Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” represents an important milestone in American history, signifying the day federal troops marched into Galveston in 1865 to take control of the state and free all enslaved people. Since then, Juneteenth—also referred to as Emancipation Day—is a day for African Americans to honor their culture and history, while also giving non-Black people an opportunity to learn about the day’s significance.
And ever since it was signed into law in 2021 as the newest national holiday, more and more observances and celebrations have been popping up across the country. Below are a few of the top local destinations to honor the Black experience and take part in these celebrations with your little ones. Plus, we share some must-read Juneteenth books for children.
Juneteenth Events in Dallas-Fort Worth
African American Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration
African American Museum, Dallas
June 15–18 and 19, times vary
Festivities begin on Thursday with a book discussion and on Friday and Saturday, with gallery talks about Freedman Cemetery and the museum’s new contemporary art exhibition If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future. Come on Monday for live music, a panel discussion and vendors under the museum’s dome. Learn more here
Denton Juneteenth
Parade begins at Denton Civic Center
Saturday, June 17, 10am parade step-off
Denton hosts its annual Juneteenth parade from the civic center that leads to Fred Moore Park, where the party continues with parade awards, a DJ spin-off and lots of live music.
Little Elm Juneteenth Freedom Walk
Little Elm Park
Saturday, June 17, 10am–1pm
Come out to Little Elm Park for the Little Elm Juneteenth. There will be bounce houses for the little ones, as well as live music by Don Diego, dancers, speakers and food trucks. And 95-year-old Opal Lee, known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, will be giving a virtual greeting to festival goers. Register online for a $15 event shirt or to participate in a mimosa toast.
Dallas Cowboys Juneteenth Celebration
AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Saturday, June 17, 4–8pm
Head to the Miller Lite House for the Cowboys’ second annual Juneteenth event. You can expect live entertainment, shopping from lots of local Black-owned businesses (see the list here), lots of lawn games to keep the kids entertained. Admission and parking are free.
Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration
Armstrong Park, Duncanville
Saturday, June 17, 3–10pm
This festival features a cultural displays from the Duncanville Arts Commission, a wellness expo as well as an authors expo organized by Dr. Jean Pemberton Jones. Bring the kids to jump on the bounce houses and listen to live music all evening. Admission is free but guests are encouraged to RSVP via eventbrite.com.
Opal’s Walk for Freedom
Near Glenwood Park, Fort Worth
Monday, June 19, 11am
Opal Lee herself will lead a 2.5-mile community walk—that distance representing the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas. Sign up online to join the walk. Pricing is $35 for adults and $25 for children. That includes an event T-shirt. Plus, $6.19 of every registration will be donated to the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, slated to open in 2025. Visit juneteenthftw.com for many more community events happening the week leading up to the holiday.
For more family-friendly events, visit our calendar at dfwchild.com/calendar.
Juneteenth Children’s Books
If your family understands the meaning of the day, celebrating creates a new level of appreciation. We recommend checking out a few of these books about Juneteenth to educate your children:
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
Written by Angela Johnson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
For ages 5–9
Juneteenth for Mazie
Written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
For ages 6–9
Juneteenth Jamboree
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan
For ages 6–9
Freedom’s Gifts: A Juneteenth Story
For ages 7–10
Juneteenth (On My Own Holidays)
Written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Drew Nelson, illustrated by Mark Schroder
For ages 7–10
The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure
Written by Steven Otfinoski
For ages 8–11
How are you celebrating or taking the time to teach your kids about the importance of Juneteenth? Tell us at editorial@dfwchild.com.
Top image: iStock
