Juneteenth events in Cincinnati to celebrate the culture!
Juneteenth is an annual celebration and acknowledgment commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Enjoy plenty of Juneteenth events in the Greater Cincinnati Area. Check out parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, networking, flag ceremonies, concerts, film screenings, and more!
Take time to celebrate African American culture and learn more about its past, present, and future. Many of these events are FREE. So, grab family, friends, and church members and check out these Juneteenth events.
The information in this article is as current as the publication date. Please confirm the information before acting.
Related Article: Things to do in Black Cincinnati this year
2026 Juneteenth Events in Cincinnati
First Annual Juneteenth Fest
June 18, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mason High School (Mason)
Free Admission
Expect a vibrant Juneteenth celebration filled with live music and a DJ, delicious food trucks and local vendors, and plenty of opportunities for community connection. Families can enjoy fun activities for all ages while taking part in a joyful atmosphere.
The Noir Society Presents The Official Pre-Juneteenth Celebration
June 18, 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Shires’ Rooftop (Downtown)
Free Admission
Set against the backdrop of Cincinnati’s stunning skyline, this rooftop experience will bring together some of the region’s most accomplished and engaged professionals of color for an evening of networking, collaboration, and meaningful conversation.
Live after Five: Juneteenth Celebration
June 18, 6 p.m. โ 9 p.m.
Liberty Center (Liberty)
Free Admission
Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring the high-energy sounds of the P. Ann Everson-Price and the All Star Band. The celebration also includes vibrant spoken word poetry, free face painting, a balloon artist for the kids, and community connection in partnership with Transforming Family Ministries.
Juneteenth Eve: A Celebration
June 18, 6:30 p.m. โ 10 p.m.
PAR-Projects / Studeล PAR- (Northside)
Free Admission
Celebrate the Juneteenth holiday with a cookout and the opening reception of our summer exhibition, featuring the works of Adoria Maxberry.
Art Unveiling
June 19, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Holloman Center for Social Justice (Avondale)
Free Admission; Registration Required
Please join Black Art Speaks for the unveiling of the next generation of art displayed at the . This exhibition centers social justice and civic engagement through art. Rooted in a commitment to equity and community engagement, the unveiling positions art as a civic practiceโtransforming personal stories into public impact.
Opal’s Walk for Freedom
June 19, 10 a.m
Freedom Center (The Banks)
$39.44 (Includes in-person Walk participation and T-shirt)
Opalโs Walk for Freedom, organized by the Texas-based non-profit Unity Unlimited, Inc., is led by Dr. Opal Lee, widely known as the โGrandmother of Juneteenth.โ On June 19, participants in host cities across the country will walk 2.5 miles simultaneously, symbolizing the approximately 2.5 years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free in 1865.
Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Urban League (Avondale)
Free Admission
A vibrant community event featuring a live broadcast with Lincoln Ware, diverse food trucks, family-friendly activities, and resource booths from local organizations that highlight culture, connection, and education all in one place.
Juneteenth Jubilee
June 19, 10 a.m. โ 5 p.m.
Freedom Center (The Banks)
Free Admission
True to the spirit of the earliest Juneteenth celebrations, all are welcome to join the fun with live music, food trucks, and a Community Market where attendees can shop small and support local businesses. Experience drop-in programming centered around the theme โWhat does Afro-futurism mean to you?โ and give back through the Juneteenth Blood Drive with Hoxworth Blood Center.
Juneteenth Panel & Group Discussion
June 19, 11 a.m. โ 1 p.m.
Findlay Market (OTR)
Free Admission
Featuring four Black community leaders to sit on the panel and speak on their personal experience with Juneteenth and what it means to them.
Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom
June 19, Noon – 4 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Free Admission
Bringing the energy this Juneteenth with live performers, food trucks, local vendors, and a vibrant celebration of freedom, unity, and culture.
City of Florence Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, Noon โ 5 p.m.
Florence Nature Park Event Center (Florence)
Free Admission
Enjoy activities for the entire family, live music, local agencies and vendors, educational, health services, food trucks, arts, and more.
Juneteenth Block Party
June 19, Noon – 6 p.m.
St. Andrewโs Episcopal (Evanston)
Free Admission
The celebration will be buzzing with delicious food vendors, energetic DJs, a handsโon educational exhibit, fun kidsโ games, and even a full healthโscreening bus bringing wellness and excitement right into the heart of the event.
Hamilton Juneteenth
June 19, 4 p.m.
Symmes Park (Hamilton)
Free Admission
enjoy live music from the Gemstone Band, allโday line dancing, diverse food trucks, local vendors, interactive art, and powerful history tributes all woven into one lively community experience.
