Garland Juneteenth Celebration

Juneteenth is a time to honor freedom, reflect on history, and celebrate the strength and cultural contributions of African Americans. Each year, the City of Garland invites residents and visitors to come together in Downtown Garland for a community-wide Juneteenth Celebration filled with unity, music, art, education, and family fun.

About the Celebration

The Garland Juneteenth Celebration is an annual gathering that commemorates the date enslaved Texans were informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth stands as a symbol of liberation, resilience, and progress, and Garland’s celebration honors that legacy with uplifting activities designed for all ages.

What Guests Can Expect

While specific performers, vendors, and activities may vary year to year, the event typically includes:

• Live Entertainment
  Enjoy an evening of spirited performances that may include music, dance, spoken word, or cultural showcases—highlighting local talent and celebrating the creativity within Garland’s community.
• Art & Cultural Experiences
  Art exhibits and cultural displays offer insight into the history, heritage, and ongoing significance of Juneteenth. These spaces invite attendees to reflect, learn, and engage with meaningful expressions of Black culture.
• Local Vendors & Delicious Food
  A variety of food trucks, artisan booths, and community organizations create a vibrant marketplace atmosphere where guests can try local flavors, shop unique goods, and connect with local groups.
• Family Activities
  The Juneteenth Celebration is designed to be family friendly, with kid-focused experiences and a welcoming environment that encourages all generations to participate.
• Community Connection & Reflection
  Beyond the festivities, the celebration provides a space to learn about the history of Juneteenth, acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans, and honor the shared commitment to equality, civic engagement, and community empowerment.

Why We Celebrate

Garland’s Juneteenth event is rooted in four guiding principles:

• Freedom & Remembrance — Honoring the end of slavery in the United States and recognizing the journey toward freedom and justice.
• Community & Inclusion — Bringing neighbors together in a spirit of unity and mutual respect.
• Culture & Heritage — Showcasing the vibrant history, traditions, and artistic contributions of African Americans.
• Education & Inspiration — Encouraging ongoing learning and conversations that strengthen community understanding and connection.

Join Us

We invite everyone to celebrate this meaningful holiday with us each year in Downtown Garland. Whether you come for the entertainment, the food, the art, or the opportunity to reflect and connect, the Garland Juneteenth Celebration offers a welcoming and memorable experience for all.

now Accepting Vendor Applications

Call for Art Entries

The City of Garland is pleased to announce a call for entries for the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration, where an exhibition spotlighting 2D visual artists inspired by Juneteenth will be displayed.

Selected art will be displayed during the city of Garland’s Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20, from 5-9 p.m. The art will then be moved and displayed at Epiphany Gallery.

Viewers are encouraged to experience the complete exhibition during the Juneteenth Celebration and at Epiphany Gallery following the event.

Artist entries from artists living in Garland and the greater North Texas area will be accepted.

Click here for more information and to submit an entry. The last day to submit your entry is Friday, May 8.

Don Diego Band

7:30 PM

Unfaded Brass Band

DJ Raspy

A Series of Firsts: Garland's Black Community Leaders

Visit the Garland Landmark Museum's booth for their featured exhibit, A Series of Firsts: Garland’s Black Community Leaders. The exhibit honors Garland leaders and residents who have made a mark on their community and beyond. The exhibit will be on display throughout the Juneteenth Celebration.

New to the exhibit this year is the Sims Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

Downtown Dining