Ahead of Juneteenth on June 19th, we’re rounding up some of the biggest events coming to the area for the annual holiday.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved people were free. Since then, it has been seen as a day to reflect on what Black Americans have gone through in the past while also celebrating with our community, how much has changed in present times.
6/19: For the girls, Tampa HEATWAVE: GHETTOTECH. Ghetto tech is a style of music prominent in Black culture, mainly in the ‘90s. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy electronic music style that originated in Detroit. For the Girls Tampa is run by 3 creative Black women who create themed events centering mainly women who want a safe space and like-minded people to party with. Be prepared to dance, they don’t tolerate standing on the wall!
Location: New World Brewery
Time: 9 pm- Midnight
6/19: Coasis Tampa will be celebrating Juneteenth in a way we know best: eating! They will have special $2 oysters, $10 crab legs, and 2-for-1 margaritas. They will also be featuring their Juneteenth specialty drinks, the Liberty Bell and 40 Acres and a Mule, while introducing the catfish platter with 2 sides as well.
Location: Coasis Tampa
Time: 4 p.m. – Midnight
6/19: Club Q&A Juneteenth Tiny Desk. It will be hosted at one of Tampa’s two Black bookstores, with live music by April Showers and Johnny Champagne, two well-loved figures in the local Tampa music scene. There will also be poetry, so this event is perfect if you want to celebrate Juneteenth in a more chill manner.
Location: 1421 Tampa Park Plaza St, Tampa, FL
Time: 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
6/19: Head over to The Bricks Ybor for ‘Beats and Chill’ to enjoy a night of live music, DJs, and creative outlets. There will be performances by @pilotjonezz, @cozyintheblack, @chriss.3___, @_aliqua, and @yzm.iii, followed by AFTERS+CHILL, a guest DJ jam session with @fesssi.k and @djraulthefool. Guests can also enjoy live art by @jittbrodie throughout the event. Hosted by @xjaybrowne, this event is perfect for anyone looking to celebrate Juneteenth through local art and community vibes.
Location: The Bricks Ybor
Time: 7 pm- Midnight
6/15- 6/20: ROC the Block’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Festival returns to Raymond James Stadium for one of the biggest Juneteenth celebrations in Tampa Bay. The free, family-friendly festival will be 5 days long, featuring something a little different each day. The final festival will take place on the 20th.
Location: Raymond James Stadium
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.