DES MOINES, Iowa — Celebrate history, culture and diversity at these central Iowa Juneteenth events.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, commemorates the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas first learned about the end of the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19, 1865, signaling the end of slavery in the United States.
It was not until 2021 that President Joe Biden signed a bill Congress passed to set aside Juneteenth, or June 19, as a federal holiday.
However, in Iowa, Juneteenth has been a day of recognition since 2002, when former Gov. Tom Vilsack signed legislation into law commemorating the day.
Read on below to find ways to commemorate Juneteenth in central Iowa.
- When: Saturday, June 15, 12-7 p.m.
- Where: Western Gateway Park (1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines)
- Price: Free
Gather with friends and meet your neighbors at this Neighbor's Day Celebration. Enjoy live music, a pop-up art exhibition featuring local creatives and children's activities with Des Moines Public Library.
Free parking is available in the Nationwide parking ramp located at 11th Street and Mulberry Street.
- When: Saturday, June 15, 12:30-5 p.m.
- Where: Band Shell Park (125 E. 5th St., Ames)
- Price: Free
Celebrate African American culture with this free festival featuring live entertainment, food vendors, crafts and more. In addition, the Ames Public Library will host a free showing of "The Lion King" in the Ames City Hall Auditorium at 7 p.m.
- When: Wednesday, June 19, 12-9 p.m.
- Where: Railroad Park
- Price: Free
The Ottumwa Juneteenth Celebration Committee is back for its annual Juneteenth event. This year's theme is "Unity in the Community." Attendees will enjoy live entertainment and learn the history of Juneteenth as a cultural celebration.
- When: Wednesday, June 19, 6-8 p.m.
- Where: The Willkie House (900 17th St., Des Moines)
- Price: Free
Join the Des Moines Black Liberation Movement for its fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration. The event will include free food, games, music and more.
- When: Saturday, June 22, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Teehee's Comedy Club (1433 Walnut St., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $25
Come to Teehee's Comedy Club for the annual Juneteenth comedy shows. The two shows will feature Black comedians from around the Midwest, headlined by comedians Lyssa Laird (7 p.m.) and Mo Alexander (9:30 p.m.) All ticket revenue will benefit Juneteenth performers and producers.
- When: Sunday, June 23, 3-9 p.m.
- Where: Bandshell at Wagner Park (410 W. 1st St., Ankeny)
- Price: Free
Join Ankeny residents at the city's fourth annual Juneteenth celebration, highlighting Black culture in Ankeny and central Iowa. The free event will feature local performances, artists, food trucks and more.
- When: Friday, June 28, 9 a.m.
- Where: Bright Grandview Golf Course (2401 East 29th St., Des Moines)
- Price: $125 for individuals, $500 or a group of four
Iowa Juneteenth Observance, an organization dedicated to helping Iowans celebrate the holiday, is hosting a golf outing on Friday, June 28. Golfers will be placed in a group of four and will receive a golf cart, lunch and a raffle ticket.
- When: Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Where: Big Grove Brewery (555 17th St., Des Moines)
- Price: Free
Learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth at this free event. Iowa Juneteenth's General Chairperson Dwana Bradley will deliver the presentation.