The metroplex will be offering an array of ways to commemorate Juneteenth, a day for honoring the historical legacy of when the news of the end of slavery in the United States reached Galveston Bay on June 19, 1865.
As The Dallas Express reported, this holiday was first made official in Texas in 1980, but it wasn’t celebrated federally until President Joe Biden signed its observance into law in 2021.
Unsurprising given its Texan roots, Juneteenth in Dallas-Fort Worth promises no shortage of festivities both on and around June 19 — although some are contingent on the weather.
Here are some highlights from a list provided by The Dallas Morning News.
June 15
- Project Unity: Together We Sing
An evening put on by Project Unity’s gala fundraiser promises a musical celebration of unity and togetherness through a mix of genres like gospel, hip-hop, and classical.
Doors open at the Meyerson Symphony Center at 2301 Flora St., Dallas, at 6 p.m. A concert featuring a full orchestra, a 200-person choir, and recording artists like Erica Campbell and Spinderella starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets ranging from $49 to $250 can be purchased here.
June 16
- Juneteenth Trivia Night
Come flex your neurons at a free trivia night event at the South Dallas Cultural Center at 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas.
BYOB and check out the gallery before the quiz kicks off. Doors are open from 7 to 10 p.m.
June 17
- 3rd Annual Juneteenth March
Kick off the Juneteenth festival held at William Blair Jr. Park by joining the 3.2-mile march from James Madison High School at 3000 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas.
Line-up begins at 10 a.m., but if you miss it, be sure to check out the live music, kids zone, and vendors at the festival open until 10 p.m.
- Dallas Cowboys Juneteenth Celebration
Presented by Miller Light, the Juneteenth event planned at AT&T Stadium’s Miller LiteHouse is free.
Located at 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, guests are welcome to partake in lawn games, listen to live music performances, and much more from 4 to 8 p.m.
June 18
- City Men Cook
City Men Cook will see dads face off in a Father’s Day cook-off from 3 to 6 p.m. on June 18.
Expect some tasty treats, live music, and a special celebrity guest — Dallas native Trevis Gipson, a linebacker for the Chicago Bears.
Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children.
This event is just one of several happenings worth checking out at the African American Museum at 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, between June 15-19.
- Juneteenth on Main Block Party
This year the Deep Ellum Foundation is kicking off its very first block party to commemorate this important day. Festivities will be hosted by celebrities Kenya Moore and Lady Jade.
A reunion of beloved R&B group Dru Hill will take place alongside musical acts by Dezi 5, Cure for Paranoia, and more.
The family-friendly event is free and will take place from 12 to 6 p.m. on Main Street between Good-Latimer Expressway and Crowdus Street in Dallas.
June 19
- Opal’s Walk for Freedom
Those wishing to join Opal Lee both in person or online for a 2.5-mile walk are welcome. The 90-year-old “grandma of Juneteenth” is raising funds to build the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth.
The walk begins at 11 a.m. from the Fort Worth Library’s Ella Mae Shamblee Branch at 1050 Evans Ave., Fort Worth.
Registration onsite starts at 9:30 a.m., with costs of $35 for adults and $25 for children. Walkers get a commemorative t-shirt.