Juneteenth Celebration and events in Columbus

Celebrate the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States with Juneteenth on the third weekend in June.

Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed in Galveston, Texas after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863.

Juneteenth is now a paid holiday for Franklin County employees, replacing Columbus Day, so there’s even more reason to celebrate! Read below for Juneteenth events focused on celebration and activism.

2023 Juneteenth

Annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival

The annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival is back at Genoa Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18, 2023.

Saturday June 17th, 2023

(Noon to 11:00pm)

Drum Call For Peace! 12:00pm
College, Career Fair (12:00pm-6:00pm)
Wellness Pavilion (12:00pm-6:00pm)
Paradise Marketplace 12:00pm-10pm
Soul Food Fantasy (12:00pm-10:pm)
Children Under ground Railroad
Concert Series! 6:00pm
Telee :5:30PM
Lungu Vybz Reggae Band 6:00PM
Jimmy McGee Band 7:00PM
Nellie Tiger Travis ” Blues” 8:00PM
Flex Crew 9:30PM
Classic Car Show!

Sunday, June 18th, 2023

Father’s Day (noon to 11:00pm)

Father’s Day Tribute 12:30pm-1:00pm
College, Career Fair 12:00pm-6:00pm
Wellness pavilion 12:00pm-6:00pm
Children’s Storytelling
Paradise Market 12:00pm- 10:00pm
Soul Food Fantasy 12:00pm-10:00pm
Hot Boyz 4:00pm
Gospel Concert 6:00PM
Quan Howell Tribute to “Sounds Of Blackness”
Old School Concert
Slave 7:30PM
American Idol Star Sydney Arterbridge
Lakeside 9:00PM
Classic Car Show

Admission is free until 3 pm. After 3 pm, $20 adult, $5 children. Proceeds Benefit Factual Literacy Initiatives. Tickets and details here.

Genoa Park, 303 W Broad St, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Juneteenth Celebration at Huber Park in Reynoldsburg

Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 9 am – 4 pm.

The celebration will include the 5K Unity in the Community Walk/Run, health screenings by the African American Male Wellness Agency, music, food trucks, art/craft vendors and various community groups. See details.

Huber Park, 1640 Davidson Dr, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

Juneteenth/Summer Celebration at The Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 3 pm -7:30 pm

An entire day of nature, art, community, family, music & more!

Pre-registration is required to reserve your spot on the lawn. Food trucks on site or bring your own picnic. Details and registration.

Cincinnati’s 36th Juneteenth Festival

June 17-18, 2023: The Festival will be in Eden Park on Saturday, June 17, with Father’s Day concert June Fest on Sunday. As always there will lots of activity in the Kids’ area. Exhibit of unique art & poetry commissioned by Juneteenth Cincinnati and Kennedy heights Art Center for the “Voices of Freedom” project. Join or watch the First Annual Juneteenth Chess Tournament.

See full schedule and musical performances on the website.

The Father’s Day concert on Sunday features a variety of inspirational spiritual music and praise dancing in Seasongood Pavilion.

Juneteenth – Jubilee Day Festival at Ohio History Connection/Ohio Village

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Texas, it’s been observed on the 19th of June annually since 1865.

Historical reenactment for Juneteenth at Ohio History at Ohio History Connection

Juneteenth 2022 at Ohio Village

Join Ohio Village for an 1890’s Juneteenth observation in the Ohio Village.

The Jubilee Day Festival will open with a parade that begins at 12:15 p.m. at the Ohio Village Welcome Center. Welcoming remarks will be in the Town Hall at 12:30 p.m., with other programs and activities to follow throughout Ohio Village.

Juneteenth 2022 at Ohio Village

Featured activities will include historical interpretations, storytelling, and dance. Admission is FREE! Advanced reservation recommended.See more details about Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival.

Juneteenth 2022 at Ohio Village

Kelton House Juneteenth Celebration

June 19, 2023. The afternoon will include events celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans on June 19, 1865.

The celebration will focus on music and storytelling to lift the spirit and soul. The museum will open at 4pm with the featured presentation beginning at 6pm.

Gabrielle Solange, singer, poet, entertainer and inspiration will be the Keynote. The event feature the music and talent of Jae Esquire, community leader, educator and musician and the storytelling of Sarah Richardt, public historian.

Food and drinks will be provided by 5 Star Planning and Events.

Details here.

586 E. Town Street; parking is located at 616 Franklin Ave.

Bexley Juneteenth Celebration

Monday, June 19, 2023 from 6 pm – 8 pm.

Join the city of Bexley for their annual Juneteenth celebration.

There will be a keynote speaker, author spotlight, spoken word and a special musical performance you don’t want to miss.

Food is provided by the city of Bexley. Bring your favorite side dish to share, and we’ll bring the hamburgers, hot dogs, and vegetarian options.

Hosted by the Bexley Celebrations Committee, Bexley DEI, Culture People You, Bexley Minority Parent Alliance, Bexley Public Library, and the City of Bexley. Details here.

Jeffrey Mansion Shelter House
165 North Parkview Avenue Bexley, OH 43209