Ways To Celebrate Juneteenth In Memphis 2023

HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

The National Holiday is on Monday, June 19. Here’s a list of all the festivities in Memphis this year!

Still want to learn more about the importance of Juneteenth? Read this amazing and informative article. Also, check out why celebrating in Memphis is so special through the beautiful words of our contributor, Carmen.

Got one to add? Submit to the blog’s calendar!

A group dancing and cheering on performers at Tone Juneteenth Gala
TONE Juneteenth Festival

Juneteenth Events

Juneteenth at LeMoyne Owen College

June 10, 2030 | 9 a.m.

A day filled with a talent display of music, singing, dancing, a living memorial and a re-enactment of the first Juneteenth event that took place in Galveston, TX.

Still We Rise: African American History of Elmwood Cemetery Tour at Elmwood Cemetery 

June 10, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.

Doctors, dentists, businessmen, attorneys, saints, musicians, and the south's first black millionaire are all a part of this informative tour of Elmwood Cemetery.

Rhymes on the River: Pre-Juneteenth Poetry Slam at Fourth Bluff Park

June 10, 2023 | 4 p.m.

This event is where the power of words meets the beauty of the downtown Memphis riverfront. All poets must share poems on the Juneteenth theme. Very on brand, the color theme is yellow, red, and green.

Juneteenth the Musical Stage Play at the Orpheum Theatre

June 10, 2023 | 2 p.m. at 7 p.m.

The stage play is a powerful depiction of servitude and a poignant reminder of what it was like when the slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free two years after President Lincoln signed The Emancipation Proclamation.

A Black Mosaic: Musée Noir at Southbrook Town Centre

June 11, 2023 | 6 p.m.

This year's experience will transcend Memphis' fashion culture. A Black Mosaic is a fashion experience produced by and for artists of color, such as socialites, models, designers, and performers.

TONE Juneteenth Weekend

June 15-18, 2023

It’s a whole weekend of celebration.

Screening of B.A.P.S. at Malco Studio on the Square

June 15, 2023 | 7 p.m.

This year’s theme is B.A.P.S. (Black American Princes & Princesses) It’s a no-brainer to see the movie to start off the weekend. It’s a free screening of the Black cult-classic comedy. 

Spades Tournament at TONE Gallery

June 16, 2023 | 6 p.m.

The Spades Tournament is a night for folks to come out and enjoy one of the most sacred card games known to man. It is a night for people to converse and convene over good music, food, and drinks.

The Juneteenth Family Reunion: The Gala + After Party at Cadre Building

June 17, 2023 | 6:30 p.m.

The Gala is going to be held at the beautiful Cadre building, like I said, where everyone will be dressed in their B.A.P.S. attire! The Gala is the opportunity to toast it up and cheers to the future of Black creatives; while also, raising money to accomplish the goals set for TONE and plans for the Orange Mound tower. 

Immediately following the Gala is the After Party. Our friends at TONE said it best, “Bring ya’ knees ready and schedule ya Ubers in advance, because a time will be had.” I’m here for it!

The Festival at Orange Mound Tower

June 18, 2023 | 3 p.m.

Headliners such as Project Pat, Duke Deuce, and Hitkidd will be performing on stage to round off the weekend. To sum it all up, expect Black vendors. Black food. Black performers. Black games. Black joy. Black experiences in Black spaces.

A Juneteenth Celebration: Drink Champs Friday Night Patio Party at Carolina Watershed

June 16, 2023 | 9 p.m.

Kick off Juneteenth weekend with Drink Champs The Friday Night Patio Party at Carolina Watershed Downtown.

Cxffee Juneteenth Block Party and Bazaar at the Antigentrification Cxffee Club

June 16, 2023 | 4 p.m.

Celebrate freedom and community. There will be dj sets, vendors, games, giveaways and a special meal collaboration.

Juneteenth Block Party “Building on the Promise” at 5507 Winchester Rd.

June 16, 2023 | 6:30 p.m.

Honor the past and celebrate the progress. Enjoy vendors, food, music, and more fun for the whole family.

The Dream Summit Gala at the National Civil Rights Museum

June 16, 2023 | 7 p.m.

This Allstar Black Tie Gala at the National Civil Rights Museum is the ultimate space for Black success. You’ll be among investors, Hall of Famers, Grammy Award winners, and more.

