New federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves. The holiday originated in Galveston, TX, where it took more than news years for news of emancipation to reach. It has been celebrated annually on June 19th in various parts of the United States since 1866.  Looking for ways to celebrate? Here are some wonderful options around Middle TN!

Acclaimed Houston chef Jonny Rhodes will make The Catbird Seat his home this week in celebration of Juneteenth. Known most recently for his critically-acclaimed neo-soul food restaurant Indigo, Rhodes will share his talent with their team for one special night.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Regal’s mini film festival featuring $5 tickets to the below movies! Showtimes available 6/18 – 6/24 at Regal Opry Mills and Regal Hollywood theaters.

A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami.

A former beauty queen and single mom prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for the “Miss Juneteenth” pageant.

On June 18th, 2021, The Franklin Justice and Equity Coalition, and its Community Partners will start the Juneteenth Weekend with a Formal Celebration. This event will be hosted by the Franklin Battle and Trust, and Sponsored by Uncle Nearest Whiskey, Big Shake’s Hot Chicken, and Big Love’s Smokes. Come enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, and a unique celebration powered by The FJEC. Uncle Nearest will prepare 2 Signature drinks with the ticket purchase, and a buffet style dinner from Big Shake’s with all the fixings!! Let’s start the 2021 Juneteenth Weekend in style, with the Inaugural Juneteenth Gala!

Freedom Day Bike Ride in Nashville TN! The groups Black Girls Do Bike, Bike For Equality and Oasis Bike Workshop bringing a ride to the community to embrace African American culture in the city! Bike checks and giveaways at the ride along with free lunch being given to all registered attendees.

NMAAM welcomes the city of Nashville to join them for this family-friendly outdoor event, featuring live music performances, local vendors and community partners, with food available at the Fifth + Broadway Assembly Hall. The event will take place on the rooftop of Fifth + Broadway and is free and open to the public from 11am – 4pm CST.

Celebrate Black History at Plaza Mariachi’s Juneteenth celebration this year! we will have incredible Blues, Soul, R&B, and Reggae entertainment, amazing food & drinks, dancing and so much more!

Join Tennessee State Museum for a specialized tour experience that focuses on Tennessee’s African American history. The 45-minute tour will highlight the diverse culture of African Americans, while aiming to acknowledge the oppression they faced from various forces in Tennessee’s history. This free tour meets at the information desk on the first floor. Visitors who wish to join the tour are required to sign up at the Visitors Desk when arriving at the Museum. The tour space is limited and is first-come, first-serve.

On Saturday, June 19th, Nashville Zoo will officially open their new history feature, the Morton Family Exhibit. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the cabin located just behind the Zoo’s Grassmere Historic Home. June 19th, also known as “Juneteenth”, commemorates the official end of slavery in the United States. The Zoo worked with the relatives of Frank Morton, a 1900’s tenant farmer who lived on the Grassmere property, to refurbish the cabin and install interpretive panels that help tell the story of Frank and his family’s contributions to the Grassmere property.

The Frist Art Museum will mark Juneteenth—Saturday, June 19—with free art-making activities in the Turner Courtyard and a free on-site viewing of N2020: Community Reflections in the auditorium. N2020: Community Reflections was guest curated by Woke3, an influential muralist and founder of Norf Art Collective. Conceived as an online exhibition, it debuted at FristArtMuseum.org on March 3, the one-year anniversary of the brutal tornado that devastated North Nashville and other areas of the city.

Juneteenth615 is Nashville’s celebration the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth615, in conjunction with the African American Cultural Alliance, will host Taste of Freedom, where Nashville’s coolest food trucks band together in the name Freedom. We will hold a Proclamation Ceremony at historic Fort Negley Park, that will include a family/community gathering with libations, performance art and history. It will be a time for reflection and rejoicing.