Celebrate Juneteenth in Huntsville

On Monday June 19, 2023 a lot of folks will be off from work for the Juneteenth Federal holiday, but some don't know about the holiday itself and where they can celebrate in Huntsville, so here you go!

Per the picture below, Juneteenth is the celebration of the delayed notification that enslaved people in Texas had been emancipated by law, two years earlier.

Did you know that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated member Opal Lee is known as the grandmother of Juneteenth because she taught so many about the tradition, and helped it get recognized as a national holiday? If not, now you do!

There are so many fun and free or low-cost events in Huntsville, celebrating the holiday, I'm just going to highlight a few here below!

First, tonight R&B Vibes Live is hosting its Juneteenth celebration at the Camp at Mid-City 5909 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805 The roster is stacked with some of the finest talent in the HSV, you should come out for this!

If eating is your preferred way to celebrate, you might enjoy the Black Excellence Brunch at the new SZND Kitchen and Cocktails, Saturday June 17th from 12pm-4pm 7193 Hwy 72 W Unit D, Madison, AL 35758.

Back at the Camp, on Saturday June 17th from 12pm to 11pm, the celebration continues and it's free family and pet-friendly.

Also Saturday, Lakeside United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Greater Huntsville Juneteenth Freedom Festival, located at 3738 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35811, the celebration will feature:

- Live entertainment

- Food and merchandise vendors

- Student poster and essay content

- Voter registration

- Health fair

- College representatives

- Social service agencies

- Car and motorcycle show

FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING!

For more information, please call (256)-536-9400 or (256)-390-1834 or email admin@hsvmadnaacp.com.

Another free family-friendly event is at the Orion Amphitheater on Saturday the 17th during the day.

Another evening option is the Orion's Juneteenth afterparty at one of Huntsville's newest venues, Jeff & Blues. More info can found at www.theorionhuntsville.com

Even though it's not specifically about Juneteenth, on Saturday evening you can celebrate more Black excellence at the Miss Black Rocket City pageant. Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased at the door or via Cashapp (see flyer below)

On Sunday June 18th you can celebrate Juneteenth AND Father's Day from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment located at 2211 Seminole Road in Huntsville. Tickets are $25 and raises funds for the United Entertainment Group. More information at (256) 472-4050 or https://lowemill.art/events/rocket-city-juneteenth-musicfest/

After all that eating and partying, you can get healthy with a good FREE workout at "The Blackout" in Providence on the main lawn, Monday June 18th at 9am. Wear ALL BLACK. Happy Juneteenth!