There are many public events and celebrations going on in Salt Lake and surrounding communities to celebrate Juneteenth in Utah this year. Juneteenth commemorates the date that the abolition of slavery was finally announced in Texas more than 2 years after the official signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. A holiday officially recognized by the United States and the State of Utah, it is a celebration of the black community, and of resilience and joy. Many of the local events are organized (and have been for 34 years) by the Ogden-based Project Success Coalition, and activities range from the serious - a discussion of Black mental health, a Health & Wellness Expo, the Healing & Reconciliation Vigil - to the celebratory - Children's Festival, Barber Battle & Crowns Braid Battle, and Juneteenth Film Night. With events happening in Ogden, South Salt Lake, Millcreek, and Salt Lake stretching throughout the month of June, you should check out some of the great happenings going on nearby.
State of Black Utah Town Hall Meeting -
Making a Ripple: Healing Conversations for our Spiritual and Mental Health
June 3 - 12 pm-2 pm
Utah State Fairpark, Pioneer Building,155 North 1000 West, Salt Lake City, UT
Presented by the Utah Black Roundtable and the Black Physicians of Utah, this kick-off to Utah Juneteenth will be a Town Hall and Community Forum addressing the challenges and triumph's of Utah's Black community. Details here.
Community Resource Event & International Market
June 3 - 2 pm-8 pm
Utah State Fairpark, Desert Building,155 North 1000 West, Salt Lake City, UT
Children's Juneteenth 2023
June 10 - 12 pm-4 pm
Millcreek Common,1354 East Chamber Avenue, Millcreek, UT
This is a fun and educational event for children of all ages. Scavenger hunts, games, face painting, skating, food trucks, and more - see the info on the event page here.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Pre-Juneteenth celebration to support Outdoor Afro National and Black, Bold & Brilliant
June 9 - 7:30 pm-11:59 pm
Tracy Aviary, 589 East 1300 South, Salt Lake, UT 84105
Supporting Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ communities, with a film festival under the stars unlike any other in Utah. Check out more information in the event listing.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration 2023 - Millcreek
June 18, 2023 - 4 pm-10 pm
Millcreek Common,1354 East Chamber Avenue, Millcreek, UT
Millcreek Juneteenth will honor the historical significance of Juneteenth through a celebration of art, music, and culture. Will include a fashion show, food trucks, art gallery, prizes, live performances, a spoken word contest, and more. See details on the event page here.
34th Annual Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Festival
June 17-18 - 12 pm-8 pm
Ogden Amphitheater, 343 East 25th Streeet, Ogden, UT
34 years of celebration! This is the main event for Project Success Coalition, and the theme this year is "Juneteenth Wave of Freedom." Many of the traditional activities and celebrations, including food, music, performances, and a special Father's Day Tribute "Golden Clipper" Barber & Braid Battle. More information is here.
Even more events:
North Salt Lake Juneteenth Celebration
June 12, 5 pm-8 pm
Legacy Park, 1140 West 1100 North, North Salt Lake, UT
More info
Salt Lake Juneteenth Celebration & Black Owned Business Expo
June 20, 10 am-10 pm The Gateway - 18 North Rio Grande St., Salt Lake, UT 84101 More info
Juneteenth 2023: Wave of Freedom at the University of Utah - Flag-Raising Ceremony
June 20, 9 am-10 am
University of Utah, John R. Park Building - 201 Presidents Circle, Salt Lake, UT More info
Juneteenth Summit: Wave of Freedom at the University of Utah - Presentations & Panels
June 20, 11 am-2:30 pm
University of Utah, Bill and Pat Child Family Community Hall - 1655 Campus Center Drive, Salt Lake, UT More info
Get out there and celebrate the Black community this Juneteenth!
Author
Sean Buckley
Sean is the Director of Content for Visit Salt Lake. A native of Salt Lake, he loves this city and all it has to offer.
