Join a vibrant celebration of African American culture and history at the 55th Annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival. The event will take place at Kino Sports Complex from 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at 2500 E. Ajo Way. This event honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and showcases local culture through music, food, and community engagement.
Organizers encourage everyone to bring the whole family. The event features live entertainment, a car show, retail and job vendors, a kid zone, free toys, and food trucks. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Note that there will be a 100% ID check for alcohol purchases and a clear bag policy in effect.
Mouthwatering Local Cuisine
This year’s food offerings reflect the rich culinary heritage of the Southwest and African Diaspora. Expect a mix of barbecue, Ethiopian, Indigenous, and Jamaican dishes.
Featured vendors include:
- BlackJack Citrus Infusions
- Nightlingers Catering, LLC
- Willy’s Philly’s
- Biggie Boy BBQ
- Mama Carey’s Catering
- Maui Wowi of Tucson
- Kettlelicious Kettle Corn
- CP’s Wings
- Cody Coyote Kettlecorn
- O’odham Frybread
- Sweets Cakes & Treats
- King Zulu’s Jamaican Food
- On The Fly Kitchen
- Ry’s Snacks
- So Flavorful LLC by Rose
- Rolls 2 Go
- Dhae Ja Vu Catering LLC
- Lela Campbell-Pre mixed Drinks
- Señor Romero Limonadas
- Cinnaholic Tucson
More Events in June
While the main festival is on June 14, Tucson celebrates Juneteenth throughout the month with special events:
- June 4: Let’s Talk About Juneteenth at Dunbar Pavilion
- June 7: Kickin’ Off Juneteenth at UA Fellowship Auditorium
- June 8: Gospel Jubilee at Pima Community College West
- June 11: Black Womanhood Unfiltered at Loft Cinema
- June 19: Freedom of Community at The Drawing Studio
- June 21: How I Got Over! at SAACA’s CATALYST in the Tucson Mall
Get Involved
Visit TucsonJune19.org for more information and to become a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
