How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Orlando in 2025

Juneteenth, recognized every year on June 19, marks the freedom of those once enslaved in the United States. On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The following year saw the nation’s first Juneteenth celebration, and in 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday.

More than just a celebration, Juneteenth is also a time for reflection and remembrance. Read on to learn more about the African-American experience through cultural and community events, visits to historic Black neighborhoods and more.

Juneteenth Events

Black Theatre Girl Magic produces a vibrant celebration of African American heritage, history and community at the Fifth Annual Facets of Freedom Juneteenth Festival. Join in a full day of live music and entertainment, readings, art stations, food vendors, crafts and cocktails.

The details: June 19, 10 am, Orlando Family Stage at 1001 Princeton St., Orlando

The Juneteenth Fashion Show, a runway experience showcasing designs that blend high fashion with cultural storytelling, is presented by Wedding Wish. This year’s theme, “Give Her Her Flowers,” is a powerful tribute to Black creatives, honoring their influence in fashion, art and culture.

The details: June 19, 6 pm, Osceola Arts Theater at 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee

Kinbridge at Oviedo is a multigenerational care home that welcomes seniors and older adults with extra care needs to a facility where they can live, grow and connect together. In conjunction with its grand opening, it’s hosting a Juneteenth Family Fun Day to showcase the facility to the community. Kids can partake in face painting, snow cones and a welcome card station where they can create artwork for Kinbridge residents; there will also be free health screenings by Agape’s Way Healthcare and info tables from local small businesses. Also, visits can learn about Kinbridge’s heart-led approach to multi-generational care and take a tour of the facility.

The details: June 19, noon-4 pm, Kinbridge Oviedo at 450 Oviedo Blvd., Oviedo

The historic town of Eatonville, the oldest Black-incorporated municipality in the United States, is the first town successfully established by free African-American men in 1887. It celebrates that heritage with the 3rd Annual 1887 Juneteenth Weekend, where you can listen to inspirational word and live performances, take part in outdoor games (plenty of activities for the kids) and enjoy jubilant in this proud community.

The details: June 19, 6:30-8 pm, St. Lawrence AME Church at 549 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville; June 20, 11 am-4 pm, Hungerford Field, Eatonville; June 21, noon-6 pm, Hungerford Field, Eatonville.

New for 2025, the Juneteenth Art & Film Expo is a community event celebrating freedom, creativity and cultural pride through immersive art exhibits, independent film screenings and live music. Hosted by DJ PoBeezy.

The details: June 20, 4-9 p.m. St. Cloud Community Center at 3101 17th St., St. Cloud

Come Out With Pride Orlando hosts its Love & Liberation: A Boldly Unapologetic Pride Celebration in conjunction with June Pride. This free, family-friendly event will honor the history of Juneteenth while providing a space for Black queer and trans voices to shine. There will be live performances by Black LGBTQIA+ artists, speakers and storytellers, Black-owned businesses and LGBTQIA+ vendors and food trucks.

The details: June 21, 2-6 pm, Central Florida Fairgrounds at 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando

Mount Dora’s Juneteenth—A Summer Celebration of Culture features live music from Carolyn Harding and DJ Samp, and a streetball event by Court Kingz follows. There will also be food, beverages, kids’ activities and fellowship. The festival is sponsored by the Mac & Lavond Clayton Trust, the City of Mount Dora and the Mount Dora Police Association.

The details: June 21, 3-8 pm, Cauley Lott Park at 1717 N. Highland St., Mount Dora

The Juneteenth Community Celebration 2025, hosted by the City of Winter Garden, features a performance by Bobby Blackmon & The B3 Band, family-friendly games and activities, community resource booths and food, beverage and merchandise vendors. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit back and enjoy the festivities; limited seating is available.

The details: June 21, 10 am-1 pm, Charlie Mae Wilder Park at 1203 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Event parking is at 848 E. Plant St., with free shuttle service from 9 am-2 pm.

Museums that showcase the African-American experience

The Hannibal Square Heritage Center tells the story of Winter Park’s historic African American west side through the people who lived it. It hosts the award-winning Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park, a permanent exhibit of more than 100 framed, archival pieces that capture the lives of African Americans throughout the 20th century. The accompanying Hannibal Square Timeline documents significant local and national events in African-American history since the Emancipation Proclamation.

The center also offers a rotating artwork series, community-created public art installations and education programs.

The details: Open Tue.-Thu., noon-4 pm; Fri., 2:30-5:30 pm; Sat., 10 am-2 pm. 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park

The Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture is a historic museum on the site of the former Wells’Built Hotel, operated by Dr. William Monroe Wells during the Green Book era—it served as a home away from home for Black performers on the road during the era of segregation. It showcases memorabilia from Orlando’s African-American community and displays on the Civil Rights movement, along with African art and artifacts.

In 2000, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The details: Open Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm and the second weekend of every month, 511 W. South St., Orlando