Juneteenth in Tri‑Cities
Celebrate freedom and community at the longest-running Juneteenth celebration program in Washington state!
Juneteenth, also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day," commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves and is now a federal holiday in the United States.
The name combines "June" and "nineteenth," marking the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of enslaved African Americans. This announcement enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. The first Juneteenth celebration occurred in 1866 with festivities, food, and spiritual readings. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated globally and became a national holiday in the U.S. in 2021.
Juneteenth in the Tri-Cities
Today, Juneteenth Tri-Cities is the longest running celebration program in the State of Washington! The Tri-Cities has celebrated Juneteenth for over 47 years. In 1977, a group of families, transplants here from Texas, celebrated the occasion with an annual picnic celebration in Kurtzman Park in Pasco. From its small roots as a picnic, Juneteenth in the Tri-Cities now includes multiple events that span the week of the holiday, including a Day of Service at Kurtzman Park.
The Day of Service means a lot to Juneteenth Tri-Cities Committee Director Irving Brown, Sr., as it’s the same day as Freedom Day: “I call it when the ‘Great Release’ happened, and we are celebrating and giving back.” He encourages those with resources, contacts, or special skills to contact him to sign up and get involved. “I like to say, ‘Get in where you fit in.’”
2025 Juneteenth Events
Join the Juneteenth celebrations from Friday, June 13th, to Saturday, June 28th, 2025. We hope to see you there!
Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program
The Miss Juneteenth scholarship program aims to uplift young African American women, instill confidence and a sense of belonging, and support them in reaching their full potential.
Date & Time: June 13, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.
Location: Chiawana High School | 8125 W Argent Rd, Pasco, WA 99301
Juneteenth Festival
Experience the annual Juneteenth Festival with a parade and celebration in Kurtzman Park. Come enjoy family-friendly activities, food, music, and community unity.
Date & Time: June 14, 2025
– Parade begins at 11:00 a.m.
– Festival begins at 12:00 p.m.
Location: Kurtzman Park | 331 S Wehe Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Admission: Free
Juneteenth Citrus Party
Dance the night away at the Juneteenth Citrus Party! Enjoy music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Date & Time: June 14, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Location: 8524 W. Gage Blvd #130, Kennewick, WA 99336
Admission: Ticketed Event — $40 Single / $75 Couple
Day of Service / Skate Party
Juneteenth is a time of celebration and giving back. Participate in the Day of Service, then head over to the Rollarena for a community skate party.
Date: June 19, 2025
Locations:
– Day of Service: Kurtzman Park | 331 S Wehe Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Activities include a clothing drive, mental health resources, food boxes, and free haircuts.
– Skate Party: Rollarena | Richland, WA
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Ages 12 and under)
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Ages 13 and up)
Admission: Free
Juneteenth Gospel Celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth with a powerful Gospel concert featuring Crystal Aikin.
Date & Time: June 22, 2025 | 5:00 p.m.
Location: Kurtzman Park | 331 S. Wehe Ave., Pasco, WA 99301
Admission: Free
Juneteenth Celebration: Vibe Bingo
Join the Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council in the ultimate Vibe Bingo event! This Juneteenth celebration combines Hip Hop and R&B tunes with fun bingo prizes. Onsite food and drinks will be available! Don't miss this 21+ event.
Date & Time: June 28, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Holiday Inn Express & Suites | 4525 Convention Place, Pasco, WA 99301
How to Get Involved
All are invited and encouraged to join in the Juneteenth celebrations!
Those who want to get involved to support with resources or information can contact Juneteenth’s Committee Director, Irving Brown Sr. directly at juneteenthcommitteetricitieswa@gmail.com.
Want to learn more? Check out Tri-Cities Juneteenth Community Council on Facebook here.
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