Carnival Block Party
June 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Hirsch Recreation Center (Avondale)
Free Admission
Join the Cincinnati African American Firefighter Association for a free community celebration filled with food, music, games, bounce houses, fire safety experiences, prizes, and fun for the whole family.
Juneteenth Pop-Up
June 19, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Market Wines (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
Enjoy music from DJ Pillo, Black-owned business vendors, raffles, giveaways, and more.
Juneteenth Food Festival
June 19, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Garden of Joy (Clifton)
Free Admission; Optional tickets and donations help support Garden of Joyโs free youth culinary, gardening, life skills, and restorative programming
This community celebration will include food trucks, art vendors, live music and DJs, face painting, raffles, a silent auction, and more.
Juneteenth FYH Basketball Showcase
June 19, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Symmes Park (Hamilton)
Free Admission
Enjoy a basketball tournament with a non profit organzation support fathers, youth, and youth without fathers.
Juneteenth Community Check-In
June 19, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
CFCWC Club House (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
A special event dedicated to engaging the community while honoring and celebrating the rich history, culture, achievements, and lasting contributions of the Black community throughout the Cincinnati Tri-State area.
Cincinnati Juneteenth Run
June 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Esoteric Brewing (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
Join a run/walk around Walnut Hills and stay for an after party featuring DJ AQ, raffles for free shoes/gift cards, black-owned vendors, fitness challenges, drinks, and food!
Juneteenth Jam
June 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
NCH City Center (North College Hill)
Free Admission
Enjoy a live band, food trucks, local vendors, and a photo booth.
A Juneteenth Celebration of Soul
June 19, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Muse Cafe (Westwood)
Free Admission
Guests can enjoy food specials, music, artist talks, poetry, spoken word, and more in celebration of freedom.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Dance
June 19, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
930 Findlay Street (West End)
$20 advance; $25 at the door
Bring your friends and family to enjoy a night of good music, food and community spirit. African Attire is encourage.
Juneteenth B.G.N vs Members Inc.
June 19, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Mixwells (Northside)
$10
Join Siri Imani, Ricki B, and Ashauna B. More details TBA.
Bri & Celine presents a Juneteenth RnB Movie
June 19, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
LoVe on Fourth (Downtown)
Free Admission
The biggest R&B Juneteenth kickback the city has ever witnessed.
DRUNKTEENTH : Cheetah Invasion
June 19, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Sharkz (OTR)
Starting at $20
Wear animal print attire to celebrate Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Jam
June 20, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Chase Bank (North College Hill)
Free Admission
Enjoy a parade, followed by interactive presentations, spoken word, hip-hop, rap, singing, face painting, games, food, and more.
NKY Juneteenth Celebration
June 20, Noon – 7 p.m.
Covington Landing (Covington)
Free Admission
This highโenergy event will feature dynamic guest speakers, live music, vibrant entertainment, and a wide mix of vendors bringing flavor, creativity, and culture to the waterfront, plus exciting sneaker and Tโshirt giveaways and the inspiring Black Excellence Awards honoring remarkable community leaders.
The Juneteenth Bounce Around
June 20
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Son & Grdn (Walnut Hills)
6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Cinema (OTR)
10 p.m. – 2 a.m. | LoVe on Fourth (Downtown)
Free Admission
Spend your Saturday at various Black-owned bars before finishing the night with Ricardo Grant’s block party.
CYBP Juneteenth Fish Fry
June 20, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Five Points Alley (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission, $5 meal ticket
Join the Cincinnati Young Black Professionals for food, music, games and all the vibes to celebrate Black freedom!
Freedom Gala
June 20, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Esoteric Brewing Co. (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
A transcending fashion event featuring various theatrical elements within the runway sets highlighting expression, Black culture, and freedom in every facet
Juneteenth Festival
June 20 โ June 21
Eden Park (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
Featuring live music, food, and entertainment. Over 25 performances on two stages will reflect the shared heritage within the African diaspora. Genres include blues, jazz, R&B, Latin jazz, African dancing, and the Voices of Freedom poetry slam. Festival goers can visit, learn, and shop with 50 vendors and exhibitors.
Juneteenth Jubilee
June 21, 10 a.m. โ 4 p.m.
Findlay Market (OTR)
Tickets are sold in bundles; one ticket = one food sample; 8 for $20 or 18 for $40
Celebrating Findlay Marketโs various Black-owned businesses. Youโll be able to sample special dishes and shop for unique items that tie back to the history and importance of Juneteenth.
Related Article: Celebrate Juneteenth by Supporting Black-owned Businesses
History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
Further Readings
Related Article: Check out these Cincinnati Black historic sites
These Cincinnati Juneteenth events are informative, fun, and entertaining! If there are other things to do in Cincinnati we missed, submit them to The Voice of Black Cincinnati Calendar.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
Juneteenth images provided by Adobe Stock
