Juneteenth Weekend

Juneteenth Weekend Celebration

Celebrate Juneteenth in Columbus with a meaningful weekend of remembrance, reflection, education, faith, fellowship, and community connection. Organized by Black History Month Columbus, this multi-day celebration honors the history and continued significance of Juneteenth — the day marking when the last enslaved people in America learned they were free on June 19, 1865. Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a federal holiday and serves as a time to reflect on freedom, celebrate Black history, and gather in community.

The weekend begins on Friday, June 19, with Echoes of the Unnamed, a free event held from 10–11 a.m. at the Unmarked Graves Memorial at City Cemetery, 739 22nd Street. This gathering invites the community to remember, honor, and reflect on those whose stories deserve to be preserved and uplifted.

On Saturday, June 20, the celebration continues with Representing the Empty Chair, a Columbus Young Professionals of Color summit held from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Ivy Tech Columbus Moravec Hall, 4475 Central Avenue. Registration is required for this professional development event, which is presented in partnership with the African American Foundation Bartholomew County, Columbus Young Professionals of Color, and Ivy Tech Columbus.

On Sunday, June 21, the community is invited to come together for the Community Church Service & Juneteenth Family Reunion at The LEX. The day begins with a free community church service indoors from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., followed by an outdoor family reunion celebration from 1:30–4:30 p.m. This gathering is rooted in faith, reflection, and unity, and continues with food, fellowship, and community connection.

The weekend also includes additional community partner events, such as STEM Camp, a 5K Juneteenth Walk-A-Thon, BCPL Express, a Juneteenth Book Club, Brothers 2 Brother: A Men’s Workshop, and more. Black History Month Columbus describes Juneteenth as part of its year-round mission to celebrate, preserve, and uplift Black history, culture, and community in Columbus and Bartholomew County.

Everyone is welcome to attend, learn, reflect, and celebrate.

For the full schedule, registration details, and additional community events, visit: https://www.blackhistorycolumbus.com/juneteenth2026