7 ways to honor Juneteenth in Nevada

Looking for ways to honor and celebrate Juneteenth in Nevada? Here are seven different things you can do in the state around June 19.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that recognizes the end of slavery in the US. It’s celebrated each year on June 19, as that’s the day the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas in 1865. Many enslaved people had been living freely for nearly two and a half years at that point, but those in Texas had not heard of, or been told of, their freedom until that June day.

The earliest Juneteenth celebration began in 1866, and they have since grown over time to encompass festivals (and smaller events) across the country. Nevadans can honor Juneteenth in various ways, including attending block parties, weekend-long celebrations, and supporting Black-owned businesses. It’s also a good day for learning about the Black and African Americans who contributed significantly to the state’s history and beyond.

A full list of Juneteenth events in Las Vegas can be found here, but I’m going to give you details on a few of those, along with events in other parts of the state, to help you figure out which one (or ones!) you want to attend. For those who wish to quietly observe the holiday instead, there’s a section at the end of this article to help you locate Black owned businesses to support, along with ways to learn more about Nevada’s Black history.

Juneteenth Pride Block Party

When: Sunday, June 15, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: 401 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas

The Juneteenth Pride Block Party in Las Vegas is essentially two celebrations rolled into one. The event celebrates the Black queer community of Nevada and the Juneteenth Freedom Day. This event is free to attend, but you’re encouraged to RSVP at this link in advance. The Block Party will be held at the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, and it’s slated to include food trucks, spoken word artists, musicians, dancers, Black drag kings and queens, and much more.

City of Henderson Juneteenth Festival 

When: Thursday, June 19. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Water Street Plaza

Henderson’s Juneteenth Festival is free for all attendees, but seating at the special performances is on a first-come basis, so plan accordingly to make sure you don’t miss out. Sydnee Winters, the Street Corner Renaissance, and Johnny Lee Chapman III are scheduled to perform, along with several others. There’s also a vendor market and opportunities to learn more about Nevada’s Black community.

For more information, please click here.

Juneteenth F.A.I.T.H. Freedom Festival 

When: Thursday, June 19. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: 628 W Craig Road, North Las Vegas

If you’re looking for a free event in Las Vegas on Juneteenth, the F.A.I.T.H. Freedom Festival is being held at 628 W Craig Road. The celebration is open to people of all ages, though anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There will be local vendors, live music, an array of food and performances, and a designated kid’s zone.

Follow this link to reserve your free tickets and to learn more about parking, what time the gates open, and other helpful details.

Compton AV Juneteenth Weekend

When: Friday, June 20. 8 p.m. to midnight

Where: 601 East Fremont Street, Las Vegas 

Tickets for the Compton AV Juneteenth Weekend are on sale as of writing and cost approximately $33 per person, which you can purchase here. Entry to the event includes food vendors, live performances, and the chance to connect with friends, family, and the Las Vegas community on this important day of freedom and celebration.

Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival 

When: Saturday, June 21. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: 435 S. Grand Central Pkwy

The official Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival takes place at the Expo at World Market Center and is free to attend. Reserve your tickets in advance here to make sure you’re ready to go when the day comes. This year’s event—the 24th annual Juneteenth Festival—is set to feature local artisans, food vendors, live performances, and family-friendly activities.

Support Black-owned businesses & learn about Black history 

One easy way to honor Juneteenth and celebrate Nevada’s Black community throughout the year is to support local Black-owned businesses. Las Vegas locations like J. Essentials, The Beauty Spot, and Legends Barber Studio are a small sampling of the numerous Black-owned businesses that make the community better. Here’s a list of additional businesses in Las Vegas for you to check out either in person or by browsing online catalogues where they’re available.

This Black Henderson business directory is another great resource. Shopping small supports local businesses and boosts the economy, which is an important thing to do. Support Black Owned is a valuable website as well because it allows you to search for Black-owned businesses in the state and filter by the category you’re looking for, such as beauty, jewelry, photography, and more.

Learning more about Nevada’s Black history is equally essential. Iconic entertainers like Lena Horne and Nat King Cole skyrocketed to popularity in the 1940s and performed in Las Vegas, but did you know that the state’s segregation policies barred them from gambling, dining, or swimming at local resorts? Grappling with the injustices of the past is difficult to do, but it’s necessary if we’re going to move forward as a more inclusive place to live.

The University of Nevada and Nevada Magazine offer additional insight into what the African American Civil Rights experience was like in the Battle Born State. You can learn more about these topics from the comfort of your own home, allowing you to spend some quiet, introspective time on Juneteenth thinking about how many people have fought for so long to receive the freedom and inclusion they should have had all along.