Juneteenth — now a federal holiday — has only continued to gain traction in Tennessee. Last year, WPLN News compiled more than 50 related events in the region.
This year, there are 40 events and counting planned over the holiday weekend, with some continuing through to the end of the month.
June 19 — once a day like any other for many Middle Tennesseans — happened to fall during the racial justice protests in the summer of 2020. That made many people, especially white people, aware of this holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
As a largely white crowd took to War Memorial Plaza on June 19, 2020, Gov. Bill Lee signed a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth for the first time. Lee said then that it was a good time for progress and education about race in Tennessee, but since, the governor has signed legislation banning public schools from teaching about privilege and racial inequality and a 2022 law allowing parents to review and challenge school curriculum materials, a response to conservative criticism of how race and history are taught in schools.
Below, find a list of the upcoming celebrations (ordered by date and time) plus an interactive map to see which event is closest to you.
Did we miss a Juneteenth celebration in the area? Email us.
Friday, June 16
Juneteenth Restaurant Week — all day
Juneteenth615’s Restaurant Week includes 20+ participating restaurants in Nashville offering financial deals or special dishes for the holiday from June 10 through 18.
Black Nashville Connect: A Professional Career Event “Know Your Worth” — 6 p.m.
The Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting this networking mixer and Juneteenth celebration at Del Frisco’s Grille in The Gulch. Organizers say the attire is business casual, and that free parking is available in the garage next door (with a ticket for validation). Tickets are $25.
‘Off The Clock Happy Hour’ Juneteenth Weekend — 6 p.m.
This happy hour at Riddim n Spice in North Nashville will feature DJ Kenny Smoov playing throwbacks and R&B. There will be concert ticket giveaways, Holiday World passes, 92Q radio station merch giveaways and more.
Caviar and Collard Greens — 9 p.m.
This “vibrant professionals’ party” at The Loading Dock in Wedgewood Houston is hosted by Everybody vs. Racism and sponsored by local Black-owned businesses and community leaders in the Nashville area. Tickets start at $15.
Afrobeats & R&B: Juneteenth Edition — 10 p.m.
Soho Lounge in Antioch promises a “grown and sexy atmosphere … bringing you a vibe like no other.” Entry is free with RSVP.
Saturday, June 17
Juneteenth Restaurant Week — all day
Juneteenth615’s Restaurant Week includes 20+ participating restaurants in Nashville offering financial deals or special dishes for the holiday from June 10 through 18.
2023 Juneteenth Freedom Day Ride — 6:45 a.m.
This bike ride beginning at Frankie Pierce Park in downtown Nashville includes two routes: a 25-mile self-guided, marked route or a 10-mile group and family ride led by the Music City Dope Peddlers. Registration is $30 and comes with a ride pin and number and an event T-shirt. Organizers say there will be raffles and giveaways plus snacks and water along the ride.
Juneteenth Parade — 10 a.m.
Organizers invite local businesses, government officials and community members to come together to celebrate and visit historic Black landmarks in the downtown Clarksville area during the annual parade.
Juneteenth Community Fest — 10 a.m.
This family-friendly celebration at Ruby’s Happy Farm in Cross Plains includes a kids zone, food, vendors, and educational lectures by farming experts. Entertainment includes headliner Sankofa, an African drum and dance company based here in Tennessee. Entry is free.
Juneteenth Landscape of Enslavement Guided Grounds Tours — 11 a.m.
The Travellers Rest Historic House Museum in Crieve Hall is hosting a special guided grounds tour focusing on the lives of those who were enslaved at the property and those who lived and worked there post-emancipation. This 45-minute tour led by Chad Burgess, the director of interpretation, will discuss information about “both enslaved and emancipated individuals that lived and worked at Travellers Rest during the 19th century.”
Juneteenth Nashville Range Meet Up — 11 a.m.
Middle Tennessee Black Gun Club is hosting this Juneteenth event at a Nashville range. Organizers say attendees must register to unlock the location, and encourage bringing rifles, shotguns, pistols, bows and arrows, as well as ammo, targets, protective gear and closed toe shoes. The range fee is $10 to participate.
Black on Buchanan — 12 p.m.
