Celebrate Juneteenth With Events Throughout The Community

a photo of a woman holding a gourd instrument with a variety of instruments and other items behind her — A celebration hosted by the Bush Library at Texas A&M will feature stories and songs from award-winning storyteller Toni Simmons.
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum

Juneteenth may be the newest federal holiday in the U.S., but for Texans, this celebration of freedom is a long-standing tradition.

The communities of Bryan and College Station host a variety of Juneteenth celebrations each year, honoring the occasion with parades, music, storytelling and more. Here are a few of the events taking place this week and beyond:

Juneteenth Celebration at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum

Friday, June 16, 9-11:30 a.m.

The Bush Library on the campus of Texas A&M University will kick off the festivities with its annual Freedom Walk, a 2.2 mile stroll from College Station’s Lincoln Recreation Center to the library grounds from 9 to 10 a.m. Then, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., guests are invited to visit the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center for a special presentation of stories, songs and dances led by author and storyteller Toni Simmons.

Free admission at the Brazos Valley African American Museum

In honor of Juneteenth, the Brazos Valley African American Museum in Bryan is offering free admission for all visitors throughout the month of June. Visit the museum at 500 East Pruitt St. to explore the stories of African Americans in the Brazos Valley through artifacts, documents and oral history.

Bryan Juneteenth Parade and Celebrations

Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

The Brazos Valley African American Heritage and Cultural Society is hosting an all-day series of Juneteenth events in Bryan on Saturday, June 17.

The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with the annual Juneteenth Parade, starting at Kemp-Carver Elementary School and ending at Sadie Thomas Memorial Park.

After the parade, guests are invited to remain at the park for an afternoon of family-friendly fun and activities from noon to 3 p.m.

In the evening, the festivities will move to 500 North Main St. in Historic Downtown Bryan for the Juneteenth Blues Fest from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring performances from Eugene Eugene and Hard 2 Fine. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.