Celebrate Juneteenth at these Las Vegas Valley events

The Las Vegas Valley is gearing up for a weekend of Juneteenth commemorations and celebrations.

Juneteenth, an annual holiday on June 19, celebrates the freedom of enslaved people following the Civil War. Although the Emancipation Proclamation ordering all enslaved people to be freed was signed on Jan. 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln, it took until June 19, 1865, for the news to make it to Texas, the westernmost Confederate state.

The date became a day to celebrate freedom in Black communities, and in 2021, then-President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday.

To celebrate Juneteenth, check out these free-to-attend events:

Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony

— Wednesday, 8:30-9 a.m.

— Liberty Park, 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North, North Las Vegas.

Join North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown, Congressman Steven Horsford and others for live music and dance performances, a proclamation presentation and a ceremonial Juneteenth flag raising.

AREA15 Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom

— Wednesday, 12 -7 p.m.

— 3215 S. Rancho Drive, Las Vegas.

Visit AREA15 to hear live musical performances, shop from Black-owned vendors and visit Clark County School District’s Book Bus.

Step Into Jazz: Celebrating Black History Through Music

— Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

— 7060 W. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas.

Learn about legendary jazz musician Billie Holiday and make paper crafts at Windmill Library’s Juneteenth program. This event is aimed for children in grades K-5.

Juneteenth Open Mic

— Wednesday, 7-9 p.m.

— 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas

Join local poet and artist Vogue M. Robinson for a free open mic night.

Juneteenth Pool Party Celebration

— Thursday, 1-4 p.m.

— Prentiss Walker Memorial Park & Pool, 1509 June Ave., North Las Vegas.

Beat the heat and head to the pool to celebrate Juneteenth with music and an on-site food vendor.

Juneteenth Festival

— Thursday, 6-9 p.m.

— Water Street Plaza, 240 S Water St., Henderson.

See entertainers Johnny Lee Chapman III, Street Corner Renaissance and Sydnee Winters perform at the Water Street Plaza Amphitheater and shop at the vendor market.

Juneteenth in the Present: An Art Exhibition Opening Reception

— Saturday, 4-6 p.m.

— Henderson City Hall, 240 S. Water St.

This gallery showcases local artists’ pieces relating to Juneteenth and freedom in the past and present. The exhibition is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. until July 20.

24th Annual Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival

— Saturday, 4-9 p.m.

— The Expo at World Market Center, 435 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas.

Commemorate the holiday at one of Las Vegas’ largest Juneteenth celebrations with live performances, food and activities for all ages.