This weekend, Michiganders are coming together to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, marking the day when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom.
For generations, Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth through parades and community events. In 2021, Juneteenth—June 19—became a federal holiday after Congress passed legislation that was signed into law by President Joe Biden. Today, communities across Michigan continue the tradition with events that honor Juneteenth’s history, culture, and significance.
Find a Juneteenth event near you:
Battle Creek: Juneteenth Family Day
Friday, June 19: The first day of Battle Creek’s Family Day kicks off a free screening of the movie ‘Goat,’ with complimentary pizza, popcorn, and concessions at Washington Heights United Methodist Church.
Saturday, June 20: Saturday will feature live music by Larry Lee and Back In The Day Band and Brandon Marceal, basketball exhibitions, ponies and children’ s activities, vendors, and more at Claude Evans Park.
Detroit: Juneteenth 2026 at the Wright
Friday, June 19: Juneteenth at the Wright Museum offers an immersive experience through live performances, storytelling, film, music, and community dialogue.
Detroit: Juneteenth Parade & Celebration
Friday, June 19: Detroit’s original Juneteenth Parade & Celebration is now in its fourth year. The parade will start at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and end at the Joseph Walker Williams Community Center.
Grand Rapids: Juneteenth 2026 Solidarity Parade and Celebration
Friday, June 19: The festivities will begin with a parade starting at the 1200 Block of Eastern Ave SE at 12 p.m. in Grand Rapids, followed by the opening ceremony and community celebration with food vendors and live music.
Kalamazoo: Juneteenth Celebration at Bronson Park
Saturday, June 20: The Juneteenth Celebration at Bronson Park will honor legacy and collective joy through community, music, and food.
Lansing: Juneteenth Flag Raising and Freedom Festival
Friday, June 19: The Juneteenth Flag Raising will take place at the Lansing City Hall Plaza at 11 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21: Freedom Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday at St. Joseph Park with vendors, food, live music, a car show, a DJ, dancing, games, and children’s activities. The 2026 African American Parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at J.W. Sexton High School.
Marquette: Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19: Northern Michigan University (NMU) will host its annual Juneteenth Celebration with pizza while exploring Juneteenth history.
Royal Oak: Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19: The 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration returns to the Royal Oak Farmers Market with live music, food trucks, community vendors, culture, and family-friendly activities.
Southfield: Juneteenth Celebration
Thursday, June 18: The Juneteenth Concert Celebration of Black Culture offers an evening of live music by Jynn & Juice, live art demonstrations, Black-owned food vendors, and free hands-on art activities led by Black artists at Southfield Municipal Campus Front Lawn.
Saturday, June 20: The Open Mic Juneteenth Celebration will feature spoken word, live music, food vendors, book sales, and additional community activities at the Southfield Library Front Lawn.
Ypsilanti: Ypsilanti’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19: Ypsilanti’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration starts with a parade at 5:30 p.m., followed by a special parade reception performance by Alise King.
Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21: The celebration will continue with local vendors and community organizations, live performances, and the “Kids Korner”.
RELATED: A guide to what the Juneteenth holiday is and how to celebrate it
PLUS: 2026 summer guide to Pride in Michigan
Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator, Abigail Deatrick, abigail@couriernewsroom.com with details (please send details at least one week before the event).
