Ways To Celebrate Juneteenth In Memphis 2025

HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

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

Still want to learn more about the importance of Juneteenth? Read this 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!

Friends enjoying BSMF
Alex Shansky

Juneteenth Events

Juneteenth Concert Series at LeMoyne-Owen College
June 12, 19, 26 | 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The inaugural Juneteenth Concert on the Lawn series at LeMoyne-Owen College kicks off June 12 and continues every Thursday through June 26 at 6 p.m., featuring performances by Memphis artists like Devin Crutcher, Katrina Anderson, and Jerome Chism. Held on the historic Brownlee Hall lawn, the event includes food trucks, DJ sets, and live music, all supporting the LeMoyne-Owen College National Annual Fund.

Umami Amora: A Juneteenth 7 Course Dinner Series
June 14 | 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Umami Amora is a unique Juneteenth Dinner Series featuring 7 Black chefs serving 7 courses, each paired with a personal story about the Black experience. This intimate event combines soulful cuisine with meaningful conversations on food and emotional intelligence. Limited to 125 guests, it celebrates Black culinary creativity, resilience, and community. Guests are invited to wear shades of brown to honor unity.

Juneteenth Paint and Sip at the Genealogy Center
June 14 | 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A Juneteenth Paint & Sip Party celebrating freedom, history, and culture! Whether you’re a pro or first-time painter, skilled instructors will guide you step-by-step to create a unique masterpiece inspired by Juneteenth. Enjoy themed drinks as you unleash your creativity in this empowering celebration.

Prolific Society -Legacy and Luxury Juneteenth Day Party and BLK Market
June 14 | 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Celebrate culture and community at the Legacy & Luxury Juneteenth Day Party & BLK Market at Hard Rock Café, featuring Black-owned brands, curated cocktails, rooftop views, and a live DJ. Mingle with Memphis creatives and entrepreneurs in an upscale, high-energy setting.

5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Ride
June 14 | 7 a.m.

Major Taylor Memphis would like to invite you to the 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Ride. They will have multiple routes/distances of 23, 44 & 63 miles with supported SAG stops. Check out the pre-ride social the evening before at Wiseacre HQ (Downtown location) and post-ride at Wiseacre OG (on Broad Ave.)

Juneteenth Fest at Memphis Public Libraries - Cordova Branch
June 14 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Join the Cordova Branch Library for the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Fest. Along with entertainment, Memphis artists will display and sell locally made jewelry, apparel, bags, candles, soap, woodwork and more.

If Beale Street Could Talk Free Screening at Orpheum Theatre
June 18 | 5:30 p.m.

In partnership with Dr. Telisa Franklin and Memphis Juneteenth, enjoy a special screening of If Beale Street Could Talk with a live preshow performance by Singa B, trivia, and activities in the Grand Lobby. The Balcony Project exhibit will also be open for viewing before the film.

Juneteenth Celebration at National Civil Rights Museum
June 19 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The National Civil Rights Museum offers free admission on June 19 for its Juneteenth Community Day, featuring live entertainment, educational activities, and on-site health resources. Guests can explore exhibits, enjoy performances, and access free health screenings. No reservation required, entry is first-come, first-served.

The Mrkt: A Junteenth Community Market at The Sterick
June 19 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The historic Sterick Building, the long vacant space will be reactivated for a Juneteenth celebration--market style. Black-owned businesses and creators will be on hand plus a live DJ, food, and immaculate vibes.

Juneteenth Celebration at Carolina Watershed
June 19 | Doors open at 4 p.m.

Carolina Watershed reopens for a big Juneteenth celebration with sounds by DJ Tunes & DJ Q. Happy hour drinks until 6 p.m.

Ladies Love TappedIN: Monaleo & Ken The Man “2nd Annual Juneteenth Concert”
June 19 | 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Celebrate Juneteenth in style at Ladies Love Tapped IN, a high-energy night of music and empowerment featuring live performances by Monaleo and Ken The Man. This electrifying event honors freedom and femininity with unapologetic lyrics and unforgettable performances. Join the movement and celebrate Black excellence and community power.

Juneteenth Tour at Elmwood Cemetery
June 19 | 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Discover the stories of Black trailblazers during this special Juneteenth walking tour of Elmwood Cemetery, led by Executive Director Kim Bearden. Explore the legacies of doctors, entrepreneurs, musicians, and the South’s first Black millionaire in a 60-minute guided experience. Tickets are $10; comfortable shoes recommended. Tour is weather-dependent.

