Juneteenth
Juneteenth may be America’s newest federal holiday, but Little Rock has been celebrating Juneteenth for decades.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Today Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. Recognizing its profound significance, in 2021, President Joe Biden designated June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, establishing it as a federal holiday.
We continue to celebrate by honoring Black culture, history, and entertainment - that also happens to be a whole lot of fun!
Juneteenth Experiences in Little Rock
Juneteenth Arkansas Festival
Every year, the Juneteenth Arkansas Festival generates positive economic, agricultural, and educational impacts on the local community through an all-encompassing celebration. Experience family-friendly activities and live music, reveling in the vibrant atmosphere. Peruse through an array of vendors, groove to talented performances, and indulge in mouthwatering bites from food trucks. This annual festival has something for everyone! Don't miss joining the lively crowds, which typically consist of more than ten thousand event-goers.
- Location - First Security Amphitheater | 400 President Clinton Avenue
- Date & Times - June 15, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
For more details visit the event page here.
Juneteenth in Da Rock
Little Rock’s Juneteenth in Da Rock celebration is organized by the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Arkansas’s only museum that tells the stories of Black Arkansans.
Juneteenth in Da Rock is filled with fun experiences for all to enjoy – including a special brunch, flag-raising ceremony, a 5k run/walk, and a street festival. Check back for more information on affiliated events.
- Location - Mosaic Templars Cultural Center | 501 W 9th Street
- Date & Times - June 15, 2024 | 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
For more details visit the event page here.
Bonus Activity: While celebrating Juneteenth in Da Rock, make a five-minute walk to the open house event at the Dreamland Ballroom, which runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Explore this significant piece of Little Rock's History, discovering a venue that provided cultural acceptance of Black performers during the era of segregation.
More Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Little Rock
Expand your Juneteenth itinerary by exploring Black history and culture in Little Rock. Traverse across the city on the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail, which includes Little Rock Nine sites, as well as the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. Plan a culinary exploration across a variety of Black-owned restaurants and relish scrumptious cuisines.