Juneteenth, observed each year on June 19, commemorates the day news of the abolition of slavery finally reached Texas. More than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, marking a pivotal moment in American history.
The movement to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday was championed by Opal Lee, a longtime resident of Fort Worth. Thanks in large part to her advocacy, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, earning Lee the title “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”
Here are 12 Juneteenth events happening in Dallas-Fort Worth, which includes exhibitions, concerts, walks and celebrations.
A community walk in celebration of freedom, resilience and the continued pursuit of justice for all. Attendees will begin walking from the MLK Jr. Community Center and will go for 2.5 miles and end at Fair Park.
June 13 at 8:30 a.m. at South Dallas MLK Jr. Community Center to Fair Park, Dallas. Registration is $39.74 for adults and free for youth 18 and under. dallasmlkcenter.com.
‘MANDELA: THE OFFICIAL EXHIBITION’
Get an up-close look at the life of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president. The exhibition features Mandela’s personal possessions, artifacts and an immersive gallery.
June 13 to Nov. 1 at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas. Free. aamdallas.org.
JUNETEENTH + SUMMERFEST DALLAS 2026
This event will be a full day of community, culture and celebration and will feature the MLK Freedom Walk, a community clean-up, mural installations, a healthful-living zone, a kids zone with water slides, and live music performances.
June 12-13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Dallas MLK Center to Fair Park, Dallas. Free. thewallsproject.org.
DENTON JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
A four-day celebration commemorating Juneteenth. Over the four days, there will be food, music, culture and community.
June 16 through 20 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Fred Moore Park, 501 South Bradshaw St., Denton. eventbrite.com
MANSFIELD’S JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
The city of Mansfield will be hosting its Juneteenth event at Geyer Commons. It will feature live music by the Revelers Hall Band, dancing, food trucks, yard games, photo ops and vendors.
June 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Geyer Commons, 605 E Broad St., Mansfield. Free. mansfieldtexas.gov.
LITTLE ELM JUNETEENTH CONCERT
An evening featuring live music from The David Whiteman Band, food, vendors, community remarks and a special video message from the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Opal Lee.
OPAL’S WALK FOR FREEDOM
Participants will walk 2.5 miles in honor of the 2.5 years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and its enforcement in Texas. The walk will happen in 10 cities across the U.S., including Fort Worth.
June 19 at 9 a.m. at Will Rogers Square, 3401 West Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. opalswalk2dc.com.
5th ANNUAL ARLINGTON JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
The fifth annual Arlington Juneteenth celebration will showcase live music by Levitt Youth Spotlight, Branoofunck and 4Ya Soul Band. Plus, a vendor market and food trucks. Guests can bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.
2026 DENISON JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL
Munson Park will be the site of the Denison Juneteenth celebration. It will be a day full of local vendors, bounce houses, food, live music, scholarship giveaways, prizes and more fun.
MANIFEST YOUR PURPOSE JUNETEENTH MARKET
Shop and support more than 100 Black-owned businesses at The Shops at Redbird. There will also be curated cocktails and delicious bites.
June 20 from 2 to 7 p.m. at The Shops at Redbird, 3662 West Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas. Free. eventbrite.com.
GARLAND’S JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
In downtown Garland, attendees will get to enjoy live entertainment from Don Diego Band, Unfaded Brass Band and DJ Raspy. There will also be a special dedication of the new mosaic mural honoring The Flats-Garland’s original freestanding African American community.
June 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Downtown Garland Square, 520 W State St., Garland. Free. visitgarlandtx.com.
Celebrate Juneteenth by attending the Juneteenth flavor fest, which will be a vibrant celebration of culture, community and freedom. There will be a wide variety of food vendors, games and raffles.
June 20 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Mar Thoma Event Center, 11500 Luna Road, Dallas. Free. eventbrite.com.