A blending of the words “June” and “nineteenth”, Juneteenth commemorates the day Union Army Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people of their freedom. Also referred to as Emancipation Day, the June 19 announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Granger’s order helped enforce emancipation in Texas, marking a pivotal moment in ending slavery in the U.S.
Juneteenth was born from this moment, annually commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Texas was the first state to declare it an official holiday in 1980. Despite its historical significance, Juneteenth wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
Here in the Coastal Bend, local organizations have been honoring Juneteenth all month long with a wide range of events, and there’s still time to join the celebration. From rooftop parties and museum nights to a three-day festival, here’s how you can celebrate Juneteenth in Corpus Christi.
June 19th
2025 NAACP Community Luncheon
The Corpus Christi Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People continues its Juneteenth celebrations with a community luncheon at the Oveal Williams Senior Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 19. The event is free and open to the public; however, an RSVP is required as there will be limited seating. 1441 Martin Luther King Jr Dr
June 19th
Kendra Gives Back – Juneteenth
The Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education Corpus Christi (TABPHE-CC) has partnered with Kendra Scott for a special Kendra Gives Back event from 4-6 p.m. on June 19. Shoppers can enjoy drinks and treats while shopping the latest jewelry trends at the La Palmera location. 20% of all purchases will be donated to TABPHE-CC. Can’t make the event in person? Shop online to support the cause and use code GIVEBACK-JMJIT at checkout. 5488 S Padre Island Dr #1154
June 19
One Day Never: Act II
In celebration of Juneteenth, local artist, event organizer and Corpus Christi Poet Lauterette Kiya Vance brings a multi-sensory experience to the Art Museum of South Texas’s Third Thursday event on June 19. Starting at 7 p.m., join Vance in the H-E-B Theatre for seven new song additions to his latest album, One Day, Never, along with original art pieces in a pop-up exhibition, immersive visuals, live reinterpretation by Moon Jazz, performances from Kalesi and Alexis Torres and more. This event is free to attend and open to the public.
June 19
Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce Juneteenth Celebration
Join the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce for a rooftop party at Retro from 6-9 p.m. on June 19. With sounds provided by DJ Papi Mix, enjoy a cash bar, good music and great views. There is a $15 entry fee at the door, and table reservations are limited. 326 N Chaparral St.
June 20th – 22nd
2025 Coastal Bend Juneteenth Festival
TABPHE-Corpus Christi has been organizing the annual Coastal Bend Juneteenth Festival since it took over in 2019. This year, the festival has been expanded to three full days. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food trucks, exhibitions from cultural and social organizations and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
Starting Friday, June 20, the community is invited to Water’s Edge Park from 5-10 p.m. for Southern Soul Night featuring Southern Soul Viral Line Dance Sensation Tonio Armani, along with music provided by DJ Audeo and a performance from Tasha Jackson.
Head back to the park on Saturday, June 21, from 3-10 p.m. for a full lineup of entertainment including DJ Audeo, The Revalution, The Bayou City Brass Band and Hip-Hop legend from Houston, Texas, Z-Ro. Comedian Grossman will keep the crowd engaged throughout the evening as the Master of Ceremonies.
The festival wraps up on June 22 with the Sunday Family Funday from 4-8 p.m. DJ Audeo and Comedian Grossman return to the stage and welcome Grammy-nominated R&B star, Carl Thomas, and local icon Claudia Melton. The 16th Annual Spirit of Emancipation Youth Art Poster Contest winners will also be announced on Sunday.
Plus, don’t forget to stop by the Wealth & Wellness Pavilion, where you’ll find tables with health-focused programming–an important component to TABPHE’s events and messaging–such as free mammogram examinations, CPR demonstrations, diabetic drug screenings and more. The entire three-day festival is free and open to the community. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets and mosquito spray! VIP experience tickets are available for purchase online. Water’s Edge Park, 602 S Shoreline Blvd.
June 22
John Wesley Saloon Hillcrest Celebration
From 2-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, join the community for an afternoon celebrating freedom, unity and culture at Hillcrest Park. Special guest speaker Guy Nickelson will bless the event and speak to the importance of Juneteenth and Black history in Corpus Christi. Plus, don’t miss performances from Reno Perez and the Band, DJ Bama, Jomaire, Family Affair and more. Food trucks and local vendors will also be present. 2526 Nueces St.
June 29
NAACP Ministries Alliance Gospel Concert
The Corpus Christi NAACP chapter wraps its Juneteenth programming on June 29 with a gospel concert featuring a special guest from Houston, Texas, the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Music Ministry. Led by pastor Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, all are welcome to share in fellowship from 6-9 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church. 5445 Greenwood Dr