The Equity Alliance’s annual event returns to North Nashville for “a celebration of Black joy, excellence, freedom and our fight for Black liberation” in an area that is home and refuge to generations of Black Nashvillians. Entry is free.
Music City Freedom Festival at Hadley Park — 12 p.m.
The two-day, family-friendly freedom fest is returning to Hadley Park in North Nashville this year and will feature local food trucks, vendors and inflatables for the kids. There will also be local bands performing live as well as a local DJ. Entry is free.
Clarksville Juneteenth Block Party — 12 p.m.
The third-annual Juneteenth block party in Clarksville will feature “over 60 Black-owned businesses and organizations, food trucks, live performances, and kids and family activities.” Entry is free.
Tennessee Juneteenth Celebration — 12 p.m.
Columbia‘s seventh annual Juneteenth celebration is being held at Riverwalk Park and will feature live music, free food, games, local vendors, a kids zone and more. Entry is free.
Juneteenth Freedom Day — 12 p.m.
Oak Ridge’s two-day celebration continues at the Scarboro Community Center with vendors, inflatables, live gospel music and face painting. Entry is free.
Clarksville Juneteenth Festival — 2 p.m.
The Clarksville Juneteenth Festival offers an immersive cultural experience through “art, storytelling, spoken word, food, live music and DJs, dance, literature” and more. Entry is free.
Save The Morris: Panel, Celebration & Reception — 2 p.m.
This National Museum of African American Music event is a “celebration of the African American history and culture in the city of Nashville.” Proceeds will go toward creating an African American & Civil Rights museum in the Morris Memorial building. Tickets are $15.
Black Lemonade’s Juneteenth on the Lawn — 3 p.m.
This luxury picnic in Bordeaux features live music, food, libations and fellowship. There is mandated derby inspired attire (yellow, black, white) plus “branded souvenirs and premium amenities.” Tickets start at $35.
Mr & Miss Juneteenth Pageant — 5 p.m.
This pageant in Lewisburg is open to children from 1 years old to seniors in high school. Organizers say the pageant is an “a wonderful opportunity for our children to be reflections of greatness, have self pride, confidence and build self-esteem.” Entry is $10.
The Legacy Ball — 6 p.m.
The second annual black-tie affair will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. Proceeds benefit the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships and grants to university students and community organizations. Along with artists and comedians, the event will also include an awards ceremony for locals like state Rep. Justin Jones, who is receiving the service award, and the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands, which is receiving the excellence award.
Smart Funny & Black Juneteenth Jam — 7 p.m.
Smart Funny and Black Live! will bring together well-known locals, like Odessa Kelly and Josh Black, in a head-to-head showdown at the National Museum of African American Music in downtown Nashville. This battle of wits will test their knowledge of Black history, Black culture and the Black experience. Entry is free.
BLVCK Privilège: A Juneteenth Celebration — 10 p.m.
The recurring Saturday night event at The Ainsworth in midtown Nashville, for Juneteenth, is hosted by Giovanni with music by DJ Crisis. Entry starts at $10.
Sunday, June 18
Juneteenth Restaurant Week — all day
Juneteenth615’s Restaurant Week includes 20+ participating restaurants in Nashville offering financial deals or special dishes for the holiday from June 10 through 18.
Bridge to Broadway: NMAAM 3rd Annual Block Party — 12 p.m.
The third annual block party at the National Museum of African American Music in downtown Nashville celebrates culture, music and heritage. Live performances, drinks, food and more will be available all day. Entry is free.
Music City Freedom Festival at Hadley Park — 12 p.m.
This family-friendly freedom fest continues for Day 2 in Hadley Park in North Nashville. It features local food trucks, vendors and inflatables for the kids. There will also be local bands performing live as well as a local DJ. Entry is free.
Crafts with Karen: Juneteenth Dashiki Wine Covers — 2 p.m.
This Juneteenth event at Natchez Hills Wine in the downtown Nashville Farmer’s Market is creating a Dashiki “koozie” for wine bottles. The $15 ticket includes all supplies and one glass of wine.
Kaleidoscope Fashion Show Juneteenth Edition — 5 p.m.
This fashion show in Murfreesboro will merge music, art, fashion and dance together. Ticket price is not listed.
