Levitt Pavilion Dayton
Downtown Dayton’s Levitt Pavilion leads the way with its third annual Juneteenth event on Thursday, June 19. Pre-event programming will take place at 5 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.
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 fourth annual Juneteenth Music Festival on Sunday, June 15, from 4 to 9 p.m. Performances include Proclamation, Black National Anthem, Dance Group, Gemstone, DJ Oscar, and Soul Pocket. 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.
Juneteenth at the Dayton Metro Library
From educational programs and storytimes 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 7 from 2-4 p.m. at Southeast Branch - Juneteenth: 12 Years a Slave
- June 11 from 10-11 a.m. at Northwest Branch - Coloring for Adults
- June 14 from 2-4 p.m. at Southeast Branch - Juneteenth: Selma
- June 16 from 7-8 p.m. at Northwest Branch - African American Genealogy
- June 17 from 3-5 p.m. at Southeast Branch - Teen DIY: Juneteenth
- June 17 from 6-7 p.m. at Trotwood Branch - Juneteenth Paper Freedom Quilt
- June 17 from 7-8:15 p.m. at Northwest Branch - A Juneteenth Discussion
- June 21 from 2-4 p.m. at Southeast Branch - Juneteenth: The Hate U Give
Visit the 2nd Street Market
If you're looking for a more relaxing evening, you might check out Sunset at the Market. On Thursday, June 19th, you can stroll 2nd Street Market after hours from 5-8 p.m., enjoying delicious local eats, unique artisan shopping and live entertainment! It's FREE and family-friendly - bring your crew and make it a new summer tradition!
Other Ways to Celebrate
Step inside the preserved 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 visit here adds 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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