Celebrate Juneteenth in the community
CU Boulder will close on Friday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth National Independence Day. Rather than hosting campus events, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join community celebrations and commemorations.
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 and a federal holiday in 2021.
Community events
City of Boulder Juneteenth Flag Raising
June 17 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Pennfield Tate II Municipal Building (1777 Broadway, Boulder)
The free celebration will feature remarks from city and community leaders, live celebration music and free ice cream. Additional community-led events will continue June 19–26.
City of Thornton Juneteenth
June 18 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Harley Brown Amphitheater (3498 E. 112th Ave., Thornton)
Celebrate Emancipation Day, the historic end of slavery in the United States, with live entertainment, historical displays, delicious food and fun, as we honor freedom for all, resilience and community.
Juneteenth at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
June 19 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Denver Museum of Nature & Science
In addition to free general admission for all visitors, the celebration will include special performances, music and activities for the entire family.
A Toast to Freedom: A Juneteenth Rooftop Poolside Affair
June 19 Noon–5 p.m. Clayton Hotel (233 Clayton St., Denver)
Enjoy an afternoon of drinks and light snacks while celebrating freedom, honoring history and continuing to build legacies. DJ Fadorah will bring the good vibes.
Downtown Greeley Juneteenth Friday Fest
June 19 6–9:30 p.m. 9th Street Plaza (Greeley)
Enjoy a free jazz concert starring saxophonist Tony Exum Jr., free family-friendly crafts, local vendors and opportunities to meet downtown Greeley businesses. Visit the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center booth to learn more about the history of Juneteenth and check out books.
City of Greeley Juneteenth Celebration
June 20 Noon–7 p.m. Everett Acres (6015 W. 4th St., Greeley)
The Greeley community celebration continues with a family-friendly day of food, vendors, live music and cultural activities honoring history, culture and connection.
Fort Collins Juneteenth Celebration: Celebrate Freedom
June 19–20 Foothills Mall and Cultural Enrichment Center (1825 E. Mulberry St., Fort Collins)
Friday’s activities include a teen night for youth ages 10–17 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.
Juneteenth Parade (Denver)
June 20 11 a.m.–noon 26th Avenue and Williams Street (Denver)
This Juneteenth parade kicks off the Juneteenth Music Festival. The parade starts at 26th Avenue and Williams Street, beginning promptly at 11 a.m. It will follow 26th Avenue, ending on Welton Street at the music festival.
Juneteenth Music Festival (Denver)
June 20 Noon–8 p.m. Historic Five Points (2700 Welton St., Denver)
Join Denver’s largest celebration of Black culture and music. The festival includes music and entertainment, vendors and food trucks, a youth zone and a headline performance by Grammy-nominated R&B artist SiR. The event is free and open to all.
Longmont Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 20 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Roosevelt Park (700 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont)
Come together to celebrate our diverse community by sharing, educating and appreciating one another. The event will include delicious food, live entertainment, kids activities, special guests and the warmth of community spirit.
Lafayette Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 20 4–8 p.m. N. Harrison Street (between E. Simpson and E. Geneseo streets, Lafayette)
Join Lafayette’s inaugural Juneteenth celebration, in partnership with Longmont Juneteenth. The event will include delicious food, live entertainment, kids activities, special guests and the warmth of community spirit.
City of Aurora Juneteenth Celebration
June 20 1–6 p.m. Restoration Christian Fellowship (15660 E. 6th Ave., Aurora)
This event will bring together community members and organizations to provide vital resources and services, including a health fair, food and clothing distribution, youth engagement and housing information.
Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival
June 20–21 Norris Penrose Indoor Event Center (Colorado Springs)
Celebrate culture, community and history with live music, food, art and family fun. This celebration is free to the public and is meant to bring together the greater community of Colorado Springs.