Check out Nashville’s Juneteenth events for the whole family

It’s almost Juneteenth and the celebrations have already commenced all around Music City.

Celebrated yearly on June 19, Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the effective end of slavery in the U.S. when federal troops arrived in Texas to ensure all enslaved people were freed.

Specifically, on June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed they were free, months after the Civil War and two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

While the holiday has been celebrated for generations among many, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in June 2021 when former President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Often called America’s second or official Independence Day, the holiday’s name combines “June” and “nineteenth.” It is considered the longest-running African American holiday with some of the early celebrations dating back to 1866.

Each year, there are countless events nationwide. Nashville has celebrated the holiday for years with various events.

Here are some of the many ways to celebrate the holiday in Music City.

Nashville’s citywide Juneteenth615 Celebration at Centennial

Nashville’s flagship Juneteenth celebration, “Juneteenth615,” will be held Friday at Centennial Park from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

What started as a simple celebration in 2018 has grown into a major yearly celebration including the Juneteenth615 historical program, the city’s Juneteenth restaurant week, vendors and more. The free, family-friendly event now attracts more than 10,000 attendees each year. This year will also feature Tennessee’s first and only Juneteenth fireworks presentation accompanied by the Nashville Wind Symphony.

Attendees can enjoy bounce houses, a gaming truck, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Instrument Petting Zoo, book giveaways, an art activation hosted by the North Nashville Arts Coalition, in addition to appearances by mascots from Nashville sports teams.

Juneteenth615 continues to be one of Nashville’s largest annual community celebrations with thousands of attendees showing up for a day of entertainment, education and cultural engagement.

NMAAM’s Juneteenth Community Day

Located on Broadway, the National Museum of African American Music is celebrating Juneteenth with a daylong event centered on community and music. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 19, the museum will offer free admission to its galleries, along with live performances, interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities.

The holiday annually falls during Black Music Month, drawing in the museum’s highest attendance of the year.

Tennessee State Museum Juneteenth celebration

Located on Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, the Tennessee State Museum will also celebrate the holiday with a full day of programming from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The celebration will feature live performances by Sankofa African Drum and Dance Company along with other guest speakers.

Throughout the day, families can take part in hands-on history stations, story time sessions and other interactive, hands-on experiences. Admission is free for this event.

Juneteenth615 Restaurant Week

The annual Juneteenth615 Restaurant Week celebrates and promotes Black-owned restaurants across Nashville with special menu items and discounts offered during the week leading up to the Juneteenth615 festival.

Participating restaurants feature deals priced at $6.19, $18.65 or 20% off select menu items, honoring the significance of June 19 and 1865. The week culminates at the Juneteenth615 “Taste of Freedom” celebration.

Nashville’s Wind Symphony Juneteenth concert

The Nashville African American Wind Symphony will also present a special Juneteenth concert on Friday at 4 p.m. at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

The program will feature a blend of inspirational hymns and uplifting musical selections that celebrate African American heritage and culture. Each selection has been chosen to reflect the history, resilience and traditions of the African American experience while honoring the meaning of Juneteenth.

Music City Juneteenth Freedom Day 5K Run/Walk

The Music City Freedom 5K is an annual run and walk held in East Nashville in recognition of Juneteenth, promoting health, equity and community engagement. Participants of all ages are invited to celebrate freedom while supporting efforts that benefit underserved communities across Nashville.

The race will be held at Fort Cornelia Airpark and will begin at 7:30 a.m. It will also include music by DJ 50Cyn.

The celebrations will continue throughout the month with Fisk University hosting the Fisk Food and Jazz Festival. The festival honors Black music, food, and culture, kicking off on June 27.

Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network’s and The Tennessean’s music reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.