A list of ways to celebrate in the Louisville area

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The United States will soon celebrate Juneteenth, which recognizes when the last enslaved people here learned they were free. It is recognized on June 19 and just became a federal holiday in 2021.This year, there are many activities around Louisville and surrounding areas in recognition. Here is a list of events this year by location and date: Louisville Arts Camp at the WaterfrontWhen: June 12-16, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Where: Waterfront Development Corp.Louisville Visual Art and Waterfront Park are hosting a day camp for youth ages 7-12. Campers will be introduced to the works and history of Ed Hamilton, Muhammad Ali, the Underground Railroad and more, then create their own artworks to express themselves and their newfound knowledge; in the afternoons, campers will explore Waterfront Park for fun camp activities. This scholarship-based, cost-free camp is available to children from the Zones of Hope. For more information, visit this website. New Directions Juneteenth block partyWhen: June 16, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Where: 516 S 17th Street – the front lawn of the Russell Apartments BuildingCelebrating Juneteenth with a safe and fun family event, the Juneteenth Block Party features food trucks with offerings ranging from BBQ and soul food to sweets and snacks. Retail vendors will showcase jewelry, fashion accessories, beauty products and more. Entertainment includes a DJ, talent showcase, Louisville black history trivia contest, and a performance from Faith Works Studio. For the children, a special “Kids Zone” will feature a bouncy house, games and activities. Juneteenth Gala at the Ali CenterWhen: June 16, 6 p.m.Where: Muhammad Ali CenterThe Juneteenth Gala will recognize and award historians and future and present leaders for the tremendous work they have done to improve racial equity within the community. The gala will also focus on Juneteenth culinary dishes and its history. Musical entertainment will be provided by Jerry Tolson Orchestra and Frankie Raymore and the Groovemasterz. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.Juneteenth on the RiverWhen: June 16, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.Where: Belle of Louisville/Mary M. Miller riverboatsCome aboard and explore the Belle in an impactful way this Juneteenth. While onboard, guests are invited to listen to music and watch a theatre performance sharing the story of Lucie and Thornton Blackburn, a couple that found freedom via the Ohio River. Guided tours of the historic steamboat’s boiler and engine rooms will also be available, where guests can learn about the vintage and modern technology that power the historic vessel.Two ticket types are available. Eat and Drink Tickets include appetizer stations and 1 drink ticket for $64.99 for adults (ages 15-64), $62.99 for seniors (ages 65+), $38.99 for children (ages 5-14) and a free ticket for children 4 & under. Drink Tickets include 1 drink ticket for $39.99 for adults (ages 15-64) and seniors (ages 65+), $18.99 for children (ages 5-14) and a free ticket for children 4 & under.For more information and to buy tickets, visit this websiteYouth Sports Jamboree at Newburg ParkWhen: June 17, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.Where: Petersburg Park Reviving Urban Neighborhoods (R.U.N.), Inc. will host a fun-filled family event where youth can win prizes by demonstrating their knowledge of Juneteenth facts.Park DuValle Community Health Center Community block partyWhen: June 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: 3015 Wilson Ave The block party will spotlight PDCHC community partners and area vendors, including minority-owned businesses in west Louisville. Guests can enjoy an day full of celebration featuring local food trucks, live entertainment, wellness activations, COVID education, barbers, a vendor fair, programming and more. This year’s theme will be Juneteenth and Father’s Day, with several community members and groups continuing to play a role.Admission to Block Party is free. Parking will also be free, but the main sites parking lot will be off limits for vendors and entertainment.MELANnaire Marketplace Juneteenth Celebration When: June 17 and 18, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.Where: Fourth Street Live!The MELANnaire Marketplace Juneteenth Celebration is a remembrance of heritage. Enjoy two days filled with live entertainment, curated experiences, shopping with over 75 Black owned businesses, food vendors, guest speakers, kid zones, and so much more! “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story” at KCAAHWhen: June 17, 7 p.m.Where: Kentucky Center for African American Heritage “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story” is a one-woman play about voting rights portraying activist Fannie Lou Hamer through song and storytelling.Tickets are $25 (VIP tickets are $30) and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.Louisville’s Juneteenth FestivalWhen: June 18, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.Where: The BelvedereLouisville’s 4th annual Juneteenth Festival is free, no ticket needed. Just a big party on the Belvedere by the Ohio River. There will be live music all day, tons of acts and vendors.Read more about the celebration here.Father’s Day & Juneteenth Jazz BrunchWhen: June 18, 2 p.m.Where: Kentucky Center for African American HeritageThe Kentucky Center for African American Heritage will host Ansyn Banks Legacy Quintet with guest vocalist Karen Chavis and host Marjorie Marshall. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com or kcaah.org. Limited VIP seating is $45.Load in Nine Times: United States Colored Troops With Frank X Walker When: June 19, 6 p.m.Where: Frazier History MuseumDanville native and poet Frank X Walker will debut a collection of poems centered on African Americans in Kentucky during the Civil War. Eighteen of those works will be unveiled as part of the museum’s Commonwealth exhibition. The event is free, but registration is required.Southern IndianaJammin in Jeff Juneteenth When: June 18, 6 p.m. Where: 101 West Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, IndianaFree concerts this summer at the Jeffersonville Riverstage! Juneteenth will include performances from Lil Jon, B Simm, DJ Slikk, and Bella Rae. The Lawn will open at 6 p.m., will have its opening performers at 7 p.m., then the headliner will begin his performance at 8:30 p.m.Click here for more information.Juneteenth Celebration WeekendWhen: June 16 and 17, 10 a.m. Where: 628 Michigan Avenue, Jeffersonville, Indiana The Juneteenth Celebration will promote the Black/African American history of Jeffersonville, and educate the public about the importance of Juneteenth and the positive impact of the local African American culture. It will also give people the opportunity to learn, celebrate history, and engage in commerce with local business and vendors while showcasing the local entrepreneurs of Jeffersonville. The celebration invites other communities and tourists to participate in the city’s historical pride and support the many businesses in the downtown area. Food vendors and craft vendors will be available both days. More information here.Oldham CountyJuneteenth Celebration at the History CenterWhen: June 17, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Oldham County History CenterThe Juneteenth Committee of the Oldham County History Center presents an annual Elijah Marrs Award that recognizes an outstanding member of the Black community who is a mentor and has made significant positive contributions. This year, the celebration will include a chance for Black food vendors, artists, craftsman, authors, and performers to sell their products or demonstrate their talents on the Oldham County History Center campus during the Juneteenth Event.Learn more about the event here.