Detroit Juneteenth Celebrations in 2023
Jake Newby
| 2 min read
The year 2024 marks the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth, a holiday that honors the end of slavery in the United States.
On June 19, 1865, Union troops marched into Galveston, Texas and took control of the state to free all who were enslaved. Juneteenth is the longest-running Black/African American holiday, and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate it in Detroit in 2024.
6th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit (JJD) Freedom Weekend
Join Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit for an impactful weekend dedicated to educating, celebrating, and activating the city of Detroit as they commemorate Juneteenth Freedom Day. All events happen between Friday, June 15 and Sunday, June 6 this year. This agenda details each event by the day. Visit juneteenthjubileedet.com for more.
Saturday, June 19: Juneteenth Festival and 5K Walk/Run in Highland Park
Registration is $40 until May 31, learn more and register on the 5K website here. This year marks the14th annual festival and 9th annual parade. Highland Park holds the longest running grassroots Juneteenth celebration in Metro Detroit.
Time: 8 a.m.
Address: Glory Super Market,14100 Woodward, Highland Park, MI US 48203
Sunday, June 18: Freedom Fest
Time: Noon until 6 p.m.
Address: Eastern Market (2934 Russell Street in Detroit) sheds 5 and 6.
Details: Juneteenth Freedom Weekend culminates with Freedom Fest, where a kid’s zone, a grown zone, food trucks, Black business vendors and live performances will all be featured. Click here to register for this free event.
2024 Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration
Date and time: Saturday, June 15, from 12 noon until 6 p.m.
Address: Civic Center Park at 360 W. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights.
Details: There will live music, food trucks, vendors, educational exhibits, a 25-ft. climbing tower (courtesy of Oakland County Parks), a petting zoo, pony rides, children's activities, crafts and more, according to the event’s official website. All are welcome. Free admission. Free parking.
Detroit Black-owned businesses, restaurants to support
There are hundreds of Black-owned businesses that Michigan residents and those near Metro Detroit can support all year-round. Visit Detroit compiled a list of more than 75 Black-owned restaurants, retail stores, museums, fitness centers, spas and other businesses Detroiters should consider visiting soon.
Click here to view Visit Detroit’s complete list.
