11 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the 51ºÚÁÏ area
Kids on the Police Athletic League’s float throw candy to parade attendees on Saturday, June 15, 2024, while proceeding down Jennings Station Road in Jennings during the city’s first Juneteenth Parade.
From left: Twilight Riders Maurice Hawkins, Anthony Adams and Eddie Mays ride horses down Jennings Station Road in Jennings during a Juneteenth Parade on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Kevin Taylor, 11, makes a bracelet with the word 'freedom' during a Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Missouri History Museum in 51ºÚÁÏ. The event included face painting, a dance performance and coloring. Photo by Christine Tannous, ctannous@post-dispatch.com
Like Christmas, Juneteenth comes but once a year. But also like Christmas, the celebration tends to last longer than the day itself.
Here are 11 ways the 51ºÚÁÏ region will be celebrating Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
Juneteenth Crafts
- When: All day June 16-21
- Where: 51ºÚÁÏ Public Library Central Branch, 1301 Olive St.
- How much: Free
- More info:
Children 6-18 years old are encouraged to stop by the downtown branch of the library to make a Juneteenth-related craft. The library will provide all the materials needed to decorate a coaster, but they warn people with sensory issues that the children may be exposed to strong smells from paint and sticky liquids.
The outside of the Griot Museum facing 51ºÚÁÏ Avenue.
Juneteenth Griot Museum of Black History
- When: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 19
- Where: Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 51ºÚÁÏ Ave.
- How much: Free
- More info:
A day of food, music, storytelling, vendors (featuring small businesses) and dance performances gives way to a 5:30 p.m. Freedom March to 51ºÚÁÏ Place Park, for a music festival.
Tuskegee Airmen: America's Freedom Flyers
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, June 19-Nov. 2
- Where: Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, 1315 Chestnut St.
- How much: Free
- More info:
The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum's newest exhibit opens, not coincidentally, on Juneteenth. It tells the amazing story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the country's first group of Black pilots and airmen. Forming the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the Army Air Forces, they served with distinction during World War II.
Becca McDaniel helps her daughter Hazel McDaniel, 7, make a bracelet during a Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Missouri History Museum in 51ºÚÁÏ. The event included face painting, a dance performance, and coloring.
Joyful Juneteenth: An Evening of Performances
- When: 5-8 p.m. June 19
- Where: Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd.
- How much: Free
- More info:
This week's Thursday Nights at the Museum program is geared to Juneteenth. Along with the usual food and drink, there will be a spoken word performance by InnerGy, music by the Georgia Mae Ensemble, singing and guitar by Aida Ade and step dance by Gentlemen of Vision.
Florissant
- When: 3-9 p.m. June 19
- Where: St. Ferdinand Park, 25 St. Ferdinand Park Dr., Florissant
- How much: Free
- More info:
The Jubilee Project's Juneteenth festival is a music festival, headlined by the Dirty Muggs. Also scheduled to appear are ET The 51ºÚÁÏ Blues Man and other local artists and performers. At 3 p.m., there will be a chance for everyone to show off their best step and/or slide movies. With food trucks, vendors and a kids zone.
Juneteenth at the Garden
- When: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. June 19
- Where: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd.
- How much: Regular admission ($16, $6 residents of 51ºÚÁÏ City and County, $4 senior residents of 51ºÚÁÏ City and County, free to garden members)
- More info:
MoBot leans into Juneteenth with educational activities and vendors, tours of the George Washington Carver garden and "opportunities to reflect and celebrate through extended evening hours."
Bridge the Gap 314 — Dellwood
- When: Noon- 9 p.m. June 19
- Where: Dellwood Recreational Center, 10266 N. Florissant Ave., Dellwood, and North County Innovation Center, 10174 W. Florissant Ave., Dellwood
- How much: Free
- More info:
This North County celebration starts with a parade and ends with fireworks. In between is singer Syleena Johnson, an ice-skating show, an art and oratory contest, a gaming truck, vendors, food trucks, a kid zone and a health screening booth, including mammograms. It will be held rain or shine.
Collinsville Juneteenth
- When: Noon-7 p.m. June 19 (parade begins at 11 a.m.)
- Where: Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, 115 E. Clay St., Collinsville
- How much: Free
- More info:
The Juneteenth celebration in Collinsville is different because it is coordinated by Collinsville High School's Black Student Union. It begins with a parade down Main Street, which is followed by a day of live music, vendors, food, crafts, games and more.
House of Soul Juneteenth Block Party
- When: Noon-8 p.m. June 19
- Where: Washington Avenue, between 12th and 13th streets
- How much: Free
- More info:
This is a no-kidding block party, with Washington Avenue closed for an entire block. Mark Harris II will provide some of the music, plus there will be other live performances and DJs. There will be vendors and a fashion runway, dance lessons and games, along with face painting and a kids zone for young Juneteenthers.
Quad City Honk & Wave
- When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 21
- Where: Mount Zion Cemetery 11695 County Road CC, Festus, Missouri
- How much: Free
- More info:
Mount Zion Cemetery, a historic Black cemetery in Festus, holds this celebration to remember those who brought us to where we are today. With free hot dogs, chips and soft drinks.
Freedom Fun Day Picnic, Herculaneum
- When: Beginning at 1 p.m. June 22
- Where: William C. Haggard City Park, 776 Joachim Ave., Herculaneum
- How much: Free
- More info:
Herculaneum has a Juneteenth picnic in the park, with food (of course), music, a guest speaker and a drum presentation. For adults, there will be a cornhole tournament and bingo. For kids, there will be face painting, a splash pad, crafts and games — plus a free hot dog and beverage for every child. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket.
The City of Jennings hosted its first Juneteenth Parade on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Video by Dominic Di Palermo, Dom.DiPalermo@lee.net
