There are a few ways to celebrate the holiday in Tucson, which marks when the last enslaved Black people in the United States learned they were free on June 19, 1865. The holiday became an official government holiday in 2021 and cities all around have been hosting pop-up celebrations.
This year, there’s going to be a day-long festival a couple of days before the holiday, artsy hangouts with cocktails, food trucks, a cookout, and a Juneteenth Jam at Hotel Congress.
Tucson Juneteenth Festival at Kino Sports Complex
Saturday, June 17
2500 E. Ajo Way
Presented by the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, this event will be taking place at the Kino Sports Complex from 1 – 9 p.m. Admission is free and there’s going to be historical presentations and exhibits, music and dance, arts and crafts, a car show, and food vendors.
For more information, head over to tucsonjune19.org.
Juneteenth Jam at Hotel Congress
Saturday, June 17
311 E. Congress St.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, Blax Friday and the Hotel Congress present Juneteenth Jam, featuring Prime Society, Dj Impeccable, Natho Lotus, and an after-party DJ set by Fat Tony. It’s for all ages before 10 p.m. and 21 and over after that. Tickets are $10 per person (presale) and $15 at the door.
“Attendees can celebrate freedom and community throughout the night with live music.”
Save your ticket and show it at the Juneteenth Market on Sunday, June 18 at 2 p.m. at The Carriage House to be entered into a raffle for a free hotel night at the Downtown Clifton.
For more information, visit dice.fm.
Juneteenth Market at The Carriage House
Sunday, June 18
125 S. Arizona Ave.
As mentioned just a few lines ago, save your ticket and show it at the Juneteenth Market on Sunday, June 18 at 2 p.m. at The Carriage House to be entered into a raffle for a free hotel night at the Downtown Clifton. The event will take place until 6 p.m. at 125 S. Arizona Ave.
More than 15 Black-owned businesses will be set up and offering their crafts, services, and more.
For more information, follow Blax Friday on Instagram.
‘Cocktails, Mocktails & Art’ at Fullylove’s
Monday, June 19
994 E. University Blvd.
The restaurant on Main Gate Square is hosting its “Cocktails, Mocktails & Art” class at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 19. Aside from the art, they’ll be serving the comfort food many have grown fond of on University Boulevard. Read our recent article “Fullylove’s Come for the Food, Stay for the Vibes.”
For more information, follow Fullylove’s on Instagram.
Stay in the Tucson Foodie Loop
Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
