Juneteenth 2025 in Northeast Ohio: Where to Celebrate Freedom and Culture This Year

WCTU CLEVELAND 13 — As Juneteenth 2025 approaches, communities across Northeast Ohio are coming together to honor the historic day that marked the end of slavery in the United States. From vibrant festivals and concerts to educational walking tours and soulful food experiences, there are dozens of events planned that highlight Black history, resilience, creativity, and joy.

Here's your ultimate guide to Juneteenth celebrations across the region:

🌟 CLEVELAND AREA EVENTS

🏙️ MetroHealth Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest

📅 Saturday, June 14🕛 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Mall C, Downtown Cleveland

What to Expect: A daylong celebration with live music, Soul Food Row, a Black-owned vendor village, family games, cultural performances, and more. One of the city’s largest Juneteenth events.🔗 More Info →

🎭 Cleveland Heights Juneteenth Celebration at Cain Park

📅 Saturday, June 14🕚 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Festival) | 🎶 8:00 PM (Concert)

📍 Cain Park, Cleveland Heights

What to Expect: African drumming, spoken word, dance workshops, storytelling, and a free concert by Djapo Cultural Arts during “A Night of Unity.”🔗 More Info →

🚶‍♂️ Network to Freedom Walking Tour – Lake View Cemetery

📅 Thursday, June 19🕥 10:30 AM

📍 Lake View Cemetery

What to Expect: A guided historical tour spotlighting key abolitionists and figures connected to the Underground Railroad buried in the cemetery.🔗 More Info →

🎤 University Heights Juneteenth Celebration

📅 Saturday, June 21🕐 1:30 PM – 8:30 PM

📍 University Heights. Walter Stinson Community Park

What to Expect: A full day of performances, live music, dance, poetry, fitness, a youth talent show, and food vendors.🔗 More Info →

AKRON AREA EVENTS

🎉 Downtown Akron Juneteenth Celebration

📅 Sunday, June 1🕛 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Lock 3, Downtown Akron

What to Expect: Storytelling, African dance, crafts, vendors, music, and community celebration.🔗 More Info →

🥁 Akron Juneteenth Festival & West Akron Parade

📅 Saturday, June 21🕛 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

📍 Buchtel Community Learning Center, 1040 Copley Rd

What to Expect: A community parade and cultural festival celebrating Black history and local voices.🔗 More Info →

🏞️ Summit Lake Community Center Juneteenth Gathering

📅 Thursday, June 19🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Summit Lake Community Center, 380 W. Crosier St.

What to Expect: Family activities, food, music, and educational booths in a lakeside setting.🔗 More Info →

🎤 YOUNGSTOWN AREA EVENTS

🌍 Youngstown Juneteenth Weeklong Celebration

📅 June 15 – June 22

📍 Wean Park & 229 E. Front St.

What to Expect: A full week of events including a Soulfood Cook-Off, talent showcases, and cultural celebrations.🔗 More Info →

🎶 5th Annual Youngstown Juneteenth Cultural Festival

📅 Saturday, June 21 & Sunday, June 22🕛 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Wean Park, Downtown Youngstown🎉

What to Expect: Vendors, food trucks, RhymeFest, and music celebrating freedom and local artistry.🔗 More Info →