Juneteenth Music Festival | June 18

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

 

The Juneteenth Music Festival is back with a bang on June 18 at Denver’s historic Five Points Neighborhood. More Attractions, more activities, more opportunities, more great food, more everything. We’ll have 5 stages of entertainment featuring bands, musicians, comedy and more.  Thank you for your continued support and we’ll continue to bring it to you every year! Here’s what’s on deck this year:

 

Juneteenth Annual Parade!– Each and every year the Juneteenth Music Festival kicks off with the Juneteenth Parade at 10am. Join host and CU Alum Charles Johnson starting at 10am to see clubs, troops, organizations, community activists and more dance, stomp, march and ride down Welton Street.

Live Music on 5 Stages! Begins at 11am

 

Awesome Vendors! – Artwork, BBQ and cocktails oh my! We’ll have an array of delectable food vendors and food trucks on hand to satisfy your every craving.  From turkey legs, to crepes, to sushi our delicious line-up of grub will not disappoint.  Also, shop local artists and artisan goods and learn about multiple community opportunities and advocacy groups.

 

Fun Youth Zone! – We’d like to thank Janus Capital Group, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Carey School of Basketball for what will be the best Juneteenth kids experience yet!  Pedal cart track, inflatable maze, climbing wall, basketball camps, dinosaurs, performances, giveaways… need we say more? Because there is actually more!