Ainsworth on Sunday: Juneteenth Edition — 8 p.m.
The Sunday night party experience at The Ainsworth in midtown Nashville features food and drink specials all night and, for Juneteenth, is powered by DJ Crisis, Black Rob, Giovanni and DJ Chill. Entry starts at $10.
Monday, June 19
Music City Juneteenth Freedom Day Nashville Dance/Walk/Run 5k — 7:30 a.m.
The first annual Juneteenth run hosted by USATF, The Tennessee Track Club and Edward Jones begins in Shelby Park in East Nashville — specifically at the dripping bird statue by the main event field. Registration is $55 and benefits three local nonprofits focusing on youth literacy, health and wellness: Training Ground, Ramsey’s Reach Foundation, and Transformation Life Center — Brown Boys Read.
Community Day Juneteenth Celebration at NMAAM — 10 a.m.
The National Museum of African American Music is allowing guests free admission to the downtown Nashville facility on Juneteenth. Throughout the day, there will be related workshops, like “Freedom through Innovation” (Making Diddley Bows), “Kenya Rayme’s Freedom through Spiritual Healing Class” (Mediation and yoga practices) and more.
A Celebration of Freedom — 4 p.m.
The Nashville African American Wind Symphony’s annual Juneteenth performance will be held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville. Tickets start at $34.
JUNETEENTH615 Freedom Fireworks — 5 p.m.
Nashville‘s official Juneteenth event is being held once again at Fort Negley Park. The family-friendly celebration is open to the public and will include live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, an official proclamation ceremony, and a fireworks display to close the night. Entry is free.
We Stand, We Love, We Play, We Dance: Solo Art Exhibit & Concert — 5:30 p.m.
Sound and visual artist Rod McGaha is presenting a Juneteenth music and art exhibit at Acme Feed & Seed in downtown Nashville. The exhibit, titled “We Stand, We Love, We Play, We Dance,” will feature “original images and music inspired by great Black musicians, artists, dancers, thinkers and activists.” The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Juneteenth Soul Celebration — 6 p.m.
Solberg Studios “Negro Extravaganza” in North Nashville is “unapologetically Black.” There will be barbecuing, “liftin every voice and sangin and talkin loud (and) playing spades.” Entry is free for people of color. Everyone else is $10.
Juneteenth Celebration with Live Laugh Love Everyday Co — 6 p.m.
Live Laugh Love Everyday Co’s intimate neighborhood celebration at 403 Events in East Nashville promises “an upscale evening” celebrating freedom with light bites, drinks, music, dance and fun. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door.
Juneteenth Skate Party — 7 p.m.
This 25+ event at Rivergate Skate Center in Goodlettsville features music, skating, vendors, and games with food available for purchase. Organizers request attendees wear all black. Tickets are $15 and include skate rental. Organizers say a significant portion of the proceeds will go toward supporting the TSU Men’s Initiative, which supports second-year Black male students, and Legacy615, which is dedicated to educating and empowering adolescent girls and women in primary and secondary education.
Make Them Hear You: A Spiritual Journey — 8 p.m.
Tenor Limmie Pulliam and pianist Mark Markham will bring an evening of spirituals on Juneteenth at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville. Tickets start at $25.
Thursday, June 22
Frist After Five — 6:30 p.m.
The Frist’s live music series, Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art, celebrates Juneteenth and African-American Music Appreciation Month in June. Next in the lineup is Gabe Barker, a multi-talented R&B-soul/folk singer-songwriter, cellist, and guitarist based in Nashville.
Saturday, June 24
The Spirit of Juneteenth Nearest Distillery Tour — 11 a.m.
This tour of the Nearest Green Distillery, named for the first African American master distiller, takes place the weekend after the Juneteenth holiday at the Shelbyville facility. The distillery says attendees will learn about the history of whiskey-making and the contributions of African Americans to the industry. Tickets are $90.
The Fisk Food & Jazz Music Festival — 3 p.m.
This “bring your lawn chair affair” at Fisk University in North Nashville is presented by jazz station WFSK, featuring music, arts and crafts, a kid zone, community resources, food trucks and vendors. Entry is free.
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