By Savanne Giroire, Marketing Assistant
Juneteenth is coming up soon on Monday, June 19th, and Downtown has a plethora of events in store to celebrate.
This year, on the 158th anniversary of the holiday, we continue this celebration through community projects and events taking place in DTJax.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Jazz Discovery Series at JWJ Park
Celebrate James Weldon Johnson’s Birthday, Juneteenth, and Father’s Day all in one weekend!
Throughout the month of June, Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park is honoring the life and legacy of the poet activist through diverse programming and events. On the weekend of Juneteenth, look forward to the Jazz Discovery Series. Featuring Dayna Stephens, The John Lumpkin Institute, and Jacksonville Arts & Music School students, don’t miss this free concert on Sunday, June 18th at 5 p.m. Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park will honor Johnson’s poetry by sharing one of his poem’s every day on the park’s blog through the week of his birthday.
Melanin Market’s Juneteenth Festival
Jax Melanin Market is putting on the annual Juneteenth Melanin Market, displaying over 250 Black-Owned businesses and non-profits in Jacksonville during a one-day market. Look forward to delicious food trucks, shopping, live performances and more on Saturday, June 17th! Visit their website for more information!
L.O.V.E Fest
Join us on June 16th from 5-9 p.m. on the Brooklyn Riverwalk (between Haskell and FIS). If you own a boat, pull up to the public dock right behind Winston Family YMCA. Inspired by Downtown Vision, Inc.’s monthly Sip and Stroll event, this riverfront activation is for families to enjoy the scenic views of the St. Johns River. Expect great music, food, drink and a kids playground! Guests should park at the Winston Family YMCA located at 221 Riverside Ave.
The Ritz Theatre and Museum
Showing twice on June 17th, grab tickets to see “One Woman Man: The Stage Play” at The Ritz Theatre and Museum. Taking place the same weekend, the Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant will take the stage on June 19th at 5 p.m. Lastly, don’t miss Dr. Doctor’s Teach Me to Fish Inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Day Luncheon on June 20th.
R&B Music Experience 2023
Secure your spot to the R&B Music Experience 2023 and enjoy performances by over seven R&B legends at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, including Tyrese, Xscape and Silk! The show begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 17th. Undoubtedly, you’ll have the time of your life!
Golf Car Black Heritage Tour
With Explore Jax Core, you’ll go on a guided tour and explore the ‘Four Pillars’ of the black community that helped shape the city into what it is today! Cruise through historic neighborhoods and explore remnants of the Harlem Renaissance. Learn about the local icons who contributed to the art, literature, music, religion and activism that we see today in the Harlem of The South.
Juneteenth Freedom Walk Parade
On Saturday, June 17th from 10-11:30 a.m., come celebrate the MLK Foundation’s Annual Juneteenth Freedom Walk Parade. Join your community to initiate the 158th celebration of Juneteenth! Starting from J.P. Small Ball Park to 4th St. and Myrtle Avenue, look forward delicious food, drink and family friendly fun.
Tag us at #DTJax and share how you are celebrating Juneteenth this year for a chance to be featured!