Live music, a parade & a new exhibit: 6 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Wichita
The Juneteenth holiday is coming up Thursday, and celebrations have already begun in Wichita.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day troops reached Galveston Bay, Texas, bringing the news to more than 250,000 African Americans across the state of Texas that they were freed from enslavement. The holiday is a day to celebrate Black and African American culture in the U.S. and is considered a second Independence Day.
While the holiday isn’t until Thursday, some events around the city have already started. Juneteenth ICT is hosting numerous celebrations this week and into the weekend.
Here’s a quick look at happening this week to celebrate Juneteenth in Wichita.
Juneteenth Exhibition at CityArts
CityArts will be displaying its Celebrating Juneteenth exhibition, which began June 6 and runs through Friday, July 20.
The Celebrating Juneteenth exhibition, with art from multiple artists, is on display in the main gallery.
CityArts, located at 334 N. Mead St., is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Rooted in Heritage: Senior Appreciation
This limited-space event will be held at the Habitat for Humanity, located at 2220 N. Opportunity Drive, from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 17.
Rooted in Poetry: A Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted at Simply Sangria Wine Co., at 243 N. Cleveland Ave., Spoken Word Productions is holding a poetry night of “unity and reflection,” the Facebook event reads. The night will feature various performers, as well as a live musical guest.
The event begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Guests are asked to dress in business casual and call 316-425-0980 to RSVP.
Juneteenth ICT at McAdams park
There are several events to celebrate the holiday at Wichita’s McAdams Park, located at 1329 E. 16th St.
The festival at the park requires an armband for entry. They cost $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 4 to 13. Children younger than 4 get in free.
The Juneteenth ICT vendor shopping event will take place at the park starting Saturday, June 20 and run through Monday, June 22.
The Sounds of Juneteenth event will take place at the park at from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 20. The event will include vendors and live entertainment.
The Rooted In Rising event will take place all day at McAdams Park Saturday, June 21. The youth-led day will feature music, a field day, a panel discussion, a talent show and more.
Juneteenth ICT Parade
The 10th annual Juneteenth parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 3000 E. 13th St., and stretch down 13th Street to McAdams Park.
The parade will include marching bands, dance teams, classic cars and floats. Anyone who wants to watch is welcome to bring a lawn chair to place the parade route.
Juneteenth 2-mile run/walk
The 6th annual Jubilee 2-Mile Run/Walk will take place Saturday, June 21 at 8 a.m. at Redbud Trail, located at 17th and Oliver.
Registration is $30 for ages 13 and older and $25 for those 13 and younger.
Did we miss an event? Email the event information to lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.
This story was originally published June 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
