Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in Tampa Bay with the Kids
The Juneteenth holiday, also known as Freedom Day, is our nation's celebration of freedom for ALL. This year, Juneteenth is on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It’s a powerful opportunity for families to come together to reflect on the past, celebrate freedom and look towards a more equitable future.
The Tampa Bay Black Excellence Challenge (created by us, Karimah Henry of craftingafunlife.com and Kiva Williams of TheFunFoodieMama.com) offers families a fun way to support local Black-owned businesses. We continue this challenge to help boost awareness and social media exposure for local businesses that may not always be on the community’s radar.
From attending family-friendly events to supporting local businesses, there are so many ways to celebrate Juneteenth as a family. Visit our website to see a list of businesses you can support as well as our social media pages.
What inspires Karimah:
I want to demonstrate to my children the importance of equity, inclusion and valuing diverse communities, especially during these times. I also want to show my children that success comes in many forms and from diverse backgrounds.
What inspires Kiva:
As a parent, leading by example is the best teacher. I’m glad that my husband and I get the privilege of educating our children on the struggles our ancestors faced and the hope we have for the future.
Visit Crafting a Fun Life to download some awesome Juneteenth activity bundles and games. Use code JUNETEENTH for 19% off!
Related: 10 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Tampa Bay (by Kiva Williams)
Juneteenth Events in Tampa Bay:
Tampa Bay Juneteenth Coalition: Juneteenth Street Festival | Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy soul-stirring music and fascinating performances with delicious food and merchandise from unique vendors!
Juneteenth Cultural Celebration |Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Commemorate Juneteenth with Tampa Museum of Art's fourth annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration! The day includes free admission to their fun activities and programs in the Vinik Family Education Center, galleries, and terrace. There will also be art-making, live music, performances, a photo booth experience, gallery discussions, vendors, and more!
Juneteenth Beacon of Change Celebration | Saturday, June 14 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Join the USF Black Alumni Society and COACH Foundation, Inc. for an inspiring evening as they launch their inaugural Juneteenth Beacon of Change Celebration and present the Juneteenth Beacon of Change Award, recognizing four unsung heroes! The Juneteenth Beacon of Change Celebration is a powerful tribute to those shaping the future while honoring the past.
R.O.C. the Block Juneteenth Festival | June 16-21 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Honor shared heritage, foster unity, and inspire awareness at ROC THE BLOCK's 5th Annual Juneteenth Festival in an inclusive space that educates, entertains, and uplifts! ROC THE BLOCK's Youth Summit is Monday, June 16.
Arts Legacy REMIX: Fifth Annual Juneteenth Commemoration | Monday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Tampa
In an evening of remembrance and celebration at the Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater, Arts Legacy REMIX: Third Annual Juneteenth Commemoration will recognize the importance of the date June 19th, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were set free, the act which officially ended slavery in America. This free show will feature spoken remembrances, writings of historical importance, and an original performance.