The Jukewell Sessions: A Summertime Parlay
June 19 | 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

This immersive juke joint revival honors Southern Black joy through live music by Talibah Safiya, DJ sets, visual art, and cultural expression. Curated by SOLA and powered by Sean Driver, INKWELL Experiences, and Parlay Bar & Restaurant, the night includes open bar, small bites, and two ticket options for varying levels of experience. Limited availability. Reserve now.

The Four Way's Outdoor Patio Festival
June 19 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The historic Four Way is celebration with a festival of vendors from Groovy Gratitude to Cxffee Black with DJs, singers, and bands plus community organizations. It's at The Four Way so, of course, food is involved! They'll have a special menu serving up your favorites.

“Wakanda On Main “ Juneteenth Block Party
June 19 | 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Celebrate Juneteenth with the Wakanda on Main R&B Block Party—a vibrant celebration of Black excellence featuring food, music, fashion, art, and culture inspired by Black Panther. Enjoy live beats, delicious eats, and fun activities as Main Street shuts down for an unforgettable night of community and style. Fly African-inspired attire is encouraged but not required. VIP sections available for a premium experience.

32nd Annual Juneteenth Douglass Freedom & Heritage Festival
June 20-22

The first Juneteenth celebration in Memphis was in 1993 in Douglass Park, North Memphis by Glynn Johns-Reed. Her exhaustive efforts has inspired Juneteenth Celebrations in most black communities in Memphis. This year will be Juneteenth Douglass' 32nd year! The festival will feature an array of activities throughout the weekend including performances by the Tyke T and XX. There's a heritage parade, bbq competition, live art, and more. Free to attend!

RAW Memphis MEMteenth Art Showcase
June 20 | 5 p.m.

Celebrate Juneteenth with the theme Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present, and Shaping the Future at an electrifying showcase of local creativity! Experience visual artists, fashion catwalks, crafters, “zap” bracelets, musicians, singer/rappers, spoken word, dancers, and more. Enjoy food trucks and a cashless bar featuring $5 wine and $4 Kool-aid. Join us to uplift, inspire, and celebrate the 901 through art and culture!

The Black Farmers’ Market at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
June 21 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis presents the Black Farmers’ Market, a seasonal weekly community farmer's market bringing food, fun, and folks together for all the fellowship and familial southern vibes. In the historic South Memphis, on the grounds of the historic Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, the market seeks to bring together farmers, growers, foodpreneurs, artisans, and makers to serve as an outlet for selling locally grown produce, dairy, farm raised meats, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade goods, and more directly to the public and strengthening the local food system, economy and health of our community.

Say Their Names Juneteenth Celebration
June 21 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Say Their Names Juneteenth Celebration honors victims of systemic injustice like Phillip Hatley, a WWI veteran killed by Memphis police in 1939. The event features temporary monuments, family stories, community archiving resources, and ways to take action. Partner organizations will be on-site to support research and justice efforts, continuing the work of families who’ve long fought for change.

Juneteenth with Young Realtist
June 21 | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy a lively Juneteenth celebration with line dancing, food, fun, and community vibes! Your $25 ticket includes a drink, vendor access, family-friendly activities, and plenty of chances to dance, mingle, and celebrate freedom and culture with people of all ages.

two men smiling at camera
Michael Butler

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). 

ATTN: Slave Haven is temporarily closed due to a recent fire. 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.

Don't limit the celebration to just one day. See the guide to Black History year-round in Memphis. 

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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
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
VANESSA FERNANDEZ

just wanted to say had a blast at the disco silent party!!!

If you have'nt been its a must go!!!

June 11, 2024 3:20am
Robert Malone

I am beyond PROUD to see so much going on in the city to celebrate this holiday. I hope that it continues to get bigger and better and help to unite our communities. Love it!

June 13, 2024 10:53pm
Arthur Kavardi…

I really appreciate these updates about what's going on here in Memphis. I haven't been here long and I really like knowing where to go and what to do around town. Thank you. ???

June 19, 2024 3:53pm
charles mckinney sr

list of activites during Juneteenth day and week

 

 

June 19, 2024 7:09pm