Local's guide to Juneteenth in Cincinnati

* This article is updated annually.

Short for "June 19th," Juneteenth is a day of celebration to commemorate the official emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. 

Although the 13th Amendment legally ended slavery in 1863, slaves living in Galveston Bay, Texas, did not know this until June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived there and announced that all slaves were freed by executive decree. According to the Pew Research Center, Ohio first observed Juneteenth statewide in 2006. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became an official federal holiday. 

Since 1866, African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth as a day of independence and a time to honor Black history and culture. Locally, celebrations have been held in the Cincy Region since 1989. Juneteenth-related festivities typically include cookouts and gatherings serving food and beverages representing the red, black, and green colors of the Pan-African flag, as well as liturgical ceremonies, parades, fireworks and family-friendly festivals. 

Looking for Juneteenth festivities in the Cincy Region this year? Here's a guide to some of the local celebrations, as well as Black-owned places to wine, dine and unwind.

Can't-Miss Juneteenth & Cultural Celebrations in Greater Cincinnati

Enjoy fun, community-based events all week long!

The Village of Golf Manor 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration - Golf Manor - June 13

With support from the Village of Golf Manor, residents are hosting this event to observe the end of slavery, promote the rich cultural heritage of Black Americans - and unite the community. Merchants will be selling food, apparel, art, handmade jewelry and accessories. Break out your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy live music in the park. 

Midwest Regional Black Cultural Fest - Washington Park - June 14

The National Commission for Black Arts & Entertainment (NCBAE) brings their annual Midwest Regional Black Culture Fest to the heart of Over-the-Rhine. Black to the Future's highlights includes an afro-futuristic themed fashion and hair show, and much more. 

38th Annual Juneteenth Festival - Eden Park - June 14 - 15

Since 1988, this free weekend-long festival has celebrated the beauty and endurance of Black culture. Saturday kicks off with a parade of flags representing the African Diaspora, which refers to the millions of people from West and Central Africa dispersed throughout the Americas and the Caribbean during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Once the parade ends, stay to enjoy fun, family-friendly activities such as horseback riding, education pavilions, historical reenactments and more. The Juneteenth Festival will also offer food, art displays and merchandise vendors. Make sure to bring a chair to enjoy live performances from two stages. In honor of Father's Day, Sunday's festivities include a concert of inspirational music performances from regional and national acts. Check the Juneteenth Festival's website for updated performance schedules and event maps. 

Preservation in the Park - Ezzard Charles and Boxing in the West End - The Porch at Washington Park - June 17

Cincinnati Preservation and Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses will share stories about the city's time-honored boxing culture and how it continues to flourish. Learn about legendary boxer, Ezzard Charles, a.k.a., "The Cincinnati Cobra," who has a street and a park in the West End named after him. This event takes place at The Porch at Washington Park and is free to the public. 

2025 Juneteenth Jubilee - National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - June 19

This daylong festival along Freedom Way at The Banks occurs annually, capturing the spirit of the local community through a day of celebration. Mini tours of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and drop-in programs are available throughout the day. Attendees can enjoy live music and performances, food from various food trucks, and shop/peruse the community market. 

*Note: visitors can also enjoy FREE ADMISSION to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on June 19 as part of their Fifth Third Community Days series. 

Juneteenth Block Party Celebration by Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio - June 19

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio will kick off its annual Juneteenth Block Party Celebration to honor collective social justice, progress and unity. Cincinnati's own renowned radio personality, Lincoln Ware, will host a live broadcast from the event. Bring the whole family and participate in lively, interactive games that test your Black history knowledge, and enjoy mouth-watering cuisines from a diverse variety of food trucks. Attendees will also find information booths to connect with health and wellness, employment, social services and educational resources. 

For Family By Family & City of Florence Presents - Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration - Florence Nature Park Event Center - June 19

Be sure and mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Juneteenth Festival in Florence, Kentucky - with this year's theme being "Family Reunion: Embracing Our Roots, Empowering Our Future." Enjoy a full day of family-friendly activities, including a live DJ, music performances, art and more. Festivities kick off at noon with a memorial and educational ceremony in the Florence Nature Park Event Center. 

Paloozanoire and Duke Energy present the 6th Annual Juneteenth Block Party - The Banks - June 21

Join Paloozanoire for the city's largest (last year 22,000 guests attended!) Juneteenth block party at The Banks. Dance to music spun by a roster of top-notch DJ's, and visit the revamped Family Zone for fun activities all day long. There's also a food truck alley and the return of the Homecoming Experience honoring the "Divine 9" fraternities, sororities and alumni organizations. All ages are welcome for the event until 10 p.m. Ages 21+ from 10 p.m. - 11 p.m. (valid ID required at The Banks unless accompanied by a family member). 

Black Wall Street and Juneteenth Block Party - Ziegler Park - June 21

Sweet Sistah Splash presents the Cincinnati Young Entrepreneurs Black Wall Street business fair for youth vendors in Over-the-Rhine's Ziegler Park. Come enjoy games, live demonstrations, free concerts and participate in a live open mic jam for the chance to win $100.

Juneteenth Tasting Event at Findlay Market - June 22

Celebrate the cuisines of Findlay Market's various Black-owned businesses at a special tasting event. Check Findlay Market's website closer to the event date for ticket information and a list of participating restaurants. 

Black-Owned Eateries and Nightlife to Check Out 

There's a myriad of Black-owned businesses in the Cincy Region. Here's a list of some of my personal favorite spots and recommendations - but be sure to check out Visit Cincy's full list of Black-owned bars and restaurants.

Almost V'gan Lounge

Looking for a contemporary dining experience that offers meatless options - other than just standard sides and salads? Located downtown in the Court Street Plaza, Almost V'gan Lounge's food menu has vegan and vegetarian options from appetizers to entrees. Feast on shareable plates of tacos, nachos, flatbreads, wings and sliders while sipping a cocktail (or mocktail). Reservations may be recommended, so inquire ahead of time. 

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge

Nostalgia is truly the perfect spot for an upscale night out! This Cotton Club-inspired lounge carries over 40 types of wine and is a popular venue for up and coming R&B and jazz artists. 

Something to Wine About

Something to Wine About is Cincinnati's first Black-owned self-service wine bar and features local winemakers like Markell-Bani and minority winemakers from all over the world. Unwind in a high-end atmosphere with a full bar, live jazz and special weekly events like "Something to Sing About Sunday." Pair your favorite wine with an artisanal charcuterie plate or any of the light bite menu items and small entrees. For your home collection, grab a bottle of the Eric Davis 44 Malbec and Cabernet wines curated by Revel OTR Urban Brewery in honor of the Cincinnati Reds Hall-of-Famer. 

For things to do in the Cincy Region year-round, check out our Calendar of Events. Order your FREE Official Visitors Guide today, and start planning your trip.