Friday, Juneteenth (June 19) 2026, marks the 161th anniversary of the day that signaled the end of legalized slavery in the United States.
On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce General Order No. 3, declaring that all enslaved people in Texas were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had officially ended slavery in Confederate states.
This day, now known as Juneteenth, is now recognized as a day for all Americans to celebrate freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward justice. The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed into law in 2021, making this year the fifth anniversary of it being recognized as an official U.S. federal holiday.
Numerous events will be hosted across Nebraska to celebrate the day. Keep reading to see what events are happening near you.
1. Small Business Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth with local entrepreneurs, food from Taste of Heaven Food Truck, jazz from Ed Archibald, and a panel discussion featuring four speakers sharing their experiences and lessons learned. The Small Business Juneteenth Celebration will bring the community together for a day of reflection, culture, shopping, food, music, and freedom. Spots are limited, so attendees are encouraged to register soon. Find more details here.
Date: Thursday, June 18 | 4 PM – 6 PM
Location: Nebraska Enterprise Fund, 2112 North 30th Street, Suite 103, Omaha
2. 2026 Juneteenth & 95.7 The Boss 10th Ann. Father’s Day Concert Weekend
Omaha Community Broadcasting and 95.7 The Boss will host the 10th annual Father’s Day Concert Weekend in celebration of Juneteenth, freedom, and unity. The two-day event is set for June 19 and 21, 2026, at June’s Place Event Center in Omaha, featuring Chyng Diamond, T-Rell, Levelle, Adina Howard, and special guest artists. Doors open at 5 p.m., with showtime at 6 p.m.; tickets start at $39 for general admission. Find more details here.
Date: Friday, June 19, & Sunday, June 21
Location: 3716 Lake Street, Omaha
3. Wayne County Juneteenth 2026
Join host That Ain’t Right for live music, games and a desert raffle. Featuring Nebraska Democratic Party Black Caucus guest speakers Mike Lee and Jo-el Chiles. Attendees are asked to bring their own picnic supper, or the Tacos Durango food truck will also be on site starting at 4 p.m. Find more details here.
Date: Friday, June 19 | 6 – 8 PM
Location: Bressler Park, 900 Lincoln Street, Wayne
4. Brunch & Bike: Juneteenth Ride
A Juneteenth bike ride through North Omaha will celebrate the holiday “on wheels” with a short ride along the North Omaha Trail led by Manne Cook. The event begins at 10 a.m. at Fabric Lab, with the ride starting at 10:30 a.m., followed by breakfast available for purchase from Barb’s Breakfast Bar and a listening session with North Omaha elders. Riders can bring their own bike or reserve a free e-bike through Heartland Bike Share in advance. Find more details here.
Date: Friday, June 19 | 10 AM
Location: Fabric Lab, 2514 North 24th Street, Omaha
5. A Taste of Juneteenth
A Taste of Juneteenth is a campus celebration hosted at the University of Nebraska at Kearny, dedicated to bringing students, faculty, and staff together to celebrate freedom and reflect on the rich traditions, resilience, and contributions of Black communities. The event is honoring the history, culture, and significance of Juneteenth through food, fellowship, and community engagement. Find more details here.
Date: Friday, June 19 | 11 AM – 1 PM
Location: Calvin T. Ryan Library, 2508 11th Avenue, Kearney
6. Juneteenth Open Skate
A free Juneteenth Skate Night will be held Friday, June 19, featuring music, skating and community celebration for all ages and skill levels. Skates will be available in all sizes, with skate aids for beginners. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and all skaters must sign a BCC waiver. Find more details here.
Date: Friday, June 19 (4 PM – 8 PM)
Location: Belmont Community Center, 3335 N. 12th Street, Lincoln
7. Juneteenth FreakNik
Omaha’s Juneteenth FreakNik-inspired party will feature nonstop music, dancing, vendors and a night of community celebration. Organizers describe the 18+ event as one of Omaha’s biggest Juneteenth parties of the year, with tickets available now. Find more details here.
Date: Friday, June 19 | 10 PM – 2 AM
Location: 7440 Crown Point Avenue, Omaha
8. Juneteenth Documentary
A screening of the “Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom” documentary will be followed by a community discussion. The one-hour film screening will take place at the UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, with free parking available in the lot north of the building between Criss Library and the Strauss Performing Arts Center. Find more details here.
Date: Friday, June 19 | 3 PM – 5 PM
Location: Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6400 S University Dr Rd N, Omaha
9. 6th Annual Juneteenth JoyFest
Juneteenth JoyFest returns for its sixth year Saturday, June 20, at The Union for Contemporary Art, with a full day centered on this year’s theme of Movement & Migration. The event will feature live music, spoken word, youth performances, a Black Flea Market, interactive art, food and drinks, with hip-hop artist Mick Jenkins headlining. Registration is required, with suggested donations of $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Find more details here.
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 2–10 PM
Location: The Union For Contemporary Art, 2423 N 24th Street, Omaha
10. Juneteenth JoyFest Afterparty: Pull Up and Vibe Kickback Edition
The Joy Ambition and Collaborative Creative Visions Inc. will host a post-JoyFest Juneteenth after-party at Dreamland Lounge, with music from open-format DJ Kilam and food from Southern Spoon served late. Space is limited, tickets are available now, and a one-drink minimum is required, with mocktail options available. Find more details here.
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 10 PM – 1 AM
Location: Dreamland Lounge, 3927 Ames Avenue, Omaha
11. Juneteenth Yoga Sculpt
Juneteenth Yoga Sculpt will offer three in-person sessions combining upbeat yoga flows with strength training. The event is open to all experience levels and is designed as an energizing way to celebrate Juneteenth, wellness, and community. Find more details here.
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 11 AM
Location: Omaha Public Central Library, 7205 Dodge Street, Omaha
12. Juneteenth Celebration with the Malone Center
A family-friendly Juneteenth celebration will bring together families, neighbors, and local organizations for a day of connection, culture, and community. The event will feature live entertainment, free food, small business booths, youth activities, and community resources. The event will also host a 3v3 basketball tournament at the Malone Indoor Gym. Find more details here.
Date: Saturday, June 20 | 12 – 3 PM
Location: Trago Park, N 22nd & “U” Street, Lincoln
13. Juneteenth Celebration with the “F” Street Community Center
The “F” Street Community Center will host a free, family-friendly Juneteenth celebration with food, music, kids’ activities, free haircuts, face painting, games, speakers, community art, vendors, and partner booths. The all-ages event will honor freedom, history and community togetherness. No registration is required. Find more details here.
Date: Saturday, June 27 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Location: The “F” Street Community Center, 1225 “F” Street, Lincoln
