Juneteenth

Celebrate Juneteenth in El Paso!

Join the City of El Paso in commemorating Juneteenth throughout the month of June. Experience a vibrant array of activities hosted by our Museums, Parks and Recreation, Libraries, and more. Discover educational exhibits, cultural events, community gatherings, and recreational fun for all ages. Let's come together to honor freedom, history, and community spirit.

About Juneteenth

Juneteenth, short for "June Nineteenth," commemorates the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and enforce the emancipation of all enslaved people. This event occurred two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. This year, Juneteenth will be observed on Wednesday, June 19.

View the Juneteenth events below and be part of this meaningful celebration!

Jump To:
Parks & Recreation
Public Libraries
Museums
Streetcar
El Paso Zoo

Parks & Recreation

Juneteenth Lecture Series - Charles Smith: Reboot My Way of Thinking Series Presents Maintaining Momentum with A Still Posture
June 11 | 12:30 p.m.
Eastside Senior Center
3200 Fierro Dr

Juneteenth Celebration - Powered by our Youth
June 17 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Chamizal Community Center Multipurpose R #1
2119 Cypress Ave

Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth together with activities for children ages 5- 16 yrs. Snacks and drinks will be provided, parents are welcome to join in on the fun!

Movie Matinee "Ruby Bridges"
June 17 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Galatzan Recreation Center
650 Wallenberg Dr

Let's Celebrate Juneteenth
June 18 | All Day
The Beast Urban Park
13501 Jason Crandall Dr

The community is encouraged to wear apparel or accessories to honor the colors of Juneteenth. A Juneteenth coloring activity will be given throughout the day for children to enjoy!

Juneteenth Movie Day -"Harriet" True story of Harriet Tubman
June 18 | 2:00 p.m.
Wayne Thornton Community Center at Grandview
3134 Jefferson Ave

Bring your family and friends to celebrate Juneteenth with a showing of the movie "Harriet." Popcorn will be given out to enjoy during the movie!

Juneteenth Arts & Crafts Vendor Fair
June 22 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m..
Pavo Real Recreation Center
9301 Alameda Ave

Join us at our Juneteenth Arts & Crafts Fair! Vendors needed! Please call (915) 212-0474 if you are interested in participating.

Museums

Poetry & Art by Angie Michelle Barazza
June 8 | 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
El Paso Museum of Art
1 Arts Festival Plaza

Artist Angie Michelle Barazza will lead participants in a hands on work-shop exploring the themes of vanessa german’s work Black Girl on Skateboard on view at the El Paso Museum of Art, courtesy of Art Bridges.

Juneteenth Lecture Series - Dr. Jackeline Biddle Richard: Journeys of Latinidad, Colorsim, Racism, and Empowerment
June 8 | 10:00 a.m.
El Paso Museum of Art
1 Arts Festival Plaza

Juneteenth Lecture Series - Abeni Janae: Young, Gifted, and Black. The Artistic Importance of Cultural Celebrations
June 8 | 1:00 p.m.
El Paso Museum of Art
1 Arts Festival Plaza

Juneteenth Celebration Kickoff!
June 14 | 6:00 PM
El Paso Museum of History
510 N Santa Fe St

Join Juneteenth El Paso & Black El Paso Voice for a free celebration including speaker Tomas Arellano and Imperial Legacy Clothing showcasing their 1921 collection via a fashion show!

Kids’ Table: Soul Food
June 15 | 11:00 a.m.
EL Paso Museum History
510 N Santa Fe St

Join us as we celebrate the history and significance of Soul Food! Led by MD305 Soul Food, this hands-on workshop for kids (ages 5 – 18) will explore the foodways, history, and culture behind this uniquely American tradition. 

Streetcar

Track the Streetcar by downloading the free Ride Sun Metro app available for iOS and Android devices. No passes or tickets are needed.

Celebrating Juneteenth, A Journey to Freedom with Dan Webb
June 7 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Streetcar 1511

Celebrate Juneteenth with an inspiring talk by Dan Webb on the journey to freedom of the Black community. Boarding at the Convention Center Stop downtown at Santa Fe & Henry Trost.

Celebrating Juneteenth with Jamal
June 14 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Streetcar 1511

Catch a ride at the Convention Center Stop downtown and vibe to his original R&B Soul tracks.

Juneteenth Read & Ride 
June 15 | 11:00 a.m.
Streetcar 1511

Celebrate Juneteenth with the El Paso Libraries with a special read and ride.

El Paso's Road to Freedom with Tomas Arellano
June 21 | 6:00 p.m.
Streetcar 1511

Join in on the Juneteenth festivities! Get ready for El Paso’s Road to Freedom with Tomas Arellano and immerse yourself in a captivating tour through history. This FREE event will start at the Convention Center Stop downtown, at Santa Fe and Henry Trost.

Juneteenth with Abeni Janae
June 22 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Streetcar 1511

Board the Streetcar for a Juneteenth Jam. Immerse yourself in a mix of R&B, Soul, and Pop Rock. Boarding starts at the Convention Center Stop in Downtown. 

El Paso Zoo

Juneteenth with the Zoo
June 19 | All Day

The El Paso Zoo reflects on the significance of Juneteenth. On Wednesday, June 19, visitors will save a 20% discount off regular admission when mentioning "Juneteenth Celebration" for a fun-filled day at the Zoo.

Find Zoo hours, ticket prices, and more at https://www.elpasozoo.org