Tomorrow is Juneteenth — also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day. Occurring annually on June 19, the holiday celebrates and commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Locally, 6 municipalities will host Juneteenth celebrations across Polk County. Here’s where and when you can attend the local festivities:
Lakeland
29th Annual Juneteenth Observance | Sat., June 19 | 3-5 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | Free | Hosted by Lakeland Juneteenth, attendees can enjoy dinner, the opportunity to get vaccinated, and the chance to hang around until 7:30 p.m. for a virtual Juneteenth program featuring 2 guest speakers.
Winter Haven
2021 Juneteenth Celebration | Sat., June 19 | 1-8 p.m. | Lake Maude Park | Free | Enjoy The City of Winter Haven’s Juneteenth Celebration featuring historical remembrances, activities for the kids, spoken word, and entertainment.
Bartow
Bartow Juneteenth Celebration | Sat., June 19 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Polk Street Underpass | Free | This Juneteenth celebration will feature food, line dancing, prizes, and guest artists April Brown + Tremayne Toombs Campbell.
April Brown of April Brown music, performing a personalized show backed by talented singers, musicians, and service. Bookings can be made here. | Photo via @aprilbrown.music
Lake Wales
Northwest Community Market and Juneteenth Celebration | Sat., June 19 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lincoln Ave. | Free | Enjoy Juneteenth at the Northwest Community Market with plenty of food, shopping, and activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Polk City
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom | Sat., June 19 | 3-8 p.m. | Freedom Park | Free | Polk City’s event will include dancing, live music, a comedy show, food, and fun.
Haines City
Juneteenth Black Tie Gala | Sat., June 19 | 6-9 p.m. | Lake Eva Event Center | $50 | This now-sold-out event will occur tomorrow in Haines City as the first-ever black-tie gala to commemorate Juneteenth. There will also be happenings during the day via parades, food, and more at Myers and Wiley Field.
Did we miss a Juneteenth happening? Drop us a line and fill us in with the details.