Flint to host Juneteenth weekend celebrations with downtown fireworks, cultural events, and community programming

FLINT, Michigan — The City of Flint invites residents and visitors to gather downtown on Friday, June 19, for an evening of food, entertainment, community celebration, and the city’s annual Juneteenth fireworks display.

The downtown celebration will feature food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities on the Flat Lot, creating a festive atmosphere as the community comes together to commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate freedom, resilience, culture, and unity. The evening will conclude with Flint’s annual Juneteenth fireworks show, lighting up the downtown skyline at dusk.

“Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our history, celebrate our progress, and reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger future together,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “We invite residents from across the region to join us downtown as we celebrate freedom, culture, and community.”

In addition to the downtown festivities, Juneteenth events will take place throughout Flint over the weekend.

The 54th Annual Traditional Flint Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the Traditional Flint Juneteenth Celebration Committee, will be held Friday, June 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at Max Brandon Park, located at 3606 Dupont St. The event will feature family activities, community engagement opportunities, and a parade lineup beginning at 5 p.m.

The celebration continues Friday evening with an Afrobeats Party from 6 to 8 p.m. at the University of Michigan Community Park, located behind the William S. White Building near Fifth Avenue and James B. Cole Boulevard.

Juneteenth festivities will continue Saturday, June 20, with the Juneteenth @ Cultural Center Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium, located at 1221 E. Kearsley St. The free campus event will include kids’ activities, crafts, local vendors, food trucks, live music, and cultural programming celebrating African American history and culture.

The Cultural Center celebration will also feature a Freedom March at noon, beginning at the corner of Crapo and E. Kearsley streets and led by Hamady High School’s marching band. Community members are invited to march behind the band before the live music program begins.

Additional scheduled performances include the national and Black anthems performed by Jawanne Carrigan, Gwen Hemphill with The Eclipse Band, spoken word artists, Mama Sol with The Eclipse Band, and a Battle of the Line Dancers.

The Cultural Center event is organized by the Traditional Flint Juneteenth Committee in partnership with the Sloan Museum of Discovery, the Longway Planetarium, FIM, the Flint Institute of Arts, Applewood Estate, the Whaley Historical House, and the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, Juneteenth stands as a celebration of freedom, perseverance, and the enduring contributions of African Americans to communities across the nation.

Residents are encouraged to attend the downtown celebration and explore the many Juneteenth events taking place throughout Flint during the holiday week.