Texas was the first state to officially recognize, the now federal holiday, Juneteenth. As a result, traditional celebrations often reflect a Texas influence. While the people of Texas tend to celebrate with barbecues and rodeos, here in Minnesota, Juneteenth celebrations are heavy on food trucks and music festivals with a focus on African American history, culture and civil rights. Family-friendly festivals abound in Minnesota this year. We’ve gathered up some of our favorites below.
Note: Now that Juneteenth is an officially recognized federal and state holiday, many places may be closed on Monday, June 19th. We recommend calling ahead to avoid disappointment on all special holidays.
A Short History of Juneteenth:
In 2021, President Biden declared June 19th a National Holiday, making Juneteenth an official holiday. Also known as Emancipation Day and Freedom Day, the holiday has been a grassroots celebration for over 150 years, since June 19, 1865 when General Gordon Granger read the General Order Number 3 and enslaved people were declared free in Galveston, Texas. This event happened two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring the end of slavery in the United States on January 1, 1863.
General Order Number 3:
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
Minneapolis / St. Paul Juneteenth Celebrations
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery
1256 Penn Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411
Ongoing Tuesdays – Fridays from 1 – 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm
Drop in during open hours to learn about Black-led civil rights movements and leaders in Minnesota in the new exhibit Black Liberation: Dismantling Racism in Minnesota 1800s – 1960s and view the community-created Juneteenth quilts now on display. FREE.
Juneteenth BBQ – Explore West St. Paul Days
West St. Paul Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave, St Paul, MN 55118
June 9, 2024.
Family-friendly activities include arts and crafts, games, music and food.
Splurge: Juneteenth: Celebration of Freedom
Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Saturday, June 14, 2024; 8pm.
An orchestral celebration honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans featuring music by African American composers. Ages 6+ allowed; based on the start time, we recommend this as a teen/tween outing. Tickets $33-$68/pp.
Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom Day
Bethune Park, 1304 N 10th Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55411
June 15, 2024.
Family-friendly activities, food vendors, live painting by Kenneth Caldwell and music and entertainment emceed by Maya Marchelle.
Juneteenth Minnesota – West Broadway Block Party
1007 West Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55411
June 16, 2024; Noon to 6pm.
Children’s activities, including carnival, games and activities geared toward kids. The whole family will enjoy live entertainment and music, a robotics/drone competition and black-owned vendors and food trucks. FREE. Drop in.
Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story
Northrop Memorial Auditorium, 84 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
June 21, 2024; 11am
An uplifting two-act play that weaves storytelling and music to portrays the events leading up to Juneteenth. Pre-performance activities in the lobby begin at 10:30am. Recommended for ages 8+. FREE. Registration Required.
North Metro Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth Celebration
Brooklyn Center Community Center, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
June 15, 2024; 11am-7pm
Community celebration includes entertainment, food, vendors, and activities for all ages. FREE. Drop In.
Maple Grove Juneteenth Celebration
Town Green, 7991 Main Street N., Maple Grove, MN 55369
June 19, 2024; 5-9pm.
Family fun starts at 3pm with a musical entertainment, a vendor fair and food trucks. FREE.
South Metro Juneteenth Celebrations
Free to Be — Celebrating Freedom with the Black Community
North River Hills Park, 11501 19th Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337
Saturday, June 15, 2024; 1-3pm.
Music and dance performances, live painting, kids crafts, line dance party and food trucks. Go for the celebration and stay for the park. North River Hills Park is always a great place for a picnic, and it has a great playground. FREE. Drop in.
Parktacular Juneteenth Celebration
ROC, 3700 Monterey Dr, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Sunday, June 16, 2024; 1pm-4pm.
Live music, family fun, food and shopping opportunities.
Celebrate Juneteenth at Centennial Lakes Park
7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Wednesday, June 19, 2024; 6pm-8pm.
Family-friendly celebration with kids activities and family entertainment, including a story time with A Smile by Isaiah Allen and Art Cart activities.
Richfield Juneteenth Celebration
Richfield Bandshell, 636 E 66th Street, MN 55423
Wednesday, June 19, 2024; 6pm-8pm.
Community celebration and freedom walk. More details TBA.
Celebrate Juneteenth at Home:
At home family fun: Juneteenth is the celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S. While slavery was never legal in the State of Minnesota, it was a reality in the territory until the landmark Dred Scott decision. Learn more at the MNHS website.
Craft: Make or color a Juneteenth Flag. Homeschool Superfreak offers a free printable flag.
Read aloud: Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford. There are several books about the Dred Scott case for grade school and up kids. I, Dred Scott: A Fictional Slave Narrative Based on the Life and Legal Precedent of Dred Scott can even be added to Kindle. For younger kids, Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine. Other topics to read about could include:
- President Abraham Lincoln
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., or the
- Civil War between the Confederate States and the Union Army.
Meal Idea: Traditionally families barbecue in the backyard and serve strawberry pop on Juneteenth.
Dinner Conversation Starter: Do you see injustice around you now? What can we do as a family to make a change?
Learn More: at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture. Thank you to Washington County Library for this suggestion.
*This article includes links to Amazon for books. As an Amazon Associate Family Fun Twin Cities earns from qualifying purchases.
More Family Celebrations in 2024
- Twin Cities Father’s Day Events & Activities
- Parade Calendar: Guide to Local Parades in the Twin Cities (We haven’t yet found a local Juneteenth Parade, but we continue to watch for one.)
- Twin Cities June Family Festival Guide
- Thinking of visiting San Diego, California this summer? Gianna has ideas for Family Fun.
- Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for all your Summer 2023 Family Planning needs in your inbox: