Celebrations, Juneteenth, Missouri

Kansas/Missouri Regional Juneteenth Calendar of Events

Communities across the Midwest, in small and large cities alike, have planned great celebrations of this day. Here is a list of activities we’ve found within the region.

Originally Published on The Community Voice

Juneteenth is great fun for families and all, with food, vendors, music, culture and lots of pride.

Across the country, African-American communities across the country will celebrate “OUR” Freedom Day, Juneteenth, recognizing the ongoing struggle while celebrating the enduring contributions of African Americans.

Communities across the Midwest, in small and large cities alike, have planned great celebrations of this day. Here is a list of activities we’ve found within the region. Consider getting out and exploring the great things other communities have to offer.

Wichita

A $5 arm band is required for all Wichita activities

Fri., Jun 17, McAdams Park, 6-9 pm, Sounds of JuneteenthICT: 6:30 pm – African Drumming, 7 pm – Father’s Day Recognition, 7:30 pm – Rudy Love & The Encore

Sat. Jun 18, McAdams Park, 10 am – 9 pm JuneteenthICT Park Celebration: 8 am, Carl Brewer Cookoff; 8 am, Annual Wichita Athletics Track Club Jubilee 2-mile walk/run; 11:30 am, Park & Vendors open; 11:30 am – 4 pm, Kid’s Corner; 11:30 am – 4 pm, Health Village; 12:05 – 12:20 pm, 3 Keys Fitness; 1-2 pm, State of the Youth; 3 pm, Brewer Cookoff Awards Ceremony; 6:30 – 9 pm, music by Nostalgia, Robert Banks & Positive Productions

Sun: Jun 18, McAdams Park: 6 – 7:30 pm, JuneteenthICT Gospelfest

Mon. Jun 19, McAdams Park: 6-9 pm:,JuneteenthICT featuring Blakkfist & LV featuring Jewels

Junction City

Sat., Jun. 17, Heritage Park: 1-9 pm, Juneteenth Festival: A family Fun-filled day with Music Festival, Presentations, Vendors, Food, Kids Zone, Games, Dominoes & Spades Tournament

Manhattan

Thru June 14, Downtown Art Walk: Downtown businesses are the host locations for the 2nd annual Juneteenth Art Walk. The community is welcome to stroll the district and view art created by local artists. The theme this year is: “And Still We Rise: Strong, Loud and Proud.”

Thur., Jun. 15, Douglass Activity Center, 6 pm, Music and Art: An Evening with Nate McClendon Mixer and Live Auction of art featured in the art walk.

Fri., Jun. 16, City Park, 7 pm, Juneteenth Soul Jam Cook-off Competition. $5 tasting kits.

7 – 9 pm, Juneteenth Soul Jam: Featuring Grammy nominated, award winning, hit maker of “Kissing You” Keith Washington with Master of Ceremony, Mister Gary, Doctor DJ, the J Love Band, vendors and food trucks.

Sat., Jun. 17, Douglass Center Park or Yuma Park: Juneteenth 5K Fun Run, Zumba, 8 am; Yoga, 9am; Mayor’s Proclamation, 10 am; Manhattan Juneteenth Unity Walk, 11am; Community Festival, 11am – 2pm with photo booth, live DJ, dancing, Juneteenth Kids Zone, bouncy house, prizes, 3 on 3 BB, competitions, Juneteenth Youth Book give-away, vendors, food trucks

7 – 9 pm, City Park, Kyla Jade in concert: Coming back to Kansas for the Manhattan Kansas Juneteenth after taking the music industry by storm as a part of Team Blake on Season 14 of the Voice with her unique blend of Jazz, R&B, and Gospel.

Kansas City Area

Overland Park, Sat., Jun 10, 10 am, Juneteenth at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave. This family-friendly event, built with community partners, provides an opportunity to honor the history and celebrate Juneteenth with art, music, food, and more!

Prairie Village, Sat. June 17, 4 – 7 pm, 3^rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, Harmon Park, W 77th & Delmar St. Celebration will feature an essay contest for middle & high school students, a poster contest for elementary students, inflatable bounce houses, face painting, crafts, games and more. We will have a program filled with city impactors, influencers and artists. Music and headliner will be the Funk Syndicate Band.

Lawrence, Sat., Jun. 17, 8 am, Juneteenth 2023, South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St.. A Juneteenth multicultural celebration that emphasizes education, family, and community.

Kansas City, KS, Sat., June 17, 10 a.m. Third Annual Juneteenth Parade. Starts at 5th and Rowland ends at 5th and Everett. For donations and participation contact jnthedotte@gmail.com

Leavenworth, Sat., Jun. 17, 6 pm, Juneteenth Twilight Parade & Festival, Haymarket Event Center, 618 Cherokee. Hosted by the Leavenworth County NAACP, with live music, games, vendors, food, and fun. Parade will start at dusk.

Olathe, Mon., Jun 19, 10 am – 4 pm, Juneteenth Celebration, Olathe Indian Creek Library, 16100 W 135^th. Schedule of Events: 10 am, Family Storytime; 11 am. (repeats at 1 pm) Historical Figure Portrayal, David Page, early Black Olathe resident; 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Jadabay’s Tasty Kitchen Food truck on-site; 1:30 pm, Family Storytime; 3 – 4 pm, How the Word is Passed Discussion; 3 – 4 pm, Children’s Craft.