Juneteenth is observed on June 19th and is known by many names, including Emancipation Day, Day of Jubilee, Liberation Day, and Freedom Day. Short for “June Nineteenth,” the holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865.

While President Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation started the nationwide abolishment of slavery, it wasn’t until two years later that Texans were informed. Juneteenth recognizes, honors, and celebrates Black Americans' long journey to freedom.

Juneteenth was declared a Texas state holiday in 1980, decades prior to it becoming a national holiday in 2021. San Antonians celebrate all over the city with a large festival, parade, and many neighborhood events.

Here are a few of the most anticipated Juneteenth events in San Antonio.

2025 Juneteenth Festival

Saturday, June 14, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Comanche Park

San Antonio’s first Juneteenth Festival was held in 1996 at the Freeman Coliseum and has been a tradition ever since. This year’s festivities will take place at Comanche Park and feature local bands, entertainers, food vendors, and more. The Juneteenth Festival is the perfect opportunity to reunite with old friends in the community or make new ones.

Juneteenth Freedom Parade

Saturday, June 14, 2025
8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Starts at Sam Houston High School, Ends at Comanche Park

Celebrate freedom on the parade route! Running for over two decades, the Juneteenth Freedom Parade is an opportunity to line the streets and come together as a community while honoring the long road to freedom.

Juneteenth Freedom & Fashion Day Party

Saturday, June 14, 2025
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Hampton Inn & Suites Riverwalk

The Juneteenth fashion show is more than a catwalk of the latest styles. It is an experience that takes you through the history of Black designers and their contribution to the fashion industry. Grab a cocktail and get ready to sip and slay your next look.

Juneteenth Celebration

Thursday, June 19, 2025
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
True Vision Church

The Juneteenth Celebration is the perfect event for the whole family. Get on your feet and prepare to dance the day away with musical acts and line dances for all skill levels — just bring the rhythm! Continue the party with a bite from tasty food vendors and end with a view of the fireworks celebration under the stars.

Black History Bus Tour

Thursday, June 19, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Carver Library

Celebrate Juneteenth with SA Black History Tours. This guided bus tour visits significant Black Heritage landmarks throughout San Antonio, including the Carver Cultural Community Center, Phyllis Wheatley High School, Ellis Alley, and the Ella Austin Orphanage. As you ride, you’ll hear stories of legacy, culture, and the resilience of the “Soul of San Antonio.”

Juneteenth Block Party

Saturday, June 21, 2025
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Crockett Park

The Juneteenth Block Party is more than a fun time. It is a fundraiser supporting scholarships and community development. Get ready for an evening filled with live music, inspiring speakers, food trucks, and opportunities to connect with the community.

Attend a Show at The Carver Community Cultural Center

Since 1929, the Black community has taken a seat at

The Carver was built in 1929 and has served as a cultural hub for San Antonio’s Black community. This spot has hosted everything from local graduations and community plays to world-class acts like Aaron Neville and Gregory Porter.

Visit the San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum

SAAACAM is San Antonio’s community-based archive of Black stories. In its La Villita Historic Arts Village archive, you will find digitized, audiovisual exhibits rich in culture, storytelling, and empowerment. This is the perfect place to dive into Black history.