Juneteenth celebrations happening around Colorado
Jun 16, 2026, 3:26 PM | Updated: Jun 17, 2026, 11:20 am
This Friday, June 19, is Juneteenth — and it’s more than a day off.
Why and where can we celebrate Juneteenth in Colorado?
The short history: it’s the national commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S.
The Emancipation Proclamation took effect January 1, 1863 — but enforcement only followed Union troops. Texas, the most remote slave state, was the last to hear the news.
It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, read aloud General Order No. 3, and declared roughly 250,000 enslaved people free — more than two years after the Proclamation. Celebrations began on the very first anniversary, and Juneteenth became the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S.
Many African Americans consider it their true Independence Day, because in 1776 their ancestors weren’t considered people — they were considered property.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, and Colorado made it an official state holiday in 2022.
Where to celebrate around Colorado
- Juneteenth Music Festival — Denver | Saturday, June 20: One of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country — and it’s free. Live music on multiple stages, 200+ vendors, food, art, kids’ activities and Denver’s longest-running parade, all in the historic Five Points neighborhood along Welton Street. Five Points, known as the “Harlem of the West,” has hosted Juneteenth celebrations since the 1950s.
- Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival — Colorado Springs | June 20–21: A free two-day event at the Norris Penrose Event Center with performances, poetry, dancing, food from around the world and more.
- Fort Collins Juneteenth Celebration | June 19–21: Kicks off on the holiday itself with a youth night Friday and concerts and the main celebration Saturday.
- To honor Juneteenth, cook a meal with family. Learn something new. The point of Juneteenth is simple: remember what happened, celebrate how far we’ve come and recommit to the work still ahead.
Happy Juneteenth, Colorado.
Read more about the history here and events happening in Colorado.
