7 Events to Celebrate Juneteenth in Metro Detroit

Each year, United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 21-Day Equity Challenge closes on Juneteenth weekend, emphasizing the importance of the Juneteenth holiday and encouraging community members to take what they have learned and continue their equity journey.

Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” earned its status as a Federal Holiday in 2021 so that all Americans can come together and celebrate the emancipation of Black Americans and together eradicate systemic racism and inequities. Juneteenth is also considered the longest running holiday for the Black Community.

Events will be held across Michigan to commemorate Juneteenth and will include live entertainment, food trucks, local Black businesses, and the opportunity to dwell in Black spaces.

Here are 7 events you can attend to celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth Freedom Fest presented by the Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance at Eastern Market – June 18

United Way for Southeastern Michigan is proud to be a sponsor of the Juneteenth Freedom Fest that returns to Eastern Market Shed 5 on Sunday, June 18.

The event will feature live entertainment, activities for kids, Black Bottom Row and more!

The Freedom Fest is organized by the Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance in partnership with the City of Detroit, Detroit Branch NAACP, Juneteenth Jubilee, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Means Business, and the Eastern Market Development Corporation.

Juneteenth Block Party presented by Strategic Community Partners – June 17

Join Strategic Community Partners, the City of Detroit and Detroit City Lions Youth Club as we commemorate Juneteenth with a free of charge, family-friendly Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 17.

Participate in a day full of festivities such as live entertainment, fun activities for children of all ages, raffles and more!

Come out and celebrate Black Excellence and Freedom!

Juneteenth: Family Freedom Day Festival presented by the Detroit Public Library (Lincoln Branch) – June 16

Come out to the Detroit Public Library on Friday, June 16, for a fun, family, Freedom Day festival!

Witness Mildred Matlock, member of the Detroit Association of Black Storytellers (D.A.B.S.), share unique stories and listen to the vast array of singing, drumming, storytelling, history, slave testimonials, spoken word.

Enjoy traditional Juneteenth foods and of course the Juneteenth parade!

Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration 2023 presented by the Madison Heights Citizens United – June 17

The Madison Heights Citizens United (a 501(c)(3) non-profit) has organized the third annual Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17.

This free popular event attracts visitors from across the Metro Detroit area and features free concerts, food trucks, vendors, educational exhibits, children’s activities and more!

This year’s concert is headlined by the Smoke Jones Detroit Band.

Juneteenth Community Pancake Breakfast 2023 presented by the Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church – June 17

Join the Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church on Saturday, June 17, for a terrific pancake breakfast to kick off their Juneteenth celebration.

For a small donation you can enjoy live performances, art, fun children’s activities, vendors, health screenings and more!

Bring your families and celebrate Juneteenth 2023!

Freedom Day 5K for Health, Wealth and Literacy presented by the Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit – June 17

The Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit commemorates Juneteenth on Saturday, June 17, with a Freedom Day 5K for Health Wealth and Literacy.

Adults 18 and up must pay $20, and children under 18 are free. All proceeds will be gifted to nonprofit or charitable organizations that support health, wealth, or literacy.

Join us as we educate and celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day in Detroit!

Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration Weekend 2023 – June 16-18

You are invited to the free and fun Annual Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration Weekend, Friday, June 16, through Sunday, June 18.

The event kicks off on Friday, June 16, with a College Night which will feature the Divine: Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Iota Phi Theta.

There will be a festival held on Saturday, June 17, in the parking lot behind Puffer Reds which will include vendors, music, a youth corner, grant opportunities and more!

The weekend will close out on Sunday, June 18, with a comedy special followed by a Gospel concert.

Come out and be educated and connect with community members as we celebrate Black Power!