The Dream Summit at the Renasant Convention Center

June 17, 2023 | 9 a.m.

An allstar cast headlines this Financial Literacy summit - George White aka George White The Speaker, Milan Harris aka Milan Rouge, Marvin Mitchell, 2 time Grammy Winner Sir the Baptist, GM of Fox Soul James Dubose, amongst others.

Major Taylor Memphis 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Ride at Mud Island

June 17, 2023 

Major Taylor Memphis would like to invite you to the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Ride. There will be multiple routes/distances of 23, 44, and 63 miles with supported SAG stops.

Juneteenth Shop Black Festival at Fourth Bluff Park

June 17, 2023 | 11 a.m.

The 4th Annual Juneteenth Shop Black Festival is free to attend and features Black-owned businesses, food trucks, and food vendors.

Juneteenth Douglass Freedom & Heritage Festival at Douglass Park

June 17 and 18, 2023 | 3 p.m.

This is the 30th anniversary of the festival. Enjoy a weekend of art, music, food, and more celebrations. 

A Juneteenth Celebration Featuring: The Sensational Barnes Brothers at Crosstown Theater

June 17, 2023 | 7 p.m.

This is a free concert celebrating Juneteenth with wonderful choral, chamber, and orchestral music. 

Memphteenth Fest at Beautiful Occasions Banquet Hall

June 17, 2023 | 7 p.m.

Join the celebration on Juneteenth weekend. The concert features a fantastic line up of great artists. Also there’s an artist- appreciation/ award ceremony. 

Memphis Juneteenth Festival at Health Sciences Park

June 17 and 18, 2023

Enjoy a Greek Stroll off, Youth Showcase featuring majorettes, drummers, singers, and more, vendors, food, and lots of fun!

Free Community Day at The National Civil Rights Museum

June 19, 2023 | 9 a.m. 

If you haven't visited the historic museum, Juneteenth would be the perfect day to do so. The National Civil Rights Museum is celebrating the Juneteenth holiday on June 19 as a Community Day with free museum admission and museum Member Appreciation Day.

Juneteenth Adult Field Day at Carolina Watershed

June 19, 2023 | 4 p.m.

Get ready for a day filled with card games, board games, kickball, and more! Enjoy delicious food and drinks  from Redbone Turkey Legs, while DJs keep the beats pumping.

Rhymes on the River: Juneteenth Poetry Slam at Fourth Bluff Park

June 23, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Rhymes on the River: Juneteenth Poetry Slam is a Juneteenth celebration and poetry competition, where the power of words meets the beauty of the downtown Memphis riverfront. Very on brand, the color theme is yellow, red, and green.

Couple at the Tone Juneteenth Gala
Juke Joint Beale Street / Oneika Raymond
Performers on stage at TONE Juneteenth: A Family Reunion

More Black History In Memphis

The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel covers the struggle for civil rights and Black liberation across times, places, and peoples—but the museum's exhibits begin by exploring the slavery in America in the 1600s. If you haven't visited NCRM, or haven't visited in a few years, make sure you take time to visit soon. 

If you want to go deeper into Black history in Memphis, I highly recommend A Tour of Possibilities van tour. Even if you know a lot about Memphis history, you'll be surprised and moved by this special tour. Check out contributor Wesley Paraham's first-hand account of ATOP here (without giving too much away). 

Off the beaten path for most visitors, the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum is on the site of a stop on the Underground Railroad, a network that helped people and families escape enslavement in the Southern U.S. Visit the museum to learn more about how Memphis was a central location for commerce and trading of enslaved people from Africa—and the efforts of abolitionists and liberated people to end the practice of slavery.

See the guide to Black History in Memphis. 

Comments Make Us Happy

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Serri
Thank you, tremendously helpful! We're in Memphis for 3 weeks with children this summer, and I have been wondering how to fill the time. Challenge solved! :-)
May 25, 2017 4:55pm
Holly Whitfield
You're welcome!
May 25, 2017 6:33pm
Roniece N Gilkey
Blues City Cultural Center presents The Orange Mound youth led tour. The tours are July 6, 11, and 13th at 10:00 AM. We start at Melrose High School. Our information is on Eventbrite and the Blues City Cultural Center's Facebook page. Thank you
June 29, 2017 9:24pm
Sherw3
What's happening in the first of September? Coming in from Texas for the first time! Where to stay? What to do? Young adults!
August 5, 2017 12:05pm