Austin to Host 27th Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival; Other Texas Cities Join Celebrations

AUSTIN, TX – Returning to its historic roots, Austin will host the 27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19, 2025, thanks to a collaboration between Central Texas Juneteenth, the Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA), and the City of Austin. Themed “Celebrating Freedom, Culture, and Community,” the event begins with a parade at 10 a.m. followed by a full day of festivities at Rosewood Park and Boggy Creek Park, including food vendors, live music, children’s activities, market booths, and fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is free. 

Parade Route & Timing

• Start: 10 a.m. at E. MLK Jr. Blvd & Salina St

• Route: Proceed east to Chicon St, then south to Rosewood Park at Chestnut & Rosewood Avenues

• Duration: Approximately 1 mile; participants should bring water and comfortable walking shoes

Festival Details

• Venue: Rosewood Park & Boggy Creek Park

• Schedule: Activities run midday through evening, capped with fireworks at 9 p.m.

• Entertainment: Features local and national acts, including soul artist Young Guy

Other Juneteenth Celebrations Across Texas

Houston – Juneteenth 160 & Urban Takeover Events
Houston begins early with its Celebrate Freedom Fest at Emancipation Park on June 1 to commemorate Juneteenth’s origins On June 19 itself, events span multiple venues including poetry nights, reenactments, wellness activities, and cultural showcases. The Juneteenth Urban Takeover unfolds June 20–22, featuring pool parties, glow events, and DJ sets. 

Dallas – 4K Freedom Walk & Festival
The MLK Community Center’s 4K Juneteenth Freedom Walk takes place Saturday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., culminating in a community festival with entertainment and vendors. On the holiday itself, June 19, the Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum offers free admission and programming all day.

Plainview – 44th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Set for Saturday, June 21, at Edgar & Essie Givens Park, Plainview’s celebration includes a parade, food, music, games, and family fun, continuing a tradition dating back to 1981.

Midland – Three-Day Juneteenth Series
Organized by the nonprofit Making an Impact, Midland’s events commence June 18 at the Bush Convention Center, continuing June 19 celebrations and ending with a community parade and festival on June 21 at Washington Park.

Stafford – 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival
Hosted at the Stafford Center on June 15, this family-friendly event includes live performances, cultural programming, and historical education.

Event Table

Planning Your Visit

• Cost: Most events are free and open to the public; some offer optional registration (e.g., Dallas 4K walk).

• Websites:

• Austin: juneteenthcentraltexas.com

• Houston: juneteenthhouston.org; Eventbrite for Urban Takeover

• Dallas: VisitDallas.com; MLK Center website

• Plainview: Local news outlets

• Midland: MakingAnImpactInc.org

• Stafford: StaffordJuneteenthFest.com

• Accessibility: Check individual event sites for details on parking, restrooms, shuttle services, and ADA accommodations.

Why It Matters

Juneteenth honors the June 19, 1865, arrival of Union troops in Galveston, liberating the last enslaved people in Texas. Celebrated nationwide since becoming a federal holiday in 2021, these events blend remembrance with community celebration through parades, music, storytelling, education, and shared cultural experiences.

These Juneteenth events offer ample opportunity for Texans to reflect, celebrate, and connect. Whether you’re joining Austin’s mile-long parade, walking for freedom in Dallas, dancing in Houston, or gathering in smaller towns, there’s a way for everyone to engage.