17 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Cleveland

Near West Theatre Juneteenth Celebration

Guests can expect to see multiple live performances ranging from music, poetry and dancing at this outdoor event. Learn all about the origins of Juneteenth from the resource and information booths, make a fun craft to take home at the craft and activity tables and grab some food from the pop up food tent. Free, June 12, 5-10 p.m., 6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, westtheatre.org — Lydia Koszegi

Tri-C Juneteenth Celebrations

One is just not enough, so Tri-C has three events for Juneteenth. Learn about freedom, family and fatherhood in a panel discussion and combat your stress with line dancing in Downtown Cleveland. Connect with your peers through the historic day over lunch in Westlake. Sit back and tune in to an empowering presentation while munching on soul food in Highland Hills. Each event celebrates unity and culture in its own special way. Free, June 17-18, various times, various locations, tri-c.edu — Parisa Nosrati

African American Museum’s 2026 Juneteenth Celebration

Learn about the past and ignite the future at the African American Museum’s community Juneteenth celebration. Join the community, listen to two guest speakers, and enjoy some light refreshments. Free, June 17, 1 p.m., 1765 Crawford Road, Cleveland, aamcle.org — LK

Cleveland Public Library Events

Juneteenth at Garden Valley branch
The Garden Valley branch is hosting a Juneteenth celebration for children and teens. Learn about the origins of the holiday and honor the history and achievements of African American people. Free, June 17, 4-4:30 p.m., Garden Valley meeting room, 7201 Kinsman Rd #101 Cleveland, cpl.org

Juneteenth Beaded Bracelets at Mt. Pleasant branch
Join the Cleveland Public library for beaded bracelet making. Designed for children and teens, this creative workshop is a way to learn about Juneteenth while also making a bracelet that kids and teens can take home. Free, June 18, 3-4 p.m., Mt. Pleasant meeting room, 1400 Kinsman Road, Cleveland, cpl.org

Juneteenth Celebration: Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers
Join the Mt. Pleasant branch for an afternoon of culture, history and literature with the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers. All ages can hear inspiring stories from the past and present. Free, June 25, 4-5:55 p.m., Mt. Pleasant meeting room, 1400 Kinsman Road, Cleveland, cpl.org — LK

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Black Music in Cleveland

Follow the historical journey of Black musicians in Cleveland from the 1960s up until now. The event will kick off with a panel discussion featuring Robert Hubbard, Jul Big Green and LaToya Kent and then jump right into a live performance by Hubbs Groove, ending the night with high energy and good vibes. Outdoor concert free; museum admission for panel $39.50 with discounts for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County residents, June 18, 7 p.m., 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, rockhall.com — PN

Rekindle Juneteenth Exodus Brunch

Satisfy your hunger with a brunch that celebrates freedom and Black culture, hosted by Rekindle, an organization dedicated to connecting Black and Jewish American leaders. Engage in discussion, connect with others over shared values and learn more about the pursuit of justice, while enjoying a performance by Djapo Cultural Arts. $20, June 19, 10 a.m.-noon, 12383 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, rekindlefellowship.org — PN

Cleveland Museum of Natural History's Juneteenth Celebration and Drum Workshop

Feel the connection with others through the power of music at this box drum workshop with Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, where you can make your own drum and learn the basics of percussion. Dance your heart away while immersing yourself in a cultural storytelling experience. Museum admission $19, June 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org — PN

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Juneteenth Celebration

Downtown Cleveland’s Soldiers' and Sailors’ monument, which honors those who fought for the Union during the Civil War, is holding a Juneteenth celebration for all ages. Attend readings of General Order No. 3 and learn about the history of Juneteenth as well as its meaning today. Younger guests can attend story time and coloring stations. Guests can also attend tours of the monument. Free, June 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 3 Public Square, Cleveland, soldiersandsailors.com — LK

African American Cultural Garden's Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate and learn about the origins of Juneteenth at this live reenactment, showcasing the moment of freedom for the last enslaved people in Texas in 1865. The celebration also features a performance by Kevin Conwell and the Footprint Band, a student talent show, food and local vendors. This outdoor event, at the African American Cultural Garden, is a fitting way to learn about and honor Juneteenth. Free, June 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 890 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cleveland, aaacg.org — LK

Thirdspace Action Lab's Intergenerational Lunch

Filmmaker and producer Dani McClain joins ThirdSpace Action Lab’s monthly Intergenerational Lunch event, discussing artistic process with attendees. Following lunch, guests can hop on a bus ride to the Museum of Contemporary Art to view McClain’s Homing Instinct exhibition. Free, June 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 1464 E. 105th St., Cleveland, 3rdspaceactionlab.co — PN

Juneteenth at The Sixty6

Join The Sixty6 Music Lounge and Studio for a day of storytelling, history, music and culture. This family-friendly event offers quilt storytelling, an African drum circle and line dancing led by Line Dance is my Therapy. Free, June 19, 1-10 p.m., 1966 E. 66th St., Cleveland, sixty6-tickets.com — LK

Runteenth

Get your heart pumping with this fun run or walk, and a dance party with a live DJ. Make sure to tune in for the raffles and giveaways, because you might end up a lucky winner. Free, June 19, 6 p.m., 2075 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 3rdspaceactionlab.co — PN

Food For Your Soul: A Juneteenth Celebration

Chef Craig Howard will cook a dinner of baked chicken or salmon, accompanied by macaroni and cheese, green beans and potato salad at this gathering, which radio personality Delvis Valentine will host. Expect a musical performance by Tony Terry and Kim Waters. $65.87, June 19, 6:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m., 27221 Chardon Road, Richmond Heights, eventbrite.com — PN

Acute Inflections

Get ready for a jazzy experience at this event, with a live performance from Acute Inflections, an R&B duo based in New York City. The performance will pay homage to the Harlem Renaissance, blending the era with modern soul music. Attendees can also enjoy refreshments throughout the evening. $40-$90, June 19, 7 p.m., 2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, acuteinflections.com — PN

Mx. Juneteenth

In its sixth year, Mx. Juneteenth will take over North Coast Yard for the first time, celebrating Cleveland's Black queer community with a free festival of live music, drag performances, poetry, skating and more on June 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. But the party doesn’t stop there; a free pre-party takes over Cocktails at 9 p.m. on June 19, while a post-party ($20) takes over Crobar at 9 p.m. on June 20. North Coast Yard: 515 Erieside Ave., Cleveland; Cocktails: 9208 Detroit Ave., Cleveland; Crobar: 3244 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, mxjuneteenth.com — Annie Nickoloff

Steeped in Adun: A Juneteenth Blending Workshop

Join the co-owner and founder of Steeped Pearl Tea Co. Kashala Smith for a workshop all about tea, community and culture. Guests will learn all about custom tea curation and flavor pairing in order to craft their own signature 6 oz blend that they can then take home. The workshop also includes hands-on tea blending and two complimentary cups of tea. $33.85, June 20, 2-4 p.m., 12721 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, eventbrite.com — LK

Nat King Cole Tribute Concert Juneteenth Celebration

Enjoy a touching tribute to legendary singer Nat King Cole at Karamu House, featuring the talented Jacob B. Johnson Quintet. Listen to 18 of Nat King Cole’s top hits, recreated by a group of energetic performers and musicians. Learn about the musician’s fascinating life and career in this tribute perfect for the whole family. Sold out, June 20, 6 p.m., Cleveland Foundation Jelliffe Theatre, Cleveland karamuhouse.org — LK

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