The City of Galveston is thrilled to announce its first-ever major fireworks display to celebrate Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19. This grand fireworks show will mark the culmination of a full day of festivities, highlighting Galveston’s deep connection to this important national holiday.
June in Galveston is filled with a variety of Juneteenth events, from parades and picnics to poetry readings and dance performances. A full schedule of events can be found on the city’s official website.
Juneteenth, a federal holiday, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and marks the historic day of June 19, 1865, when the final group of enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed.
This year, Galveston will observe the holiday with its annual parade and picnic, hosted by the Juneteenth Parade Committee. The parade will start at 1:30 p.m. at 26th Street, traveling west on Ball Street until it ends at the Wright Cuney Recreation Center & Park at 41st and Ball.
The parade will be escorted by the Galveston Police Department, with rolling street closures along the route. After the parade, attendees are invited to join a picnic at Wright Cuney Recreation Center & Park, where the celebration will continue.
In addition to the parade and picnic, a Juneteenth 160th celebration will take place at Menard Park, located at 2222 28th Street. Starting at 3 p.m., the event will feature music, food trucks, and activities for children. The celebration will end with a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m., sponsored by the City of Galveston at 37th and Seawall.
This family-friendly event is open to all, and residents and visitors are encouraged to come together to celebrate this historic day.
