America's second Independence Day: Here are Juneteenth events happening in central Ohio
- Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is celebrated with numerous events in central Ohio.
- Events include festivals, block parties, educational programs and a book festival.
- Celebrations occur throughout June, with some specifically on June 19, the official date of Juneteenth.
- Many events offer free admission, but some require registration.
June 19, or Juneteenth, is almost here.
Marking the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, when the final remaining slaves were freed in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth is the longest-running African American holiday.
Recognized federally as a holiday in 2021, Juneteenth will be celebrated across central Ohio.
Here are the events happening locally to celebrate America's second Independence Day.
Reynoldsburg
June 14: Hosted by the City of Reynoldsburg and its At Large Council Representative Mildred Johnson, the city's annual Juneteenth Celebration will take place at Huber Park, 1640 Davidson Drive, from 4-8 p.m.
Titled "Harboring Hope: The Power of Resilience," the event will feature a live performance from the Chuck Starr Band, a fashion show, food trucks, a photo booth, an area for kids, free health screenings and more.
Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival
June 14: For the first time, Gahanna's annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival is hosting a Juneteenth celebration at the festival's Blues Stage. Gates open at 11 a.m. at 117 Mill St. in Gahanna.
The event will feature spoken word, dance and musical performances, including Blue Spectrum's Zayne Harshaw, plus prizes for those with a completed Gahanna Black-Owned Business Passport.
The booklets can be picked up from participating businesses or Gahanna's Ohio Herb Center and completed prior to the event by visiting participating local, Black-owned businesses and collecting stamps.
The first 200 guests to arrive will receive free admission to the festival. To learn more about the festival's inaugural Juneteenth event and the local businesses participating in the passport circuit, be sure to peruse the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival's website.
Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony
June 18: The Ohio Statehouse will hold a flag-raising ceremony at 10 a.m., according to the Juneteenth Ohio Festival website, kicking off the festival's events.
Jubilee Day Festival
June 19: The Ohio History Center will host a Jubilee Day Festival at its museum, 800 E. 17th Ave., from noon to 4 p.m.
Aiming to offer an educational experience for people of all ages looking to learn more about the holiday and African American history and culture, the event will feature dances, short historical readings, film screenings, food tastings, live performances and other activities.
Though the event is free, registration is required. To register or learn more about the festival's itinerary, check out ohiohistory.org
Juneteenth Legacy
June 19: From an Underground Railroad quilt workshop and a community drum and dance class to a "culture tasting lab," the historic Lincoln Theatre's free Juneteenth Legacy celebration has a full itinerary of activities for all ages at 769 E. Long St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Registration is required and can be completed through Eventbrite.
FREEDOM WORKS
June 19: Maroon Arts Group has organized its fourth-annual Juneteenth fireworks presentation.
FREEDOM WORKS: A Juneteenth Fireworks Presentation will start at 8:45 p.m. The recommended viewing location is on or near Columbus State Community College, 550 E Spring St.
Juneteenth Commemoration
June 20: King Arts Complex is holding its Juneteenth Commemoration on the Friday after the holiday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 835 Mount Vernon Ave.
The event will include speeches and a drum circle. The cultural arts complex's chief operating officer, Jevon Collins, said the organization would also be participating in Juneteenth on the Ave. the following day.
Juneteenth on the Ave.
June 21: Historic Mount Vernon Avenue in the heart of King-Lincoln Bronzeville will transform into a celebration of the richness of Black history, cultural significance and storytelling from noon to 6 p.m.
Held annually on the third Saturday in June, the mission of Juneteenth on the Ave. is to celebrate the end of chattel slavery and inspire continued action toward freedom through celebration, cultural expression and education.
The event will feature a vendor marketplace, live performances, food trucks, live art and more.
Umoja Juneteenth Block Party
June 21: Mt. Olivet Baptist Church will hold its Umoja Juneteenth Block Party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 428 E. Main St.
Featuring live performances, food, vendors and activities, the block party offers an opportunity to connect with friends, family and neighbors in a festive atmosphere.
Admission is free but reservations are encouraged on Eventbrite.
Juneteenth Ohio Festival
June 21-22: The Juneteenth Ohio Festival is back for its 28th year from noon to 11 p.m. at Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St.
Promoting cultural unity, health and harmony, the festival aims to improve relationships and quality of life among all residents throughout Ohio while celebrating the freedom for African Americans during the past 160 years.
The festival features a college, career and health expo, vendors, food and live concerts. June 21 will highlight old-school music, while June 22 includes cool jazz and blues.
Adult admission is $15 each day, and tickets can be purchased on juneteenthohio.com, where a full festival lineup can be found.
Kelton House's Juneteenth
June 22: The Kelton House Museum & Garden will host a celebration of freedom with poetry, music, food and drinks in its garden at 586 E. Town St. from 2-5 p.m.
With live poetry and drumming to uplift attendees, the Juneteenth event features four award-winning poets: Susann Moeller, Chiquita Mullins Lee, Karen Scott and Rose M. Smith.
The event is free, but reservations are requested at keltonhouse.com
Juneteenth BASH 2025 Book Festival
June 22: The Columbus Metropolitan Library's second-annual Juneteenth Black Author Spotlight On Heritage, or BASH, will feature over 50 Black authors for an afternoon of readings and book signings.
The free event, held at the Columbus Metropolitan Library's Martin Luther King branch, 1467 E. Long St., from 1-5 p.m. is open to all ages. There will be music, refreshments, children's activities, health screenings and prizes. By registering for BASH, attendees will be entered into a raffle for gift cards.
Have something to add? Email reporters Sophia Veneziano or Emma Wozniak to update the list.
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
Reporter Emma Wozniak can be reached at ewozniak@dispatch.com, or @emma_wozniak_ on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Sophia Veneziano is a Columbus Dispatch reporter supported by the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation. She may be reached at sveneziano@dispatch.com. The Dispatch retains full editorial independence for all content.