Your guide to Juneteenth events in Utah
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Utah's Juneteenth celebrations kick off Friday, with festivals and ceremonies this week and next.
Why it matters: Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people following the Civil War.
- On June 19, 1865, Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, with word that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Lincoln more than two years before.
Here are some of the parties and events.
🎉 Juneteenth Freedom Festival: Utah's biggest celebration is in Ogden, where the amphitheater fills with performers, contests and more. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
- 4-9pm Friday: Harry Lee and the Blues Makers and other local acts will take the stage, with a welcome reception at Union Studio.
- Noon-9pm Saturday: Hip-hop artist Lambo4oe is headlining the live music lineup, with youth activities in the Kuumba Village, spoken word performances, vendors, food trucks and line dancing.
- Noon-7pm Sunday: Listen to gospel and jazz music while exploring a car show and cheering for your favorites in the barber and braid battles. Free Father's Day haircuts run 10am-noon.
🛍️ Millcreek Juneteenth: Shop from Black-owned businesses at the Juneteenth market and take in performances by SLC Mass Choir, Ngoma y' Africa Drummers, The Feel Goodz, and Millcreek Skate Legend.
- When: 6-10pm Wednesday
- Where: Millcreek Common
🪖 Buffalo Soldier Ceremony: Learn about the all-Black military units stationed on the U.S. frontier during the late 1800s, with a guest speaker and wreath-laying ceremony at the Fort Douglas Military Museum.
- When: 6-8pm Wednesday
🎨 Salt Lake Juneteenth: Head to the Gateway Thursday for roller skating, kids activities, raffles, a Black-owned business expo, a Black art gallery, live entertainment and more.
- When: A celebration walk at 10am leads from the Capitol to the Gateway, where the party runs noon to dusk. The MusicNoire Showcase begins at 8pm.
- Tickets: Free, but reserve online.
- An afterparty hosted by BLACKonMARS is ticketed, with $30 general admission.
🍿 Fighting for Freedom: West Valley City is hosting a sweet potato pie reception, gallery tours, a film and panel discussion at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.
- When: 6-8pm Thursday
🕯️ Juneteenth healing and reconciliation vigil: Join in prayers for peace and progress at the International Peace Gardens.
- When: 4-6pm Saturday, June 28