WISCONSIN — Juneteenth, the federal holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the U.S., is Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
On June 19, 1865, troops in Galveston Bay, Texas told the last enslaved Black people that they were free, through the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on Jan. 1, 1863; the 13th Amendment was passed on Jan. 31, 1865 and ratified Dec. 6, 1865.
As the historic day approaches, Wisconsinites are gearing up to celebrate. Here are Juneteenth events happening around the state:
Milwaukee area
Juneteenth Jubilee Parade and Celebration
When: June 19 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Parade route begins on 14th St. and Atkinson Ave. and ends on Dr. MLK Jr. Dr. and Locust St.; festival grounds take place along M.L.K. Dr.
The 53rd annual Juneteenth parade in Milwaukee is themed “Our History, Our Culture, Our Village.” Participants include members of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers and more. The festival will include 300 vendors lining King Drive selling local food and products.
When: June 18-22
Where: America’s Black Holocaust Museum | 401 West North Ave.
America’s Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee is celebrating Juneteenth all week long. It will include activities such as a talk about the history of Juneteenth and the flag’s meaning, programs for children with the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, story time, live music, a community collage and more.
Milwaukee VA’s Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 13 | Noon-1:30 p.m.
Where: Clement J. Zablocki Veterans’ Administration Medical Center | South Entrance, 5000 W. National Ave.
This Juneteenth celebration includes food from Pops BBQ, Karol’s Kitchen and Baked Dreams. There will also be games, entertainment and local vendors.
Juneteenth 70’s & 80’s Funk Party
When: June 19 | 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Where: The Cooperage | 822 South Water Street
The 70s and 80s Funk Party with honor the best of Earth, Wind & Fire at The Cooperage. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20. Those can be purchased online or upon entry.
Juneteenth Gospel Festival MKE
When: June 22 | Noon
Where: Hart Park | 1190 N. 70th Street, Wauwatosa, Wis.
The meaning behind this event is “Preserving Our African American Gospel Legacy.” It will feature local groups and choirs, spoken word, food vendors, health screenings and more.
When: June 15 | Noon-8 p.m.
Where: Dr. John Bryant Community Center | 601 Caron Butler Dr., Racine, Wis.
This Racine event is the culmination of a weeks-long string of events, including a flag raising ceremony on June 9, a Sneaker Ball 3.0 event on June 14 and more.
Madison area
When: June 15 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Penn Park | 2101 Fisher St.
The parade kicks off at 10:45 a.m. and departs from the Fountain of Life Church parking lot at 655 West Badger Road and continues to Penn Park. Following the parade, there will be activities and events celebrating Black history.
The Burlesque Storytelling Of {We’re The Color Purple} Juneteenth Show
When: June 19 | 6-9 p.m.
Where: Crucible | 3116 Commercial Avenue
The dazzling performance captures the magic of “The Color Purple” with the sensuality of the burlesque. It will feature several Black burlesque performers to celebrate Juneteenth. Tickets range from $20-$50.
YP Juneteenth Social: Family Reunion
When: June 21 | 7-11 p.m.
Where: Black Business Hub | 2352 South Park Street
This 21 and older rooftop event on top of the Black Business Hub aims to reconnect old friends and bring together new ones over food and celebration. There will also be music curated by Sneaky Gator and some games and raffles. Tickets cost between $15-$25 and include drinks and food.
2024 Sun Prairie Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 19 | 4-7 p.m.
Where: Wetmore | 555 North St, Sun Prairie, Wis.
The event will have educational activities and speakers talking about the history of the holiday, performances, a resource fair and family activities.
Green Bay/Fox Cities
5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
When: June 15 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Joannes Park | 215 S. Baird St., Green Bay, Wis.
The 2024 theme for this event is “Black Men. Are. Caregivers.” It’s meant to highlight Black men’s positive impact on society. The event will feature live entertainment, music, food and drinks, fun games and more. A parade will also take place around 11:30 a.m. and begin on Chicago Street at We All Rise: African American Resource Center.
African Heritage Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 9 | Noon-5 p.m.
Where: Jones Park | 301 W Lawrence St., Appleton, Wis.
This Juneteenth celebration will feature performances from King of Pop, The Janet Experience, Sounds by DJ Haze, Candice Smith, MC Keith L. Brown and DJ Mando and Crew. There will also be several local vendors, a 2024 Black Excellence Graduation, food and more. The event is free to attend.
La Crosse
La Crosse Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 22 | 12-7 p.m.
Where: Riverside Park | 100 State St.
The third annual event will feature food, entertainment, community booths and more. Admission is free.
Wausau
When: June 22 | 5-9 p.m.
Where: Whitewater Music Hall | 130 1st St.
This free event aims to honor the importance of the historical holiday. It features food, drinks, music and speakers.
Stevens Point
When: June 22 | 1-8 p.m.
Where: Piffner Park | 1100 Crosby Ave.
The free, family-friendly event is open to everyone in the Stevens Point community. For the fourth year of the celebration, there will be a talent show and several local vendors.
Beloit
When: June 25 | Noon-8 p.m.
Where: Telfer Park | 2100 Cranston Road
This event is hosted by the YWCA Rock County in collaboration with the Elite Ladies of Beloit. It will be a day filled with cultural experience and opportunities of learning. Those who attend can enjoy from food, music, local vendors and more.