12 Juneteenth events happening around Richmond this weekend
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Desirée Roots, who is performing this weekend, at Révéler in Carytown last year. Photo: Courtesy of Peter McElhinney
It's Juneteenth weekend, which means the Richmond region is once again having celebration after celebration to commemorate the holiday.
Why it matters: Juneteenth marks the day that enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free 2.5 years after the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Here are some events to get into.
Thursday, June 18
⛪️ Black Heritage Preservation Alliance is hosting a tour of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jackson Ward, which was founded by a famous Black preacher in the 1800s. 11am-1pm. Free but signing up is recommended.
🍺 Hardywood on Ownby is having Juneteenth: The Pre-Game, with DJ Nobe, live art from The Art Seen and donations going toward UnlockingRVA, an event company focused on Richmond culture. 5-9pm. Free.
📜 The Valentine is celebrating Juneteenth with a tour focused on its collection of Richmond-area Black History. 6-6:30pm. Free.
🎶 Stadium Sports Bar in Shockoe is kicking off Juneteenth with afrobeats, amapiano, Southern hip-hop and R&B. 6pm. Free until after 10pm.
Friday, June 19
🎉 There's a Juneteenth Festival at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Church Hill that includes a parade and live performances "to raise awareness of this historic day of freedom and celebration." 8:30am-1pm. Free.
🌺 Lewis Ginter has free admission on Juneteenth and a day of events that include an Edna Lewis documentary screening, a presentation of Black food traditions and Black-owned food trucks like Philly Vegan and Ruby Scoops. 9:30am-5pm.
🎨 Head to Juneteenth in the Park at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield for a celebration of Black artists and conservationists. Noon-2pm. Free.
🎷 Annie Ruth's Wine Bar and Bistro in Midlo wants you to vibe at its Juneteenth Jazz Party. 7-9pm. $12.51.
Saturday, June 20
💃🏻 Sing, Dance, and Be Free! at Clover Hill Library's Juneteenth celebration in Chesterfield. 10-11am. Free.
🎭 The Hippodrome in Jackson Ward has "Songs of Truth: The Awakening" with Desirée Roots starring as Sojourner Truth for a concert full of songs from a Richmond musical potentially headed to Broadway. 7pm. $28.52.
🥳 Jubilation in June is Richmond's Juneteenth celebration at Midtown Green, with live performances and food trucks. 4-9pm. Free.
🎆 Henrico is hosting its annual Juneteenth Celebration at Dorey Park with over 100 Black-owned businesses, plus performances and fireworks, to honor the evolution of Black culture. 4-10pm. Free.