Levitt Pavilion Dayton
Downtown Dayton’s Levitt Pavilion leads the way with its third annual Juneteenth event on Friday, June 19. Pre-show celebrations will take place at 4:45 p.m. featuring “Boots on the Ground” a tribute to culture and heritage through soul southern line dancing. The official event will kick off at 6 p.m. with a commemoration of Juneteenth.” Get more details about the festivities at the Levitt Pavilion Dayton website.
Dayton Black Rodeo
Celebrate Juneteenth at Dayton's first Black Rodeo event! Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Dayton Black Rodeo happening on June 20th from 12 p.m. - 12 a.m. at Welcome Stadium (1601 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton, OH 45417).
Enjoy a full day of excitement and entertainment for all ages, including the thrilling rodeo performance, live concert, trail ride and field dance, carnival attractions, and petting zoo. Guests can also explore a variety of local vendors and food trucks throughout the day. Come out and celebrate culture, community, and high-energy rodeo action all in one place!
Juneteenth Music Festival in Huber Heights
The Eichelberger Amphitheater in Huber Heights (located near the Huber Heights YMCA and Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights) will host the fifth annual Juneteenth Music Festival on Saturday, June 20, from 4 to 9 p.m. Performances include Soul Pocket and Ric Sexton, with sounds by DJ Oscar. Several Black-owned food trucks will serve a variety of soul food cuisine, and Black-owned business vendors will also be on hand. Parking and admission are FREE. More information can be found at the Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce website.
A Dunbar Juneteenth
Experience the powerful legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar at A Dunbar Juneteenth, presented by The Love of Dunbar Collective on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m.
This virtual event invites audiences on a soulful journey through some of Dunbar's lesser-known poetic prose, accompanied by reflections before and after the readings. Hosted on Zoom, the program offers a unique opportunity to connect with the voice of one of Dayton's most influential literary figures. Dunbar's work explored themes of resilience, identity, faith, and social justice which helped shape American literature and continues to inspire generations of writers and readers today.
This free event is open to all. Learn more and register at www.LoveOfDunbar.com.
Juneteenth at the Dayton Metro Library
From educational programs and story times to art workshops and community celebrations, Juneteenth is a fantastic opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate freedom, culture, and resilience! Check out the schedule of events at various locations below:
- June 13 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Trotwood Branch - Dianne Coble Juneteenth Celebration
- June 15 from 3-5 p.m. at Southeast Branch - Juneteenth Flag Scavenger Hunt Puzzle
- June 18 from 4-5 p.m. at West Branch - Juneteenth Jubilee
- June 18 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Trotwood Branch - Juneteenth Bingo and a Craft
- June 25 from 6-7 p.m. at West Branch - Juneteenth Fashion Show
- June 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Northwest Branch - Through His Lens II: The Edward B. Taylor Collection
Visit the 2nd Street Market
Celebrate Juneteenth with live music at 2nd Street Market as the Musicians - DC Ensemble take the stage on Saturday, June 20th, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
This talented group of individuals from various churches and backgrounds, will fill the market with uplifting gospel music, and create a soulful atmosphere for visitors.
While you enjoy the performance, explore the market's selection of local vendors, savor delicious eats, and shop unique artisan goods! This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate culture, community, and the spirit of Juneteenth in Dayton.
Other Ways to Celebrate
Step inside the newly renovated home of Paul Laurence Dunbar — Dayton native, poet, novelist, and trailblazing African American literary voice. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House, part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, offers guided tours that bring to life Dunbar’s incredible story and legacy.
A recent $700,000 restoration project carefully addressed structural needs and foundation stabilization while preserving the home's historic exterior. Today, a visit provides important context to the resilience, creativity, and impact of African American voices.
Or, visit National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in nearby Wilberforce. The museum proudly houses one of the largest collections of Afro-American materials in the country — including over 10,000 artifacts and works of art, 350 manuscript collections, and thousands of photographs. It is also home to the largest known collection of artifacts belonging to Brigadier General Charles Young, the first African American superintendent of a U.S. National Park and a trailblazing military leader.
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