NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Several events and ceremonies are planned across Middle Tennessee to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday.
The U.S. will observe Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19. The origin of Juneteenth celebrations began after enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed — two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
In 2021, former President Joe Biden designated Juneteenth a federal holiday. It later became a paid state holiday in 2023 after the passage of HB 0317 by the Tennessee House of Representatives.
For those looking for ways to celebrate the holiday, there are several events planned across Middle Tennessee.
All Week
Juneteenth Black Restaurant Week
Nearly 20 African-American owned restaurants across Middle Tennessee are participating in the annual Juneteenth Restaurant Week, which began June 12 and lasts until June 22. During the 10-day event, participating restaurants will offer special meal deals to commemorate the significance of Juneteenth.
To view a list of participating restaurants, click here.
Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth615 at Fort Negley
The Juneteenth615 Celebration has been a tradition in Nashville since 2018. Attendees can enjoy music, food, games, family-friendly activities and a firework display. The free event will take place at Fort Negley from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19.
Tennessee State Museum Juneteenth Celebration
On Thursday, starting at 10:30 a.m., the Tennessee State Museum will celebrate Juneteenth with musical guests, a history panel discussion and hands-on history in the galleries. According to event organizers, families can enjoy story time and crafts throughout the day. To view the full schedule, click here.
Juneteenth at the National Museum of African America Music
The National Museum of African American Music's annual Juneteenth Community Day will explore African American musical traditions. According to the museum, guests will get the opportunity to enjoy interactive exhibits and live performances. Doors will open at 10 a.m. for the free event.
Day of Celebration at the McLemore House
The African American Heritage Society of Williamson County is inviting everyone to celebrate "freedom, community, and our shared heritage" at this year's Juneteenth festival. The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic McLemore House on Thursday, June 19.
Guests are advised to bring their lawn chairs and prepare an afternoon that will feature musical performances, food vendors, a bounce house, bingo, line dancing, a cake walk and more.
Friday, June 20
The Life of Frederick Douglass
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage is inviting folks to experience history firsthand with Nathan M. Richardson as he brings the words and legacy of Frederick Douglass to life. Performances will take place at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. For tickets and information, click here.
Saturday, June 21
Clarksville Juneteenth Block Party
Returning to Clarksville for its fifth year this weekend is the Clarksville Juneteenth Block Party. Event organizers say the block party features live music, family-friendly fun, delicious food and brings together hundreds of attendees from across Middle Tennessee.
The block party will be held at Dixon Park from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 21.
Murfreesboro Juneteenth Celebration
South Academy Street will be filled with live music, entertainment, vendors, face painting, cultural art activities, food trucks and more on Saturday, June 21 for a Juneteenth celebration.
The event, which is presented by Cultural Arts Murfreesboro, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bradley Academy Museum.