St. Petersburg is hosting a variety of vibrant events to celebrate Juneteenth. Join St. Pete in commemorating this significant day with these fantastic events. Celebrate freedom, culture, and community while recognizing the importance of Juneteenth.
What is the significance of Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This important holiday marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended, and all enslaved people were now free—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the progress made, honor African American culture, and continue the fight for equal opportunity.
Did we miss your Juneteenth event? Send the details to info@ilovetheburg.com and we’ll add it to the list!
Juneteenth events:
Shades of Pride Juneteenth LGBTQ+ Art & Music Fest: presented by Metro Inclusive Health
Friday, Jun 14, 2024, 5:30pm-3am
Saturday, Jun 15, 2024, 1pm-3am
The Factory, 2606 Fairfield Ave S. St. Petersburg
Day 1 of the event on Friday, June 14, kicks off with the Prequel to Ballroom Exhibition featuring a history lesson on ballroom culture and a team production category led by team captains. Teams of four will compete in various categories, with the winning team receiving a $1,000 prize. Following this, the Shade vs Pride Poetry Slam takes stage from 7pm to 10pm, showcasing top poets from the Tampa region in a head-to-head style competition. The night concludes with the Pride, Power, and Passion Party from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am, produced by Evolve Tampa, featuring DJ Donnie Luv, host TaeDa Tea, and a special musical performance by Sevndeep, promising an electrifying celebration of the black community.
Day 2 of the event on Saturday, June 15, begins at 12:30pm. Attendees can join “Vouge 101” with Leiomy Miyake-Muger at 1:00 PM and the “Soul Glow” Artist Kickback and Mixer at 2:00 PM, featuring local black, queer artists. At 3:00 PM, there’s a panel on “Intersectional Politics and Advocacy,” followed by the Shades of Pride Concert at 4:00 PM. From 5:00 PM, the King Jives Live ‘Influential Influencers’ Panel Discussion explores the experiences of black queer influencers. At 7:00 PM, there’s the LIPS Florida Black and Brown Trans Panel Experience and the day concludes with The Honors Ball from 9:00 PM, celebrating black culture and LGBTQIA+ talent.
Special Lunch and Learn Event by Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign
Friday, June 14, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Tickets: $125
Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg
Join the Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign for a special Lunch and Learn featuring Aja McNair, an experienced education curriculum consultant. With over a decade of experience, Aja has developed a phonics curriculum tailored for struggling 2nd-5th graders and has trained hundreds of teachers and parents. This event is part of the campaign’s 2024 Juneteenth Literacy Festival, dedicated to enhancing literacy skills among African youth.
The Burg Cares & Metro Inclusive Health: Juneteenth Jam Session
Saturday, June 15, 6-10pm
Urban Drinkery, 2184 9th Ave. S
Saturday Shoppes: Freedom Fest
Saturday, June 15, 4-8pm
Tropicana Field Lot 1, 1 Tropicana Drive
As part of the festivities, the sprawling festival will showcase dozens of local Black-owned businesses, artists, and makers. The celebration is bringing food trucks, a full market of local vendors, dancing and live music to downtown St. Pete. Juneteenth Freedom Fest is free to attend and is a family-friendly event. This year’s rendition is being co-hosted by 101.5 The Vibe, Tampa Bay’s only R&B station. Learn more.
Juneteenth Music Festival at Albert Whitted
Saturday, June 15, 4-9pm
Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive, St. Petersburg
The Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign will be presenting a Juneteenth music festival. This festival promises an exciting lineup of live music featuring local and national artists. Enjoy a mix of genres, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere by the waterfront. The Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign is dedicated to ensuring African youth gain the essential literacy skills needed for success and to honor the legacy of past generations. Money raised at the music festival will support this important mission.
4th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Raymond James Stadium
Saturday, June 15
3pm-9pm, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Get ready for an incredible day at the 4th Annual Juneteenth Festival, hosted at Raymond James Stadium. Last year, over 3,000 attendees enjoyed a full day of cultural celebration. This year promises to be even bigger and better with live DJ music, a variety of food trucks, retail shopping, a job fair, a health clinic, and much more. Join us for a community block party atmosphere that offers fun for everyone. Get your tickets now!
Tampa Museum of Art’s Third Annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration
Saturday, June 15, 10am-5pm
120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL
Celebrate the Tampa Museum of Art’s third annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration with a fun-filled, family-friendly experience. On June 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy free admission to the museum’s newly expanded galleries and the new Vinik Family Education Center. The event includes art-making activities, live music and performances, family portraits, delicious food trucks, and more, making it a lively community celebration of this important holiday, also known as Freedom Day.
Banyan Tree Project: Juneteenth Gospel Fest
Sunday, June 16, 4-6pm
Deuce’s Corner Bandshell, cor. 9th Ave. S & 22nd St. S
Juneteenth Gospel Fest will feature accomplished opera singer Maiya Stevenson, Shyann Roberts of June’s Diary, the moving sounds of The Mighty Sons of Zion & Rev. Tarver and the Florida Spirtualaires, the uplifting sounds of The Tampa Bay Boyz, and the incredibly talented Bethel Community Baptist Church Praise Team. The event is free to attend but you can reserve a spot here.
Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee at The Coliseum
Sunday, June 16, 5pm
The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL
Experience the elegance and joy of the ALL-WHITE PARTY at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida as they celebrate African American independence. Enjoy an evening of sophistication, personalized touches amidst exquisite décor, and delectable cuisine. Dance, laugh, and connect with fellow guests in the spirit of togetherness. A cash bar will also be available to enhance your celebration. (This is now a sold-out event)
Good Stock Out of St. Pete Juneteenth Festival
Sunday, June 16, 10am-6pm
FREE and open to the public
Williams Park, 350 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg
The festival will be held at Williams Park in Downtown St. Petersburg. This community event will feature local entrepreneurs, familiar faces, and a homecoming atmosphere, while also linking attendees to valuable resources in the city.
Juneteenth Mentorship Expo
Monday, June 17 & Tuesday, June 18, 8am-2pm both days
Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave
The mentorship expo will take place at Eckerd College. This impactful event will allow youth to attend career tracks and interact with honorees who have excelled in their respective fields. Local resources and mentors will be available to provide ongoing support and guidance.
Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) Celebrates Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19, 6pm-8pm
“The Shout!” A Gospel Music Workshop with Dr. Kevin B. Parrott
ArtsXchange Outdoor Stage, 515 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg
Free for WADA Members, $20 for Non-Members
Join Dr. Kevin B. Parrott, a renowned Gospel music scholar and Minister of Music for the Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, for a deep dive into the rich history of Gospel music. This Juneteenth workshop will explore Gospel’s origins and its role in American culture, faith, and social justice. Whether you’re a lifelong Gospel fan or a newcomer, this workshop will enhance your appreciation for this impactful art form.
The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) is dedicated to supporting the arts in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District. Through exhibitions, workshops, and community outreach, WADA promotes local artists and arts education.
(Note: Event details are subject to change. Check event websites for the latest information)
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