Juneteenth – short for June Nineteenth – commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, but the last enslaved Americans weren’t freed until June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War had ended and slavery in the United States was abolished.

Free Texans celebrated “Jubilee Day” in 1866 and the idea of commemorating the end of slavery slowly spread to communities across the rest of the country until Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. Grand Rapids has been officially marking the occasion before the 1990s. Today, we salute and support events that honor the history, culture and progress of African Americans – and invite you to join in a week of celebration.

Juneteenth Events in Grand Rapids

Saturday June 13

Connect with community at Rock the Block: Unplugged, featuring family-friendly activities and entertainment, local vendors and on-site housing, wellness and financial resources. Rock the Block takes place outside the offices of LINC UP, a Southtown GR neighborhood nonprofit working to advance racial equity and economic & political power. Free admission. 11am-4pm.

Sunday June 14

Spend a leisurely day on a self-guided tour of art by and honoring African Americans. Our Center City Mural Tour features five such works and the Heartside Mural Tour has nine. The RAD Women Electrical Box Tour includes painted salutes to eight transformative Black women. Four of the 30+ pieces in the Downtown Sculptures East Tour showcase prominent African Americans. Outside downtown, the self-guided Southtown Mural Tour showcases the 49507 Project, a public arts initiative that raises awareness about redlining and disinvestment in predominately Black and Brown areas of the city.

Monday June 15

Experience a high-energy fusion of funk, soul, R&B and rock as the Meijer Gardens summer concert series presents  Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Tickets are $80 plus fees. 6:30pm.

A group, seated in the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives. They are seated in what appears to be brown leather seats, waiting to view the museum. A museum logo is projected on the wall in front of their seats.
The spacious Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives with wooden floors, exposed ceiling beams, and various framed artworks displayed on the walls.

Visit the GRAAMA's new space and explore a large collection of material honoring local African American culture.

Photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR

Tuesday June 16

Explore the history and impact of African American aviators. AIM HIGH at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum showcases multiple aspects of aviation, including the pioneering World War II African American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The exhibition also features Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight, spotlighting African Americans who attained great achievements in the world of aviation despite facing racial barriers. Open 9am-4pm Tue-Sat and noon-4pm Sun. $12 admission. The exhibit runs May 23-Sept 5.

See a Spike Lee Joint: Wealthy Theatre presents BlacKkKlansman, a 2018 film directed by Lee and Inspired by true events. It tells the tale of an African American Colorado police officer who successfully infiltrates the local branch of the Ku Klux Klan with the help of a white Jewish colleague. Tickets are $8.64 when purchased online, $2 more at the door. 7:30pm.

Wednesday June 17

Tour the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. For one day only, the Grand Rapids Public Library hosts the nation’s premier Black History traveling exhibit, featuring more than 7,000 original artifacts of Black memorabilia dating from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era to hip-hop culture. Free. Noon-5pm.

Thursday June 18

Visit the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, the city’s foremost repository of material honoring the lives, history and culture of local African Americans. GRAAMA has relocated to a new, much larger space in downtown Grand Rapids, providing more room for permanent exhibits and traveling collections. $5 admission. Open Thu-Sat noon-5pm.

Enjoy a concert with lunch in Rosa Parks Circle, as the Relax at Rosa lunchtime entertainment series welcomes Flint-born musician Bleau Otis, known for blending soul, blues, R&B and modern groove. Admission is free, lunch is available from food trucks and nearby local restaurants. Noon-1:30pm.

See The Spirit of Independence: Artists’ Reflections on Freedom at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The exhibition includes The 1920’s…The Migrants Arrive and Cast Ballots, a print by Jacob Lawrence, who is celebrated for his vibrant portrayals of African American urban life and historical events. Lawrence was one of the first American artists of African descent to receive mainstream recognition in the U.S. The Art Museum offers free admission on Thursday evenings from 5-8pm.

Friday June 19

Start the day of Juneteenth with breakfast or brunch at a Black-owned restaurant – here are all sorts of delicious options.

Join in the fun of the Juneteenth 2026 Solidarity Parade and Celebration. It kicks off at noon in the 1200 Block of Eastern Ave. SE and continues to Dickinson Buffer Park, where a community celebration will be held from 1-7pm.

Continue the celebration at the sixth annual Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam in its new location at the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives. The event includes live performances, art showcases, kids’ games and Black-owned food vendors and business vendors. 4-8pm.

Saturday June 20

Wrap up the week with a night of music and comedy. Sweet House in downtown GR hosts NYC-based jazzy R&B duo Acute Inflections for Soulful Sounds, an evening of soulful music, playful storytelling and vintage glamour. Tickets range from $40$90. 7pm.

 

If you’re visiting Grand Rapids for Juneteenth Week, you’re also invited to attend these concurrent cultural events: Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival (June 12-13), Grand Rapids Public Museum Riverfront Opening Celebration (June 13) and Grand Rapids Pride Festival (June 20-21). While you’re here, don’t miss the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival (closing June 14) and CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens (thru Nov 1).

Visit our Events page for more things to do during Juneteenth and our Hotels page for accommodations.