Celebrate Juneteenth in Iowa with the help of family-friendly festivals and local events that give back to the Black community and commemorate the end of slavery.
June 17: Juneteenth Festival
Ankeny
Back for its third year celebrating Juneteenth in Iowa, Ankeny’s Juneteenth Festival will take place on Saturday, June 17, 4 to 10 p.m., at District at Prairie Trail. The celebration will feature and support live music performances from local Black artists, a Black-owned food truck and a variety of local businesses and vendors for shopping. Additionally, the festival will host a kid’s station with face painting, balloons, mini golf, finger painting, crafts, photo-ops and much more. The event is free but will accept donations to benefit future events and fight racism.
Cost: Free.
For more information: ankenycommunitynetwork.org.
June 17: Black-Owned Business Market at NewBo City Market
Cedar Rapids
Save the date for Black-Owned Business Market at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids June 17. This exciting celebration allows guests to browse, discover and support local Black-owned businesses, including various arts and crafts vendors, food destinations and community recourses. The event free at attend and will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free.
For more information: allevents.in.
June 17: Juneteenth Festival
Cedar Rapids
Join African American Museum of Iowa for its annual Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 17, at NewBo City Market. The festivities will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with fun for the whole family. The fest will feature live performances on the lawn, including Zumba classes, spoken word, R&B artists, gospel music and much more. Little ones can also enjoy face painting, arts and crafts and a bouncy castle. Additionally, while the kids play, adults will have the opportunity to browse and learn more about a variety of local organizations, shop from Black-owned vendors and connect with the community.
Cost: Free.
For more information: blackiowa.org.
June 17: Quad City Juneteenth Festival
Davenport
The Friends of MLK hosts a celebration for Juneteenth in Iowa on June 17, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Lincoln Center in Davenport. The event, Quad City Juneteenth Festival, will feature food and retail vendors, history lessons and educational resources for all ages, fun-filled games, live entertainment and much more to celebrate Black history and culture. Quad City Juneteenth Festival will also showcase the Pulling Focus Film Festival, featuring films from the Black community. The fest is free to attend with optional donations to support Friends of MLK’s mission of providing educational and community development services to historically underserved communities and encouraging change.
Cost: Free.
For more information: fomlk.com.
June 19: Drive-In Movie Night
Des Moines
Grab the kiddos, some blankets, pillows and your favorite snacks and head to Valley West Mall in Des Moines for an outdoor screening of “Wakanda Forever.” Hosted by Iowa Juneteenth Observance, the event is the perfect way to spend an evening with loved ones and gather with the community. The movie night will take place on June 19 (gates open at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 8 p.m.), and is free and open to the public.
Cost: Free.
For more information: iowajuneteenth.org.