Juneteenth Activities in Knoxville

City offices will be closed Monday, June 19, and City employees will have the day off. City Council voted in 2022 to add Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

Juneteenth National Independence Day, the newest federal holiday, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The name originates from the date—June 19, 1865—when enslaved people in Texas, in the aftermath of the Civil War, were told by federal troops that they had been freed under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

How will you celebrate? Several Knoxville groups are hosting Juneteenth events, including:

Juneteenth 2023: Rooted in History

Sunday, June 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum, 2743 Wimpole Ave.

Rooted East Knox hosts food, libations, educational workshops and art.

Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration Parade and March

Monday, June 19, 10 a.m.

Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Chilhowee Park, 330 E. Magnolia Ave. and conclude at Dr. Walter E. Hardy Park, where there will be a party. Sponsored by Knoxville's MLK Commission.

Juneteenth Ride at the Bottom

Monday, June 19, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Bottom Knox, 2340 E. Magnolia Ave.

Connect with the Bottom and Two Bikes for a special Juneteenth ride. This short, casual bike ride will take you through East Knoxville landmarks before returning to The Bottom for a fish fry and vintage market.

The Crown Pitch Competition

Monday, June 19, 6 p.m.

Old City Performing Arts Center, 111 State St.

The Women LLC and Shora Foundation host a competition for black entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas in hopes of winning $5,000 along with resources and mentoring.

Please contact the individual organizations to receive additional information about their events.

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