although the 1988 Festival was not Cincinnati’s first celebration, it has been the only annual event.
Juneteenth Cincinnati Schedule of Events
Wade in the Water
Sunday, June 11
3 p.m.
Ohio Riverfront
Join the participatory dance along the Ohio River. Acknowledge the significance of water to the 400+ year trek into and beyond enslavement. Wear white.
Raising the Juneteenth Flag
June 12 – June 16
Flag ceremonies at The Cincinnati Art Museum, Hamilton County Courthouse, and Cincinnati City Hall.
Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 17
noon – 9 p.m.
Eden Park
The free event offers live music on two stages, a children’s play area, shopping, art, history reenactments, health checks, cuisine, and plenty of family entertainment.
Entertainment Schedule Coming Soon
Kids area activities
- Listen to a story
- Ride a pony
- Get a balloon
- Meet historical figures
- See a magic act
- Play games
- Take a book home
- Go face to face with farm animals
- Make a card for Dad’s Day
Vendor Opportunities
Food, art, craft, clothing, service, and information vendor opportunities are available. Learn more.
Father’s Day Concert
Sunday, June 18
2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Eden Park
Featuring a variety of inspirational spiritual music and praise dancing in Seasongood Pavilion
History
In 2005 Juneteenth Cincinnati revived June Fest. June Fest served the African American community, from the late 1920s through the early 1950’s. During this time, African American performers and audiences were not welcome in Music Hall and other venues.
Juneteenth Parade
Monday, June 19
Downtown Cincinnati
Including bands, clowns, dignitaries, step teams, drill teams
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Juneteenth images provided by Juneteenth Cincinnati
