CU Boulder will close on Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth National Independence Day. Juneteenth marks the historic date when the Union Army arrived in Texas in 1865 to proclaim freedom for Black and African Americans in 1865, approximately two months after the official end of the Civil War and more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation.

Observed in Black and African American communities since 1866, the Juneteenth name is a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth.” It became an official state holiday in 2023 when Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a legislative bill into law recognizing the significance of the date in U.S. history. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Act into law.

Community events

Juneteenth Parade

  Sunday, June 15    11 a.m.   Manual High School (Denver)
The Juneteenth Parade kicks off the Juneteenth Music Festival. Staging for participants begins at 8 a.m. at Manual High School on 26th Avenue and Williams Street. The parade promptly begins at 11 a.m., follows 26th Avenue and ends on Welton Street at the music festival.

Juneteenth Music Festival

  Sunday, June 15   Noon–8 p.m.   Historic Five Points, 2701 Welton St. (Denver)

Join Denver’s largest celebration of Black culture and music. The festival includes cultural vendors and food trucks, a youth zone, music and entertainment, and a headline performance by hip hop artist Juvenile. The event is free and open to all. 

CU Boulder Lecture Series and Dialogue Mixers: 'And we are STILL not saved: on Love, Freedom and Salvation'

  Monday, June 16   Lecture 3–4:15 p.m.   Dialogue Mixer 4:30–6 p.m.   CASE Auditorium
  Tuesday, June 17   Lecture 3–4:15 p.m.   CASE Auditorium
  Wednesday, June 18   Lecture 3–4:15 p.m.   Dialogue Mixer 4:30–6 p.m.   Dairy Arts Center

Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate in a lecture series by professor Danielle Hodge. Dialogue Mixers on Monday and Wednesday provide an opportunity for participants to share diverse perspectives and experiences and engage in radical listening. 

Juneteenth at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

  Thursday, June 19   9 a.m.–5 p.m.   Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Enjoy free general admission all day, plus live performances, music and engaging activities for the whole family honoring Black culture, history and achievement in science and beyond.

2025 Juneteenth Celebration: Kejetia To Greeley Bazaar

  Thursday, June 19   Noon–4 p.m.   UNC Campus Commons (Greeley)
In honor of Kejetia, the largest open-air market in Ghana, the city of Greeley and University of Northern Colorado are bringing local businesses to sell products and services to event attendees. There will also be a family craft room and concert featuring saxophonist Tony Exum Jr., who blends jazz, funk and soul.

BOCO Juneteenth Cookout

  Thursday, June 19   1–7 p.m.   Confluence Park (Denver)
Celebrate Juneteenth with Black Outdoors Colorado (BOCO). This is a community-style cookout, and guests are invited to bring a vibe, bring a dish and bring the family! 

City of Thornton Juneteenth

  Thursday, June 19   5:30–8:30 p.m.   Harley Brown Amphitheater
Join an evening of music, art, reflection and celebration in honor of the historic end of slavery in the United States. This free, family-friendly event brings the community together to recognize freedom, culture and resilience.

On The Rise Concert: A Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Through Music

  Thursday, June 19   6–9 p.m.   Pennsylvania Avenue, The Hill (Boulder)
This celebration of freedom, artistic expression and community will honor Boulder's musical legacy and the significant contributions of Black musicians throughout U.S. history. Hosted by Roots Music Project with support from city of Boulder and community sponsors.

Fort Collins Juneteenth Celebration: Celebrate Freedom

  Friday, June 20–Saturday, June 21.   Foothills Mall and Cultural Enrichment Center
Friday’s activities include a teen night for youth ages 12–17 and a concert on the lawn. The Saturday community celebration will feature live music, a health and wellness fair, food trucks, vendor market, educational opportunities and more.

Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival

  Friday, June 20–Sunday, June 22   Citadel Mall (Colorado Springs)
This vibrant celebration of freedom, community, culture and history will bring together an array of activities, performances and culinary delights offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Longmont Juneteenth: Stand Together, Honoring Black Resilience

  Saturday, June 21   3–7 p.m.   Roosevelt Park
Come together to celebrate our diverse community by sharing, educating and appreciating one another. The event includes music, fashion, vendor and information booths, kids activities, drumline performances and great food.

Aurora Juneteenth Celebration

  Saturday, June 21   2–6 p.m.   Aurora Town Center
This celebration honors Juneteenth’s historical significance and brings together residents, small businesses, nonprofits and performers to recognize the community’s diversity and resilience.

Title image: Flag raising ceremony in recognition and celebration of Juneteenth 2023 at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. CC photo by NASA/Keegan Barber.