Juneteenth in Tri‑Cities

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.

Today, Juneteenth Tri-Cities is the longest-running Juneteenth celebration program in Washington State. Since 1977, the Tri-Cities community has come together to honor Juneteenth and celebrate freedom, culture, and unity. What began as an annual picnic organized by families who had relocated from Texas to Kurtzman Park in Pasco has grown into a week-long celebration featuring multiple community events, including the Day of Service, educational programs, entertainment, and the annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival.

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.’”

Note: Event times and details are subject to change. Visit the official Tri-Cities Juneteenth Committee website for the latest updates, registration information, volunteer opportunities, and vendor applications.

Visit the Official Juneteenth Committee Website

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, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Location: Chiawana High School | 8125 W Argent Rd, Pasco, WA 99301
Admission: Varies
More Information: JuneteenthTCWA.org

Family Skate Night

Bring the family for an evening of skating and community fun as part of the Tri-Cities Juneteenth celebration.

Date & Time: June 14, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Rollarena | 849 Stevens Dr, Richland, WA 99354
Admission: First 150 skaters free with traditional skates. Inline skates are an additional $2.
More Information: JuneteenthTCWA.org

Juneteenth Adult Bowling Night

Join the community for an evening of bowling, fellowship, and celebration. Bowling is $20 per person and includes shoes, one lane for up to four people, one pizza, and two pitchers of soda.

Date & Time: June 17, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Spare Time Lanes | 711 W Vineyard St, Kennewick, WA 99336
Admission: $20 per person
Register: JuneteenthTCWA.org

Adult Skate Night

Adults can enjoy an evening of skating, music, prizes, and community celebration featuring DJ Prota-C.

Date & Time: June 18, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Rollarena | 849 Stevens Dr, Richland, WA 99354
Admission: $10 per person
More Information: JuneteenthTCWA.org

Day of Service

Celebrate Juneteenth by giving back to the community. Services include free clothing, food distribution, free haircuts, and community resource booths.

Date & Time: June 19, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Kurtzman Park | 331 S Wehe Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Admission: Free
More Information: JuneteenthTCWA.org

Juneteenth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

Teams from around the region will compete in this annual Juneteenth basketball tournament. Games will take place at Kurtzman Park, the MLK Center Gym, the Kurtzman Park basketball court, and street play on Beech and Alton.

Date & Time: June 20, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.
Location: Kurtzman Park, MLK Center Gym & Outdoor Courts | 331 S Wehe Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Admission: Free to spectators
More Information: Juneteenth 3 v 3 Basketball Facebook Event

Juneteenth Parade & Festival

Experience the annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival featuring vendors, kids games, information booths, food, entertainment, and community celebration.

Date & Time: June 20, 2026
– Check-In & Lineup: 10:00 a.m.
– Parade Begins: 11:00 a.m.
– Festival Begins: 12:00 p.m.
Parade Start: Virgie Robinson Elementary School | 125 S Wehe Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Festival Location: Kurtzman Park | 331 S Wehe Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Admission: Free
Website: JuneteenthTCWA.org

Parade Route: The parade begins at Virgie Robinson Elementary School, travels east on Lewis Street, south on Elm Street, west on A Street, and north on Wehe Avenue before returning to the starting point.

Grand Marshal: Mr. Nick Thomas

Kurtzman Park Festival Map

After the parade, continue the celebration at Kurtzman Park. The festival features live entertainment on the main stage, food trucks, community organizations, local vendors, youth activities, a dance floor, and the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

• Main Stage Entertainment
• Vendor Marketplace
• Food Truck Row
• Youth Game Area
• Community Picnic Area
• Information Booths
• Community Organizations & Resources
• Basketball Tournament
• Water Stations & First Aid

Traffic Notice: Portions of Wehe Avenue and Alton Street surrounding Kurtzman Park will be closed during the event.

Gospel Celebration

Gather for an uplifting evening of gospel music and community fellowship featuring Rosalynn Jones. Food will be available for purchase, and attendees are encouraged to bring seating.

Date & Time: June 21, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
Location: Kurtzman Park | 331 S Wehe Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Admission: Free
More Information: JuneteenthTCWA.org

Juneteenth Journey of Freedom

Explore the history and significance of Juneteenth through this educational community event hosted at the CBC Planetarium.

Date & Time: June 26, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Location: CBC Planetarium | 2600 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Admission: Free
More Information: JuneteenthTCWA.org

Everyone is invited to join in the Tri-Cities Juneteenth celebrations and help honor freedom, culture, and community.

Interested in volunteering, becoming a vendor, or supporting the event with resources and information? Contact Juneteenth Committee Director Irving Brown Sr. at juneteenthcommitteetricitieswa@gmail.com.

For the latest event updates, schedules, volunteer opportunities, vendor registration, and additional celebration details, visit JuneteenthTCWA.org.

You can also follow the Tri-Cities Juneteenth Community Council on Facebook for announcements, photos, and community updates throughout the year.