How to celebrate Juneteenth in Houston 2025

HOUSTON — Juneteenth celebrates the historical day of June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and after the end of the Civil War.

As Juneteenth approaches this Thursday, here are some events happening in Houston to help you celebrate:

Location: Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave, HTX 77004

A piece by composer Joel Thompson and poet Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, highlighting the stories of Black Houstonians through music and poetry. The work, composed of 12 songs, gives voice to communities historically marginalized in classical music. The world premiere features soprano Nicole Heaston, baritone Justin Austin and pianist Donald Lee Il, with a pre-performance panel moderated by journalist Linda Lorelle.

Juneteenth 1865-2025: Kinfolk Family Documentary Screening

Location: HCC Central Campus San Jacinto Memorial Bldg. I Auditorium, San Jacinto Building 1300 Holman St., Houston, TX 77004. USA

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.

HCC Central College and KHOU 11 are collaborating for the third year to celebrate Juneteenth with a free community screening of the award-winning documentary Juneteenth 1865-2025: Kinfolk and Family. The event will include a Q&A session with series creators Mia Gradney and Len Cannon, offering a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the holiday’s legacy and engage in thoughtful conversation.

Location: NRG Center, NRG Park, 1 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77054 USA

The Obsidi BNXT Executive Forum allows high-performing Black tech professionals to engage in strategic networking, and conversations on leadership and compensation by their peers. Held in Houston NRG center, this event offers exclusive access to top tech and business executives shaping the future of the industry.

Location: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Time: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

The Black history tour celebrates Juneteenth with teacakes and red punch. Explore the three homes of the “Routes of Enslaved People’s Project” designated by UNESCO. The homes memorialize the 1847 Kellum-Noble House, 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage and 1870 Yates House.

Location: Institute of Contemporary Dance in Houston, 1302 Houston Ave. Suite # 300, Houston, TX 77007, USA.

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Second Annual Juneteenth Dance Workshop will host a day of dance celebrating Juneteenth and the heritage of the African diaspora. The classes will feature a diverse range of dance styles, such as Afro-Peruvian, Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Haitian Folkloric and West African.

Location: POST Houston, 401 Franklin Street, Houston, TX 77201, USA

Celebrate Juneteenth with a joyful day of wellness, movement, and community connection. From yoga and dance to refreshing cold-pressed juices, this event honors liberation with intention and joy.

Location: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA 

“From Plantation to Emancipation” will feature reenactments by actress Kijana Wiseman as she performs the progression from enslavement to freedom through song, family portrayals, and historical accounts. This performance will occur every Saturday in June as well as on Juneteenth.

Location: Community Artists’ Collective, 4111 Fannin St Suite #100A, Houston, TX 77004, USA

Celebrate Juneteenth with music, lite bites, art making and an immersive photo booth. Make sure to dress in white attire for the event.

Location: Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy Visitor’s Center, 1204 Victor St., Houston, TX 77019

Juneteenth 160 Fest is an all-day cultural celebration in Houston’s historic Freedmen’s Town honoring the legacy of the city’s first free Black neighborhood. The event features fireside chats, workshops, yoga, live DJs, a community talent show, and local vendors. Visit here to secure a spot.

Location: 4501 Almeda Food & Entertainment, 4501 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004, USA

Get ready for Juneteenth on Almeda, the liveliest bar crawl celebrating Black freedom, culture, and community across multiple historic bars. Join the movement this Juneteenth weekend by rocking your best Black-owned fit.

Location: 2217 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550, USA

The Official Juneteenth Return in Galveston celebrates 160 years of Juneteenth with a powerful blend of art, storytelling, and community events. The evening begins with a panel discussion on Juneteenth’s history and significance, followed by a social Vernissage Happy Hour featuring curated art and cocktails. The celebration continues with live music, DJ sets, and immersive performances under the official Juneteenth mural, creating a vibrant cultural experience for all.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Elegant Eats En Ebene, a Juneteenth networking event hosted by the African American Health Coalition featuring farm-to-table culinary experiences that promote health equity. Join the community for delicious food and connect with Chef Daniel Pinesette Jr of Pinesette Soul Private Catering Company.

Location: Neiman Marcus, 2600 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, USA

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Visit an art exhibit celebrating Juneteenth at Neiman Marcus in the Houston Galleria.

Location: Henke & Pillot | 809 Congress St., Houston, TX

The Juneteenth Juke Jam is an all-day cultural celebration of Black excellence, freedom, creativity, and community, set in the heart of Houston. This immersive experience features live tapings, intentional networking, comedy, music and an unforgettable nightlife atmosphere.

Location: University Museum at Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne St, Houston. TX 77004, US

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The official launch of Juneteenth opens with the Terms & Conditions; The Promise vs. Reality, an art exhibition exploring Black liberation post-1865 and the legacy of the United States Colored Troops. The evening features original works by prominent Black artists, alongside a keynote address by General Barrye L. Price and a panel discussion on the enduring conditions placed on Black freedom. Guests can enjoy curated art, cocktails, and community dialogue at Texas Southern University.

Grab family and friends and attend one of the events to celebrate Juneteenth! For more information, visit juneteenthhouston.org.