This weekend is the 51st annual Denton Juneteenth Celebration. Although it just became a federal holiday this week, Juneteenth has been a recognized Texas holiday since 1980, and Texans have celebrated since 1866. It’s an important date in our state’s history. Finally, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Texas slaves were told of their freedom.
There a lot of ways to celebrate in Denton this year with the City and the Juneteenth organization!
Friday, June 18 | Fred Moore Park
501 S. Bradshaw St.
- 7 to 9 p.m. Gospel Night
Saturday, June 19 | Fred Moore Park
501 S. Bradshaw St.
- 8 a.m. — softball tournament begins
- 10 a.m. — concessions and vendors open
- 11 a.m. — parade lineup at Denton Civic Center, 327 E. McKinney St.
- Noon — Juneteenth Parade begins, ending at Fred Moore Park. Awards ceremony follows on the C.H. Collins Stage.
- 1 p.m. — children’s activities and basketball tournament open
- 2 p.m. — Heroes Reception
- 4 p.m. — DJ spin-off
- 6 to 9 p.m. — Live performances
Saturday, June 19 | MLK Jr. Rec Center
1300 Wilson St.
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — American Red Cross blood drive for sickle cell anemia
- 1 to 3 p.m. — COVID-19 vaccine clinic
The Juneteenth Parade will begin at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St., wind through downtown, and end at Fred Moore Park, 501 S. Bradshaw St. See map below.
The Denton Public Library will also have a StoryTime on Saturday morning on Facebook about Juneteenth. Tune in live or watch later with your kids to learn and read! Watch here.
For more information about Juneteenth, visit www.dentonjuneteenth.com.