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Juneteenth in Columbus

Melissa Starker, Creative Content & PR Manager

Jun 11, 2024

A group of young Black men and women in colorful costumes dance in the street.

The Wex will be closed Wednesday, June 19 for the Juneteenth federal holiday. Here's a rundown of where else you can commemorate the day around Columbus—and where you can get a head start or keep the celebration going.

2024 Juneteenth Celebration: Hale Center
Thu Jun 13 | 10:20 AM–2 PM
MLK Auditorium

Ajanaé Dawkins, who joined us last weekend to read her original poem inspired by the film Sing Sing, will join other esteemed local creatives such as Urban Arts Space Community Artist-in-Residence Arris' Cohen and Maroon Arts Group cofounder Sheri Neale for a day of panels, food, and art-making.

Juneteenth on the Ave
Sat Jun 15 | noon–6 PM
Maroon Arts Group Box Park

The event, pictured above, has an Instagram page that provides info and updates on this family-friendly holiday celebration.

Juneteenth Walk & Run
Sat Jun 15 | 8 AM start
Columbus Metropolitan Library

Raffles and the chance to secure free entry to Columbus Marathon events will be offered in this program encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles.

Juneteenth Ohio Celebration
Sat–Sun Jun 15–16 | noon–11 PM
Genoa Park

Comedy, lots of live music, and a flag-raising ceremony will mark the day. There is a cost for admission but entry is free each day before 3 PM.

Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival
Sun Jun 16 | Noon–5 PM
Ohio History Center

You can start the day with a parade before diving into dance demos, storytime sessions, and a panel on Afrofuturism.

Juneteenth & Father's Day Celebration
Sun Jun 16 | 2–5 PM
Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Dudley Edmonson, author of The Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places, will lead a presentation about his book before guiding guests on a walk through the park.

2024 Juneteenth Commemoration
Wed Jun 19 | 10 AM–3 PM
King Arts Complex and throughout the King-Lincoln District 

Events include a community yard sale, a marketplace, and a poetry slam. The information page linked above also includes links to virtual content to commemorate the holiday.

Freedom Works: A Juneteenth Fireworks Presentation
Wed Jun 19 | 9 PM
Columbus State Community College

The community is welcome to congregate around Columbus State for this free fireworks show.

Juneteenth BASH (Black Authors Spotlight on Heritage) Book Festival
Sun Jun 23 | 1:30–4:30 PM
Columbus Metropolitan Library MLK Branch

An impressive 46 authors will be available to connect with during this event celebrating Black writers and their heritage. 

 

Top of page: Juneteenth on the Ave, courtesy of Artfluential/Creative Control Fest, Maroon Arts Group, and Ohio History Connection

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