The summer is heating up and so are the annual celebrations. Juneteenth celebrations in Detroit are radiating throughout the region. Juneteenth is a federal holiday to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. June is a high energy month full of pride for Detroit and its people.
Amped up events, activities, various group gatherings for youth & adults, including resources will be happening around Juneteenth to keep the opportunities abundant throughout the week and month. Keep your spirits high! Detroit’s Spirit Plaza is just one of the many outdoor organized event spaces creating memorable Juneteenth celebrations in Detroit.
How do you and your family celebrate Juneteenth in Detroit? Detroitisit rounded up a list focusing on the ample Juneteenth celebrations in Detroit and nearby to honor the large black population that continue to reside in the area that holds so much history. Take a look at Metro Detroit festivities to get involved in as well.
ALL REMEMBER THE CORE MEANING OF JUNETEENTH AND HOLD SPACE TO REJOICE
Since 2021, Juneteenth is recognized as a federal U.S. holiday. While live events, music, contemporary art & cultural displays, educational programs, and other fun present day city gatherings for Juneteenth celebrations in Detroit are filled with excitement, the root meaning remains reflective on the long road to equal representation. Even if you don’t celebrate/are not a part of the black community, it’s important to be knowledgeable about what is taking place annually that pertains to the black American civil rights pioneers who risked their lives to do what they felt was right in their soul.
It’s considered fine to wish people a “happy Juneteenth” as it’s similar to Black History Month in the way Black Americans and their heritage are rightfully acknowledged. These cultural anniversary celebrations make room for an empowering future of visibility. Educated discussions and personal stories help us understand perspectives better and build stronger empathy.
THE DETROIT PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS THE DETROIT BLACK FARMER LAND FUND, PHOTO @DETROITPUBLICLIBRARY ON INSTAGRAM
JUNETEENTH BOOK CLUB
Date & Time: Thursday, June 12 at 6PM
Summer reading is enjoyable at any age. Take time to unwind and focus on something meaningful at the same time. This list of Juneteenth celebrations in Detroit is informing everyone about the Juneteenth Book Club at The Detroit Public Library. Curious minds are invited to open wider and dig into Nathan Harris’ debut novel, The Sweetness of Water. Oprah Winfrey selected “The Sweetness of Water” by Nathan Harris as an Oprah’s Book Club pick, calling it a “kind of a Juneteenth celebration”. Click HERE to view the Eventbrite page for more information on this free event.
Location: Elmwood Park | Detroit Public Library at 550 Chene Street, Detroit
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Saturday, June 14 at 12PM/Noon until 3PM
Juneteenth celebrations include the 4th annual Juneteenth Celebration at Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bring the family to participate in activities, vendors, spoken word, dance, food trucks, and much more. Hangs out and make a difference with this year’s event for youth and adults. Not to mention, the event this year will also be hosting a blood drive! Click HERE to view the Oak Grove AME website for more information.
Location: 19801 Cherrylawn St., Detroit
AFRICAN WORLD FESTIVAL 2025, PHOTO @THEWRIGHTMUSEUM ON INSTAGRAM
42ND ANNUAL AFRICAN WORLD FESTIVAL (IN JULY)
Date: Wednesday, July 18-Friday, July 20
This list mainly includes Juneteenth celebrations in Detroit, but we don’t want anyone to miss out on the African World Festival at the end of July! Immerse yourself in a cultural arts explosion honoring the legacy of the African diaspora. Expect a huge turnout at this annual cultural festival hosted by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. This event is expected to bring in crowds of 20,000-plus people showing up for the live entertainment along with the shopping curation of 100 vendors selling food, clothing, art, and more. Take a look at the other fantastic diverse cultural festivals coming up at Hart Plaza as well. Click HERE to view The Wright museum website for more information.
Location: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
PHOTO @JUNETEENTH5KDETROIT ON INSTAGRAM
JUNETEENTH DETROIT 5K RUN/WALK
Date & Time: Thursday, June 19 from 8:30 AM-11:30 AM
Juneteenth celebrations in Detroit have a variety of family-friendly events. Make the day active and engage in community fitness with lots of fun. Leashed pets and strollers. Proceeds from the event benefit Juneteenth In Detroit 501(c)(3). Keep your spirits & energy high with live music, DJ sets, and interactive activities for participants of all ages. Cool off and stay for the post-race celebrations with refreshments, and snacks with the other participants. Click HERE to view the official race website for more details and to purchase tickets
Location: Highland Park in Wayne County
JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY PICNIC CELEBRATION, PHOTO EVENTBRITE/CAPTIVATING EVENTS BY CHI & CHIQUITA JACKSON ENTERPRISE CORP
4TH ANNUAL WE GON BE ALRIGHT JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Date & Time: Thursday, June 19 from 3-7PM
Juneteenth celebrations in Detroit are letting freedom ring and letting the community know that everyone is going to be alright! See how joyous the community can be when we all come together to celebrate black culture’s contributions to America. Presented by Captivating Events by Chi & Chiquita, the 4th Annual We Gon Be ALRIGHT Juneteenth Community Celebration celebration in Detroit gets bigger every year. Join in on the festivities at Corrigan Park for an unforgettable afternoon of live performances, excellent food vendors, a vibrant Kid’s Book Fair, and life-changing moments of cultural pride. Join in on this unique celebration of freedom, and unity. Click HERE to view the Eventbrite information and to buy tickets.
Location: Corrigan Park-14723 East Warren Avenue, Detroit
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