10 ways to celebrate Juneteenth around Kansas City: Festivals, workouts, music & more
Juneteenth celebrations are underway in Kansas City. The national holiday commemorating the end of slavery is celebrated June 19, and across the metro, the festivals have expanded to include a month of events that celebrate Black culture.
Kansas City’s annual Juneteenth parade took place June 1, with music blaring on the route that weaved and stretched from Benton Boulevard, along 18th Street, and into the historic Jazz District at The Paseo.
This year, the 13th annual JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival will be Saturday, June 15. There will be local and national musical acts, 75 Black-owned vendors and several food trucks. Kelly Price, a nine-time Grammy Award-nominated R&B and gospel singer, is scheduled to perform.
Here’s where else you can celebrate Juneteenth in Kansas City this year.
Juneteenth commemoration in JoCo
- When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday, June 8
- Where: Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center; 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park
You can learn about the history, enjoy some fun performances and learn a dance routine at this free event.
.Juneteenth Jazz and Blues Festival
- When: 3-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 8
- Where: English Landing Park; 8701 McAfee St., Parkville
The inaugural concert will raise money for Banneker School, a historic Black schoolhouse that’s being converted into a museum. The event is free, but donations and purchases of refreshments benefit the local effort.
Rise and Shine Workout
- When: 9 to 11 a.m.; Saturday, June 15
- Where: Negro League Baseball Museum, 1616 E. 18th St.
Wake up early for a two-hour workout session at the Negro League Baseball Museum.
Downtown Overland Park Juneteenth Celebration
- When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, June 15
- Where: Thompson Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive
The theme for the celebration in Overland Park is “What we do today will impact our tomorrow.” The event kicks off with a community from Overland Park City Hall to Thompson Park, and will feature a DJ, live entertainment and vendors.
Juneteenth Celebration
- When: 4 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 15
- Where: Harmon Park, West 77th Place and Delmar Street, Prairie Village
The event in Harmon Park celebrates Juneteenth with games, food and family fun. Vendors from Black-owned businesses will also have items for sale. A concert from local performers will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Juneteenth Summer Celebration and Street Fair
- When: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, June 15
- Where: 5661 W. 135th St. Overland Park
The KC Wolf is scheduled to appear at Prairiefire’s Juneteenth celebration, as a parade, DJ, live music, carnival games and interactive learning sessions take place. One lucky pair will be named Miss and Mr. Juneteenth OP.
Johnson County Government Juneteenth Ceremony
- When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, June 19
Where: Lenexa Civic Campus Commons, 17101 W. 87th St.
The event hosted by the Johnson County Government will feature keynote speakers, live music, a roller skating dance performance and food from the Lenexa Public Market. This year’s event will also honor the memory of past emcee, Nathan Louis Jackson.
Brothers Liberating Our Community Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
- When: 7 to 9 p.m.; Wednesday, June 19
- Where: Corrigan Station, 1828 Walnut St.
Light bites, refreshing beverages, live music, and scenic views are included at the BLOC’s Juneteenth celebration at Corrigan Station’s rooftop. Entry costs $30, and proceeds go toward the educational nonprofit.
Juneteenth in Independence
- When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, June 19
- Where: Independence Uptown Market, 211 W. Truman Road
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II will speak at 11 a.m., and live music and food from locals will line the Independence Uptown Market all day.
Nelson-Atkins Juneteenth Celebration
- When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, June 20
- Where: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St.
The museum’s eighth annual Juneteenth celebration brings a full day of festivities, with live music and dancing, storytelling performances, film screenings and educational exhibits inside the museum’s galleries. It’s free to attend, but guests need to RSVP online or in person unless they are a museum member.
This story was originally published June 7, 2024 at 6:30 AM.
