Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, will be observed Friday, June 19, with celebrations taking place across San Antonio
The holiday marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston and announced the freedom of enslaved people in Texas — nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
Although the proclamation took effect on Jan. 1, 1863, its enforcement depended on Union military victories during the Civil War. Texas, the westernmost Confederate state, remained largely beyond the reach of Union forces until the war’s end, allowing slavery to continue there even after emancipation had been declared.
On June 19, 1865, Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order No. 3, informing Texans that all enslaved people were free.
The date became known as Juneteenth and has since been celebrated through community gatherings, educational events, parades and cultural festivals across Texas and the nation.
Texas officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday in 1980. San Antonio began formally recognizing Juneteenth as a city holiday in 2020, and in 2021 Juneteenth became a federal holiday after legislation signed by former President Joe Biden.
From community festivals and educational programs to parades and cultural celebrations, residents will find a variety of ways to commemorate the holiday this year. Here’s a look at Juneteenth events in San Antonio, along with a list of government offices and public services that will be affected by the holiday.
Juneteenth events
Panel Discussion: Presence of the Past
When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 19
Where: Malú & Carlos Alvarez Theater at Texas Public Radio, 321 W. Commerce St.
As part of a weekend celebration honoring the legacy of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, the San Antonio River Foundation will host a panel discussion exploring the history behind Presence of the Past, a new public art installation along San Pedro Creek Culture Park. The discussion will be led by River Foundation Executive Director Frates Seeligson and will examine the cultural significance of the site, which incorporates historical elements connected to one of San Antonio’s oldest Black congregations and the city’s Reconstruction-era African American community.
Official Juneteenth Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, June 19, and 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Comanche Park No. 2, 2600 Rigsby Ave.
The San Antonio Juneteenth Commission’s Juneteenth Festival returns to Comanche Park No. 2 for two days of live entertainment, food, community vendors and family-friendly activities. The free festival will feature musical performances, gospel groups, a health fair, children’s activities and cultural programming celebrating Black history and freedom. The event also serves as the destination for Saturday morning’s Juneteenth Parade, which concludes at the park before festival activities continue throughout the day.
Juneteenth Parade
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Starts at Sam Houston High School, 4635 E. Houston St. and ends at Comanche Park No. 2, 2600 Rigsby Ave.
The Juneteenth Freedom Coalition of San Antonio’s annual parade returns to the East Side on Saturday morning. The parade will feature community groups, marching units, local leaders and cultural organizations celebrating the legacy of Juneteenth. Rev. Dr. Robert L. Jemerson, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church, will serve as this year’s parade marshal. The route will lead into the Juneteenth festival for its second day of celebrations.
S.A. Juneteenth Block Party & Fair
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: St. Paul Square, 1174 E. Commerce St.
The Dream Big Scholarship Fund will host the sixth annual S.A. Juneteenth Block Party & Fair in St. Paul Square. The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, DJs, food trucks, vendors and community organizations focused on small business development, health and wellness, and education. Organizers say the event is designed to celebrate Juneteenth while raising scholarship funds and connecting residents with resources that support the African American community. Attendees can also browse local businesses and nonprofit booths throughout the afternoon and evening.
Presence of the Past Public Dedication and Gospel Celebration
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, June 21
Where: St. James AMEC Culture Crossing Pavilion, 302 W. Houston St.
The San Antonio River Foundation and San Antonio River Authority will host a public dedication ceremony and gospel performance celebrating the unveiling of Presence of the Past and the Culture Crossing Pavilion along San Pedro Creek Culture Park. Created by artist Gordon Huether, the installation honors the legacy of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church and the African American community that helped shape the surrounding neighborhood. The event will feature remarks from project partners and a community celebration marking the completion of the new public space.
Juneteenth Annual Golf Tournament
When: Registration begins at 7 a.m.; tee time at 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 22
Where: Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak
The San Antonio Juneteenth Commission’s annual golf tournament returns Monday to Canyon Springs Golf Club as a fundraiser benefiting the Miller Child Development Center and supporting the Official Juneteenth Festival. Individual golfers can participate for $175, which includes green fees, a cart, driving range access and catered breakfast and lunch. The event also offers sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations looking to support community initiatives.
Juneteenth Pickleball Tournament
When: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; games begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: Texas Pickle Hall, 201 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak
The San Antonio Juneteenth Commission’s inaugural Juneteenth Pickleball Tournament will take place June 27 at Texas Pickle Hall in Live Oak. The tournament benefits the Miller Child Development Center and supports the Official Juneteenth Festival. Entry costs $40 per player, with organizers encouraging participants of all skill levels to take part in the fundraiser.
What’s closed on Juneteenth?
Most City of San Antonio offices and Bexar County offices will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Open
- Police, fire and EMS services
- City parks and trails
- 3-1-1 services
- Garbage, recycling and organics collection
- Municipal Court magistration services and the SAPD detention center
- La Villita and Market Square shops
- Spanish Governor’s Palace
- World Heritage Center
- Select Pre-K 4 SA programs
Closed
- City Hall and most municipal offices
- Bexar County administrative offices
- Central Library and all San Antonio Public Library locations
- San Antonio Municipal Court
- Animal Care Services lobby and adoption center
- Community centers, senior centers and fitness facilities
- Metro Health clinics and offices
- SAPD administrative and records offices
- SAFD administrative offices
- Development Services, Planning, Neighborhood and Housing Services and other city administrative departments
- Carver Community Cultural Center
- Centro de Artes Gallery and Culture Commons Gallery
Trash collection and drop-off sites
Garbage, recycling and organics collection will operate on a normal schedule. However, the Bitters Brush Recycling Center, all bulky waste drop-off centers and the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off facility will be closed.
Parking
Downtown on-street parking meters will be free on Juneteenth. The holiday does not apply to city-operated parking garages and lots.
