City of Austin Celebrates Juneteenth 2026

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME), a department of the City of Austin, invites Austinites and visitors to celebrate Juneteenth, Thursday, June 18th through Saturday, June 20th.

This multi-day event series promises an unforgettable expression of culture through community activities, live entertainment, cultural programming, local vendors, family-friendly experiences and festival activations, all free of charge, across Austin’s African American Cultural Heritage District and surrounding areas.

“Juneteenth stands as one of the clearest reminders in our nation's history that freedom is not a privilege, it is a birthright,” said City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, who represents District 1, where the annual celebrations and parade occur. “These celebrations honor the liberation of Black Americans while affirming a truth that transcends race, generation and circumstance: None of us are fully free until freedom belongs to all of us. That is the spirit of Juneteenth, and that is why its story continues to matter.”

Through partnerships with local organizations, community leaders, artists and stakeholders, ACME aims to enhance event logistics, increase accessibility and support meaningful experiences that honor the legacy of Juneteenth.

This year marks the inaugural partnership between ACME and Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA). GEAYA is the longtime producer of Austin's historic Juneteenth Parade and Festival, preserving one of the city's most cherished cultural traditions and bringing thousands of residents together each year to honor freedom, history and Black excellence.

“We are proud to support community-driven traditions that bring people together while recognizing the deep cultural and historical importance of this holiday in Austin and across the nation,” said Angela Means, Director of ACME. “Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reflection of the ongoing journey toward freedom, equity and opportunity.”

Community members are encouraged to participate in parade activities, volunteer opportunities, festival programming and cultural activations throughout the week. Opportunities include assisting with float decorations, supporting hydration stations for the fun run, walking in the parade and visiting informational and community resource booths during the festival.

Additional event details, performance schedules, volunteer opportunities, participation and logistics information can be found by visiting Juneteenth Austin 2026 and following ACME on Facebook and Instagram.


About Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment
Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive creative ecosystem that celebrates and supports Austin's artists, musicians, entertainment venues and cultural institutions. ACME is a centralized hub offering resources, funding opportunities and strategic programs that promote local talent and drive economic growth. 

About Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA)
The Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA) is a volunteer organization established in 1975 to provide organized and structured sports activities for the economically disadvantaged youth of East Austin.

About Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, Juneteenth serves as a national celebration of African American history, heritage, achievement and liberation.  The City of Austin’s Juneteenth Resolution No. 20240814-015 was signed and adopted on August 14, 2024.