Posted by: Festive Juneteenth events in Broward include entertainment, speakers and fun for kids. Plenty offer free entry. Juneteenth is a federal holiday representing the freedom from slavery in the United States.
As per the Smithsonian: On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free.
But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.
Photo by Oladimeji Odunsion on Unsplash
In 2023, Juneteenth events include:
Miramar
Juneteenth Family Day is 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. June 19 in Miramar. The Juneteenth event includes entertainment, food vendors, activities for kids, art projects, scavenger hunt, African Art exhibit and a step show. It's at City Hall Plaza, 2300 Civic Center Place. Parking is free.
Pompano Beach
Juneteenth event with Sweet Potato Pie Festival 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. June 17 at Apollo Park, 1580 NW Third Avenue, Pompano Beach 33060, entry is free. Event includes family fun, performances, historical re-enactment, activities, pie tasting, hula hoop event, and food vendors. Entertainment includes
- Gary Palmer Band
- Gospel performers
- Delt the DJ
- storyteller Beverly Jones
- Ashanti Cultural Arts
The event is presented by Friends of Northwest Branch Library with sponsorship from Pompano Beach.
For vendors interested in participating, 954-357-6601 or kwilliam@Broward.org.
Dania Beach
Juneteenth event at C.W. Thomas Park in Dania is 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 17. The park is at 100 NW Eighth Avenue, Dania Beach. The event includes free food, food trucks, entertainment, bounce houses, and live entertainment.
Hollywood
Juneteenth event is 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. June 16 with lots of entertainment, including South Broward High School Band, Sunshine Junkanoo Band, Stilts and Drummers, Ike and Val and family yoga. Entry is free for the event, which is at ArtsPark on Hollywood Boulevard and Federal Highway, Hollywood 33020. If you want to hang out, 8 p.m. is a free family movie. Free outdoor movies in Hollywood.
Street parking is $1.50 per hour. Garage Parking is $1 per hour.
Garage locations are:
251 S. 20th Ave., between Harrison and Van Buren streets
251 N. 19th Ave., between Tyler and Polk streets
Parking information is online.
Fort Lauderdale
Juneteenth event 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 17 at Broward Library includes live performances and music. Broward Main Library is at 100 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderale. Parking in downtown Fort Lauderdale usually requires payment.
Free events include
- 11 a.m. interactive program for youngsters featuring African drumming and dance, a Juneteenth story and a handicraft project, register
- free photo op for family and friends, with print out while supplies last
- 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. performances are featured register online
Deerfield Beach
The African American Heritage Board and the City of Deerfield Beach will host the Juneteenth Celebration Freedom Fest on Saturday, June 17, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex, 445 SW 2nd Street, Deerfield Beach 33441. Entry is free. Parking is free. Free food offered while supplies last. Event includes live entertainment, rides and family activities. Food vendors are on site.
Tamarac
Juneteenth event is 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. June 16 with entertainment, inflatables for youngsters, and food trucks. Entertainment includes Motown Magic. A dance performance features Ashanti cultural Arts. The event is at Tamarac Sports complex, 9901 NW 77th Street.
Coral Springs
Juneteenth fun and entertainment is 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. June 17 on the lawn outside Coral Springs City Hall.
The venue is 9500 W. Sample Road 33065. Entertainment includes 6:45 p.m. Step and Dance Performances and 7 p.m. FM Band Miami. Other features include hair demonstration at 7:15 p.m., vendors, food trucks, photo ops, games, and a balloon twister.
Other Juneteenth Events
Juneteenth events in Palm Beach
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