St. Petersburg joins cities across the U.S. in honoring Juneteenth this Friday, June 19. The celebration, which dates back to 1865, commemorates the emancipation of 250,000 slaves in Texas, the last bastion of slavery during the Civil War. While Texas was the first state to make Juneteenth a statewide holiday in 1980, there are records of Juneteenth celebrations in the Tampa Bay dating back to 1864.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday.
The legacy of celebrating emancipation continues with festivities across the region this weekend:
The official Juneteenth flag. Photo: Black Lives Matter Facebook page.
June 19 and 20. Freedom Conference 2026, Boyd Hill Nature Reserve Pioneer Settlement & USF St. Petersburg Student Center, St. Pete. Sponsored by the Pinellas County Urban League, the Sankofa Freedom Conference 2026 is celebrating Juneteenth by remembering “where we’ve been and recommit[ing] to where we’re going.” The two-day conference will feature agribusiness demonstrations, line dancing competitions, financial empowerment workshops and more. $75-250 Tickets here.
June 19. Juneteenth Backyard Boogie, Deuces Park, St. Pete, 4 -10 p.m. This celebration, featuring food trucks, kids activities, spades, and live music, promises to bring “the joy, the culture, and the community love” to the Deuces. Free, RSVP here.
June 19. Shades of Pride, Morean Center for Clay, St. Pete, 7 -9 p.m. Shades of Pride celebrates Juneteenth and Pride by honoring the Black queer community. Free.
June 19. The James Museum of Western + Wildlife Art, St. Pete. In celebration of Juneteenth, the museum opens its doors to everyone free of charge. Online ticket reservations are encouraged to guarantee admission.
June 19. Juneteenth Community Celebration, Tomlinson Park, Gulfport, 5-9 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Gulfport Kiwanis Club and Fusion 49h District.
June 19. Jumpin’ Juneteenth Jubilee, E2K Vintage, St. Pete, 6 -9 p.m. Hosted by E2K Vintage with support from Queer Expressions St. Pete, the Jumpin’ Juneteenth Jubilee’s intention is to “support the diverse art of black local creatives” through live music, local food, and a market featuring wares from Black creatives. Free.
June 19. FOR THE CULTURE: Juneteenth Game Night, Culture Creative, St. Pete, 8-11 p.m. “What happens when you mix a family cookout, a game show, a playlist full of classics and a room full of people who think they know the culture?” Free, RSVP here.
June 20. Speak Easy: Words That Breathe Juneteenth Edition, Culture Creative, St. Pete, 8 p.m. A live poetry experience for people “who crave something real,” this Juneteenth edition promises to evoke “emotion you can feel in your chest.” $10-20, Tickets here.
June 21. Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee, The Coliseum, 5 p.m. Sold out.
June 21. Juneteenth Gospel Celebration, Enoch Davis Center, 5- 7:30 p.m. A gospel gathering. Free.
Roc the Block
June 20. Roc the Block Juneteenth Celebration at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa. Ray Jay’s annual cultural celebration kicks off at 2:30 p.m., with live DJs, dance and music performances, a KidZone, community booths, food vendors and more. Free tickets are available at this link.