This weekend, Jackson will celebrate Juneteenth with a parade, live music, fireworks and more to commemorate the June day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the U.S. were freed.
Juneteenth was made a federal holiday last year and will be observed this year on Monday making this a three-day weekend to celebrate your freedom.
We’ve rounded up some of the weekend’s best entertainment events in Jackson and beyond, both Juneteenth-related and not, to help you plan your weekend.
Related:Jackson celebrates Juneteenth this weekend with numerous events, check out this schedule
Previously:Jackson to hold 6th Annual Juneteenth festival in downtown Jackson despite no vote by city
Celebrate the first-ever Juneteenth parade in Jackson with a lineup of fun events exotic animal shows, food, drinks and more.
When: Saturday, June 18
Where: Downtown Jackson Partners, 210 E. Capitol St., Jackson
Admission: Parade entry is free.
Time: 1 p.m.
Fees: Pop up Entry Fee – $75; All Festival events – $1
The Ray E. Foundation will host its annual full day of entertainment at the Juneteenth Parade in Hattiesburg.
When: Parade is 9 a.m. Saturday, June 18, but the celebration last through Monday, June 20
Where: Vernon Dahmer Park 1000 Country Club Road, Hattiesburg
Admission: Parade entry is free. You can make donations here to the foundation.
Time: Line up for Saturday parade begins at 7:30 a.m. Parade rolls at 9 a.m. Saturday.
The parade route will be supported by the Hattiesburg Police Department and take the following route: Left on Mobile Street, a right on Buschman Street, a left on Walnut Street, a right on Southern Avenue, a left on Dabbs Street, a right on Katie Avenue, a left on MLK Boulevard, a right on Breland Avenue, a right on JC Killingsworth Drive, a left on Country Club Road and ending at Vernon Dahmer Park.
Jacksonian’s can support local black artists, hear live poetry and more at this virtual event via zoom.
When: Saturday, June 18
Where: In Jackson via zoom link. (Link will be given out here the day of event)
Admission: $5 to $10
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Purchase Tickets Here for vendor opportunities.
Families and friends can celebrate summer at this family event filled with fun outdoor activities.
When: Saturday, June 18
Where: Jamie Fowler Boyll Park 1398 Lakeland Dr., Jackson
Admission: General Admission Free
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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The Literacy Garden hosts its “Know to Grow” event every Saturday this month for children to learn about health, reading, science and the natural world.
When: Saturday, June 18
Where: Mississippi Children’s Museum, 2145 Museum Blvd., Jackson
Admission: General admission is $10; tickets available at mschildrensmuseum.org
Time: 10 a.m. to 10:30 am
Children and teenagers can come out and enjoy a doughnut with dad while spending time together.
When: Sunday, June 19
Where: Brandon First United Methodist, 205 Mary Ann Dr., Brandon
Admission: Free
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Parents can bring their little ones to the Mississippi Children’s Museum for a day of fun-filled painting, coloring and drawing every Sunday.
When: Sunday, June 19
Where: Mississippi Children’s Museum, 2145 Museum Blvd., Jackson
Admission: General Admission $10; tickets available at mschildrensmuseum.org
Time: 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Reporter Kiara Fleming can be reached via email [email protected]. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ki_dajournalist
