From community festivals in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center to neighborhood gatherings in Minneapolis and St. Paul, communities across Minnesota are preparing Juneteenth celebrations centered on history, culture, music and Black joy.
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday became a federal holiday in 2021 and is also recognized as a Minnesota state holiday.
Here are some of the Juneteenth celebrations planned around Minnesota this year:
Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center Juneteenth Celebration
The cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center are joining forces this year for a combined Juneteenth celebration under the theme “Two Brooklyns, One Vision.”
The event will feature live performances, cultural programming, food trucks, local vendors, a community resource fair and family activities celebrating Black history and culture.
Organizers say the partnership reflects a shared effort to create a more unified regional Juneteenth celebration.
Golf Tournament
Join us for a community golf tournament as we kick off Juneteenth weekend. This event brings together community members, partners, and supporters for connection, engagement and a shared start to the celebration.
When: June 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Centerbrook Golf Course – 5500 Lilac Drive N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
To register, call (763) 549-3750.
- Format: 4-person scramble
- $50 fee per person, up to a team 4 ($5,000 putting contest, golf cart rentals, meal and hole events included)
- Trophy prize for tournament winners (Winners will be announced at the Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at North Hennepin Community College)
Not a golfer? Come watch the tournament and enjoy a brisket dinner for $15!
Juneteenth Celebration
When: Saturday, June 20, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park
Cost: Free
Website: brooklynpark.org
Minneapolis Juneteenth — Celebrating Freedom Day
One of the Twin Cities’ largest Juneteenth gatherings returns to north Minneapolis with live entertainment, food vendors, cultural programming, youth activities and community organizations.
When: Saturday, June 13, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Bethune Park, 1304 N. 10th Ave., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
Website: minneapolis.org
Soul of the Southside Festival
The Legacy Building’s annual Juneteenth celebration returns to south Minneapolis with music, art, wellness programming, food vendors and Black-owned businesses.
Organizers describe the festival as a celebration of Black creativity, entrepreneurship and community along the Lake Street corridor.
When: Friday, June 19, noon to 8 p.m.
Where: East Lake Street and Minnehaha area, Minneapolis
Cost: Free
Website: soulofthesouthside.com
St. Paul Juneteenth Celebration
St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood will host Juneteenth programming featuring music, food, cultural performances and community organizations.
The celebration highlights the history and legacy of the historically Black Rondo community.
When: Friday, June 19
Where: Rondo Center of Diverse Expression and Rondo Commemorative Plaza, 315 North Fisk Street, St. Paul, MN, 55104
Cost: Free
Website: rcodemn.org
Juneteenth at the Minnesota State Capitol
The Anika Foundation’s annual Juneteenth gathering at the Capitol will include music, food, educational programming and community activities celebrating Black history and culture.
When: Friday, June 19, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Minnesota State Capitol grounds, St. Paul
Cost: Free
Website: theanikafoundation.org
Maple Grove Juneteenth Celebration
Maple Grove’s community Juneteenth celebration will include live entertainment, dance performances, vendors and family-friendly activities.
When: Friday, June 19, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Town Green, Maple Grove
Cost: Free
Website: maplegrovemn.gov
Northside Juneteenth Weekend Events
Several north Minneapolis organizations are also planning Juneteenth-themed community gatherings, performances and neighborhood celebrations throughout the weekend.
When: June 12–14
Where: Various north Minneapolis locations
Juneteenth educational and cultural programs
Minnesota organizations are also hosting conversations, performances and cultural events throughout June connected to Black history and Juneteenth observances.
Programs include events hosted by the Minnesota Humanities Center and community organizations around the Twin Cities.
Greater Minnesota
• Rochester Juneteenth Festival
Rochester’s Juneteenth Festival will span two days this year under the theme “Beloved Community,” honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice, equality and unity.
The festival is organized by the Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and Rochester Area Community Foundation and is expected to include live entertainment, food vendors, cultural programming and family-friendly activities. Organizers say the expanded celebration is designed to bring the wider community together around Black history and culture.
When: Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, Rochester
Cost: Free
Website: racf.org
• Duluth Juneteenth Celebration
The Duluth Branch of the NAACP is preparing its 52nd annual Juneteenth celebration at the Central Hillside Community Center.
Organizers say the event will feature food, entertainment, community activities and local vendors as residents gather to commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate Black culture and community in the Twin Ports region.
When: Friday, June 19, beginning at 1 p.m.
Where: Central Hillside Community Center, 12 E. Fourth St., Duluth
Cost: Free
Website: Duluth Branch NAACP Facebook
• St. Cloud Juneteenth Celebration
St. Cloud is marking the 30th annual Juneteenth Celebration this year with a full day of live entertainment, food vendors, youth activities and community programming at Lake George Park.
Organizers say the family-friendly event will include live music and performances, a Kid Zone, basketball and dominoes tournaments, fishing and paddle boat rides, local vendors and nonprofit organizations. The celebration is organized by the African American Males Forum and community partners.
When: Friday, June 19, noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Lake George/Eastman Park, St. Cloud
Cost: Free
Website: Juneteenth Celebration St. Cloud
• Winona Juneteenth Celebration
Winona’s sixth annual Juneteenth celebration will feature live music, spoken word performances, dancing, tumbling and original artwork in a youth-led event focused on community and Black excellence.
Organizers say the event is designed to “uplift and unite” the community while honoring 161 years of resilience and freedom. The celebration is being organized by Our Voices in collaboration with R.O.A.R. and Theatre du Mississippi.
When: Friday, June 19
Where: Windom Park, Winona
Cost: Free
Website: Winona Juneteenth Celebration
Know of another public Juneteenth event in Minnesota? Email us for possible inclusion in this list.
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