Celebrating Juneteenth in Nashville
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) celebrates the 1865 day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to free the last remaining enslaved people in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed two and a half years earlier, there was minimal enforcement of the proclamation in Confederate states, allowing slavery to continue. Juneteenth is one of the oldest Black holidays and honors the end to slavery in the United States.
How can I celebrate Juneteenth in Nashville?
Attend a Juneteenth Festival!
On Saturday, June 19th, bring your lawn chair and attend the family-friendly Music City Freedom Festival! The festival will celebrate Black culture, community, music, food, and businesses from 12 PM to 6 PM. The festival will be held at the Historic Hadley Park, 1037 28th Avenue North.
See this list for additional Juneteenth block parties and festivals in Nashville this weekend!
Paddle with River Queen Voyages
Don’t limit your Juneteenth celebration to a single day! Here at RQV, we’ll be observing the holiday all weekend. Use the code “JUNETEENTH” to receive $19 off select paddle routes this weekend. Bring your friends, family, and loved ones out on the river!
Celebrate Black Music Month with NMAAM
While Juneteenth is a time of celebration for Black Americans, the holiday also serves as a reminder that the United States must work to overcome slavery’s legacy every day. One way to begin to do this is to seek out Black art, history, and music.
Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is celebrating Black Music Month from June 17-19. Stream their Thursday, June 17 benefit concert here at 7 PM CT, or watch their State of Black Music Panel here on Friday, June 18 at 9:30 AM CT.
Book tickets to visit NMAAM in person here.
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