From markets showcasing Black-owned businesses to engaging family-friendly events, commemorate Juneteenth in Iowa with the following celebrations in honor of the holiday.
June 8 to June 19, Select Dates: Des Moines Public Library Juneteenth Programs
The Des Moines Public Library offers various programs to celebrate Juneteenth in Iowa, including storytelling sessions, book discussions and educational workshops. These programs are designed to engage the community in conversations about African American history and the significance of Juneteenth. These activations include speeches and lessons from Dwana Bradley (General Chairperson of Iowa Juneteenth), arts and crafts, story times, scavenger hunts and more at South Side Library, Franklin Avenue Library and Forest Avenue Library.
Cost: Free; open to the public.
For more information: dmpl.org/juneteenth.
June 15: Black-Owned Business Market at NewBo City Market
Cedar Rapids
Save the date for the Black-Owned Business Market at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids. This exciting celebration allows guests to browse, discover and support local Black-owned businesses, including various arts and crafts vendors, food and beverage and community resources. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free.
For more information: allevents.in.
June 15: Juneteenth Festival at NewBo City Market
Cedar Rapids
Join the African American Museum of Iowa for its annual Juneteenth Festival at NewBo City Market following the Black-Owned Business Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Juneteenth in Iowa celebration will feature live performances on the lawn, including music from Bethany Elle, Rahlan Kay, Church Kids, Alicia Monee & Crew, James Tutson and MC Anthony Betters JR; an assortment of food trucks to indulge in, including Hatchett’s BBQ, Jay’s Water Ice and more. Additionally, guests 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; donations accepted.
For more information: blackiowa.org.
June 15: 2024 Quad City Juneteenth Festival Still Breaking Chains
Davenport
Friends of MLK hosts a special celebration ahead of Juneteenth in Iowa with the 2024 Quad City Juneteenth Festival Still Breaking Chains at LeClair Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 15. The celebration 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.
Cost: Free; donations accepted.
For more information: fomlk.com.
June 15: Iowa Juneteenth Observance Neighbor’s Day
Des Moines
Celebrate Juneteenth at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines during Iowa Juneteenth Observance Neighbor’s Day, taking place from noon to 7 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, a children’s play area with bouncy castles, food, shopping local vendors and more.
Cost: Free.
For more information: facebook.com.
June 23: Ankeny Juneteenth Celebration
Ankeny
Back for its fourth year celebrating Juneteenth in Iowa, Ankeny’s Juneteenth Celebration will take place at Ankeny Bandshell at Wagner Park from 3 to 9 p.m. The celebration will feature live music performances from local Black artists, a fun-filled kids’ corner, Black-owned food trucks and a variety of local businesses and vendors for shopping.
Cost: Free; donations accepted.
For more information: www.facebook.com.