On June 19, 1865, U.S. troops entered Galveston, Texas to announce that freedom had arrived for all enslaved people in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued January 1, 1863, technically freed all enslaved peoples, but it was not until that first Juneteenth that the news had reached all Americans and was enforced throughout the nation.
It is important to recognize that Black Americans faced, and continue to face, injustices and inequity long after that hot summer day in 1865. At the same time, Indianapolis and its people continue to make strides towards achieving equity and quashing injustice—and the city will be celebrating that freedom and tenacity all month long.
Take a look below to see some of the Juneteenth events going on in Indy this month. All events are free unless otherwise noted.
| Event Name | Date | Time | Location |
| Juneteenth Foodways Festival ($20 Early Admission Tickets Also Available) | June 16 | 4:30 – 8 p.m. | Harrison Presidential Site |
| Indy Juneteenth Parade and Celebration | June 17 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Military Park |
| Madam Walker Legacy Center Block Party | June 17-18 | 12 – 5 p.m. | Madam Walker Legacy Center |
| Juneteenth & Jazz | June 17 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Eiteljorg Museum |
| Juneteenth Freedom Celebration | June 17 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Tarkington Park |
| CBLC Juneteenth Bookfest | June 17 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Indianapolis Central Library |
| An Afternoon of Celebration with Thomas & The Situation | June 17 | 2 – 4 p.m. | Indiana Historical Society |
| Juneteenth Celebration with Live Performances and Activities | June 17 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Indiana State Museum |
| Juneteenth Celebration | June 19 | Begins 11 a.m. | Moorhead Community Resource Center |
| Indiana Black Heritage Juneteenth Art Show and Concert ($25 General Admission) | June 19 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Indiana Landmarks Center |
