Honoring its origins as the birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston is hosting a vibrant program of community events. In commemoration of the 161st anniversary of emancipation, the island will host a weekend-long lineup of concerts, parades, festivals, exhibitions, and community engagements.
On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, leading 2,000 Union troops to issue General Order No. 3. This historic announcement officially freed more than 250,000 enslaved people in the state, marking the moment when the last enslaved individuals within the Confederacy finally learned of their freedom.
The arrival of this news was significantly delayed, coming two months after the Civil War and more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
This weekend, Galveston’s Juneteenth program will reach its pinnacle – kicking off Official Juneteenth Day, Friday. Continue below for more details!
Juneteenth Music Festival & Fireworks at Menard Park
This Friday, Galveston is hosting a free, family-friendly Juneteenth festival at Menard Park. The day-long festival will begin with community discussions, a featured author presentation, and poetry reflections. Following will be a “Say Their Names” tribute honoring legends in gospel, blues, jazz, zydeco, soul, and Tejano music.
Live entertainment will take place throughout the day, including performances by Ruben Moreno & the International Zydeco Band, followed by Amanda Solis presenting The Ultimate Selena Experience. The event will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display over Galveston.
Galveston Juneteenth Parade & Picnic
The official Juneteenth Parade & Picnic will begin at 3 pm – line-up time scheduled at 1:30 pm this Friday. The parade, featuring marching bands, drill teams, art cars, and more, will begin at 26th Street from Ball to Market and proceed toward 41st Street.
The parade will conclude at Wright Cuney Park at 41st and Ball. Here, a community picnic will take place with food vendors, music, and entertainment.
Reedy Chapel A.M.E.
Concurrently, Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church will host Echoes of Emancipation: A Juneteenth Celebration. The family day and block party with games, food, music, and kid-friendly activities begin at noon.
At 6 pm, the church, one of the city’s oldest African Methodist Episcopal congregations, will host a commemorative procession to Reedy Chapel, following the original path. The event will feature an Emancipation Service with speeches, music, and reading of General Order No. 3.
Other notable Juneteenth events in Galveston this weekend
This Friday, Tara T. Green, Ph.D. will host a presentation at Galveston Railroad Museum entitled “How Did the Troublemakers Get on the Train?! African American Women Activists for Freedom in the Early Twentieth Century”. The talk will detail how these women utilized the railway system to advocate for equality, deliver speeches, attend conventions, and organize protests.
Strand Movie Nights will host a free outdoor screening of Hidden Figures at Hendley Green on Saturday, June 20, at 7 pm. The event will feature on-site food and beverage trucks. BYOB is also available.
This Sunday, June 21, The Grand 1894 Opera House will host Her Voice, Her Story. Beginning at 4 pm, the production honors the Black women who shaped American music.
For more Juneteenth events in Galveston this month, check out the official Visit Galveston page here.
