Juneteenth is America’s “second Independence Day” and has been a national holiday since 2021. Although the history of Juneteenth dates back much farther, since its official declaration, opportunities to observe Juneteenth have grown and spread throughout the city. Today, the month of June is full of events around Indy promoting Black art, culture, cuisine, businesses, and more. Read on to find out where your family can gather with others to celebrate freedom for all.
History of Juneteenth
For many, the 4th of July has always been synonymous with celebrating freedom in the United States. But while the fireworks, cookouts, and parades honoring America’s birthday as a nation are always a highlight of summer, the holiday misses the mark on one point: Independence Day 1776 did not signal freedom for everyone in our nation.
True freedom came to the United States nearly a century later in 1865, following the end of the Civil War. On June 19, the Emancipation Proclamation was finally enforced in Texas, and virtually all enslaved people in our nation were freed.
The first Juneteenth or “Jubilee Day” celebrations date back to 1866, when newly freed African Americans and their descendants began to commemorate the official abolition of slavery in America.
Indianapolis Juneteenth Events
Today’s Juneteenth events include festivals, opportunities to learn about and engage with Black culture and history, and chances to support Black-owned businesses around the city. Many local museums also offer free and discounted admission in honor of Juneteenth!
Indy Juneteenth College and Career Conference
Central Library, 40 E St Clair Street, Indianapolis
June 12, 11 am-4:30 pm
Attendees can meet with representatives from a variety of businesses and universities, as well as local entrepreneurs, investors, and more at this event at Indy’s Central Library. The day kicks off with a guest speaker at 11 am before students have the opportunity to join workshops covering financial literacy, investing, college life, real estate careers, and consulting, among others. Lunch will be provided. Tickets are $20 and should be purchased in advance.
Juneteenth Foodways Festival
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis
June 13, 4:30-8 pm
The Juneteenth Foodways Festival is a celebration of Black cuisine and the contributions of these foods and flavors to America’s overall culture. Learn about Dolly Johnson, the Black caterer and chef hired by President Benjamin Harrison to replace a French chef in the White House. You can also support Black-owned businesses in the Indy community by purchasing delicious food from the food trucks, catering companies, and restaurants represented on site.
CBLC Annual Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration
Central Library, 40 E Saint Clair Street, Indianapolis
June 14, 10 am-4 pm
The Center for Black Literature & Culture invites guests to the Indianapolis Central Library to learn more about “the African American experience through art, literature, and storytelling.” Be sure to come for the author fair from 10 am-1:30 pm. Guests can also enjoy drop-in kids activities, hear music by Nu Destiny Christian Church Choir, and at 2 pm, hear from featured speaker Mychal Threets.
An Afternoon with Madame C.J. Walker and Ida B. Wells
Carmel Clay Public Library Main Branch, 425 E Main St, Carmel
June 14, 1-2 pm
The Carmel Library plans to mark the Juneteenth holiday with an artistic performance showcasing the lives of Madame C.J. Walker and Ida B. Wells, presented by Soulful Journeys of Women. This event is for guests of all ages, but registration is required.
Juneteenth – Rhythm & Poetry
MXP Shop, 7826 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis
June 15, 1-6 pm
Drop by for an hour or spend the whole afternoon at MXP Shop’s Juneteenth festival! Rhythm and Poetry is an open mic event, but even if you don’t plan to take the stage, you can listen in, shop the vendor market, and enjoy live music. Don’t forget to stop in the shop itself to browse candles and gift items!
Indy Juneteenth Night with the Indiana Fever
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis
June 17, 3:30 pm
The Indiana Fever unite with Indy Juneteenth to celebrate freedom and culture on this special evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The pre-game fun in Bicentennial Plaza starts early at 3:30 with live music, food trucks, vendors, family activities, and cultural and educational experiences. Don’t forget to snag your discounted tickets to the game against the Connecticut Sun at 7 pm by May 17!
Juneteenth Celebration
Ujamaa Community Bookstore, 2424 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Street, Indianapolis
June 19, 11 am-3 pm
Ujamaa Community Bookstore promotes hope and solidarity, highlighting resources by Black authors and artists and materials that cover important activists. The bookstore’s Juneteenth Celebration is set for June 19 and includes vendors, music, games, activities, and more. The event will be held outdoors, so plan accordingly!
Indy Juneteenth Fireworks Show
Sarkine Park, 6575 E County Rd 200 N, Avon
June 19, 6-10 pm
This fireworks show and festival are all about fun, joy, and community spirit! Everyone is invited for games and rides, food and drink vendors, live performances, an adults-only cigar lounge, and of course, a massive fireworks show to wrap up the evening. RSVPs are appreciated.
Carmel Juneteenth
Carter Green, 10 Center Green, Carmel
June 19, 1-8 pm
Carmel’s inaugural Juneteenth event promises a celebration of Black Excellence and history with plenty of performances, food, drinks, vendors, and more. Come out to Carter Green from 1-8 pm to join the party!
Indy Juneteenth Festival
Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E 38th Street, Indianapolis
June 21, 12 pm
This huge event at the State Fairgrounds promises to draw a crowd. Shop vendors, grab food at the food trucks, catch live music, and register for the Sip & Paint event. There’s even a Kids Zone for the little ones!
Emancipated: A Juneteenth Celebration
Mt. Carmel Church, 9610 E 42nd Street, Indianapolis
June 21, 12-6 pm & June 22 (Time TBA)
Mt. Carmel Church invites you to their free, family event that promises carnival games, food trucks, vendors, entertainment, and more. Come back on June 22 for an outdoor worship experience with the congregation.
Museums with Free Admission for Juneteenth
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis
June 7
Enjoy free admission to the Children’s Museum’s Juneteenth Jamboree on June 7. This annual event celebrates family and freedom and includes demonstrations from local artists, performances, and information from community organizations. Note that special activities wrap up at 3 pm. Tickets are required and are available beginning May 28.
The Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis
June 21
Entry and parking at the Indiana State Museum are free on June 21 in honor of Juneteenth. The museum also has plenty of activities in store for families, including opportunities to engage with local artists and musicians, catch performances, and learn fascinating stories about Indiana history (including cyclist, Major Taylor) from museum curators.
The Eiteljorg
500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis
June 21
The Eiteljorg’s annual Juneteenth and Jazz Community Celebration returns for another year. Free admission and live jazz outside under The Sails make this the place to be on Saturday, June 21. Explore the museum’s permanent exhibits highlighting Native American history and art, then step outside to join the fun.
Conner Prairie
13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers
June 19
Conner Prairie offers free admission for Juneteenth each year. Experience all that this nationally recognized living history museum has to offer, including Promised Land as Proving Ground, a permanent exhibit exploring hundreds of years of Black history in America. You can also visit 1836 Prairietown, 1816 Lenape Indian Camp, the Treetop Outpost, and (perfect for a hot June day) the River Crossing splash pad.
The Indianapolis Zoo
1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis
June 19
While not free, the Indianapolis Zoo is celebrating Juneteenth with 50% off admission for everyone on June 19. The Zoo will be open from 9 am until 8:30 pm. Come at 5:30 to enjoy the first of the summer’s Animals and All That Jazz concert series, which is included with admission.
Find more ways to save money on museum visits.
Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. any day of the year with a visit to this park.
