Celebrate Freedom: Central Arkansas Prepares for Juneteenth Festivities
This weekend marks the annual celebration of Juneteenth, commemorating the day the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom in 1865. Central Arkansas is gearing up for a series of vibrant events to honor this significant milestone in American history.
Hot off the press are several highly anticipated events across Little Rock. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is hosting the Juneteenth in Da Rock celebration, featuring a 5K run to highlight African-American historical sites throughout the city. Additionally, the First Security Amphitheater is the venue for the Juneteenth Arkansas Festival ’24, the state’s largest Juneteenth celebration. This festival promises family-friendly entertainment, community involvement, and a celebration of unity and freedom.
Not to be missed are the numerous Juneteenth-themed activities and performances across the region. From parades to gospel celebrations, educational exhibits to rooftop movie screenings, there’s something for everyone. The Little Rock Zoo is also hosting its Juneteenth event, offering a fun-filled day for the whole family from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on June 19.
Other notable celebrations include Hot Springs’ Juneteenth event, which starts at 4:00 p.m. on June 15, and the NAACP’s Juneteenth celebration at the Boys & Girls Club in Jacksonville. Meanwhile, in Benton, residents can enjoy a festive afternoon at Ralph Bunche Park from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 18, accompanied by the Downtown Farmers Market Juneteenth event later that evening.
Wilmar’s annual June Dinner promises an enriching experience from June 13 to 16. As part of the broader celebrations, there are opportunities to support local Black-owned businesses, with a list of recommended eateries available for those looking to round off their celebrations with a delicious meal.
- Juneteenth in Da Rock Street Festival: June 15, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Juneteenth Arkansas Festival ’24: June 15, 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
- UA Little Rock Juneteenth Celebration: June 19, 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
- Little Rock Zoo Juneteenth Celebration: June 19, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Hot Springs Juneteenth Celebration: June 15, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- NAACP Juneteenth Celebration: June 15, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Benton Juneteenth Celebration: June 18, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Annual 2024 June Dinner: June 13 – 16, Various times
Let the spirit of unity and freedom fill the air as Central Arkansas comes together to commemorate this significant milestone in American history.
