Each year on June 19, communities across the country celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Over time, Juneteenth grew into a celebration of freedom, resilience, culture, and community, and in 2021 it was officially recognized as a federal holiday.
While Juneteenth celebrations take place nationwide, the Kansas City region has developed a strong tradition of commemorating the holiday through festivals, educational programs, service projects, local businesses, museums, and cultural events. From Overland Park to Kansas City there are many opportunities to connect with the history of the holiday while celebrating the people, organizations, and traditions that continue to shape our region.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly events, museums to explore, local businesses to discover, or ways to get involved, here are a few ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Kansas City.
Discover Black-Owned Businesses Across Kansas City
One of the best ways to experience the diversity and creativity of the Kansas City region is by exploring local businesses.
Kansas City is home to hundreds of Black-owned restaurants, shops, service providers, creative businesses, and entrepreneurs who help shape the culture and economy of our region every day.
A great resource is KC Black Owned, which maintains a directory of Black-owned businesses throughout the Kansas City metro. Their website makes it easy to discover businesses you may not have known about and encourages residents to shop locally throughout the year.
Juneteenth can be a great reminder that supporting local businesses isn’t just something we do during a holiday. It’s something that helps communities thrive every day.
Explore Local Museums and Exhibits
Juneteenth can also be an opportunity to visit museums and exhibits that help tell the stories of the people, communities, and events that have shaped our region.
Redlined: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation
Located at the Johnson County Museum, the Redlined exhibit explores the history of housing discrimination and segregation in Johnson County and throughout the Kansas City region. Through personal stories, historical documents, and interactive displays, visitors gain a deeper understanding of how past policies continue to influence communities today.
The Black Archives of Mid-America
Located in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District. The Black Archives preserves and shares the history of African Americans in Kansas City and the surrounding region through exhibits, collections, and educational programming.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
One of Kansas City’s most celebrated cultural institutions. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum highlights the athletes, teams, and stories that helped shape both baseball and American history.
American Jazz Museum
Also located in the Historic 18th & Vine District. The American Jazz Museum celebrates the musicians and cultural influences that helped make Kansas City one of the nation’s most important jazz destinations.
Community Organizations Making an Impact
Throughout the Kansas City region, organizations, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and community groups work year-round to support entrepreneurs, preserve local history, create opportunities, and strengthen communities.
Juneteenth offers an opportunity to learn more about their work and the impact they have across the region.
Organizations such as the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, The Nia Project, KC G.I.F.T., and many others continue to support small businesses, workforce development, education, and community advancement throughout the metro.
Following these organizations, attending events, volunteering, or making a donation can be meaningful ways to stay engaged beyond Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Events in Overland Park and Kansas City
Looking for ways to celebrate? Here are several Juneteenth events happening throughout the Kansas City region.
- June 13 | 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Juneteenth Overland Park
- June 13 | 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | KCK Juneteenth 2026
- June 13 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Juneteenth Celebration at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- June 19-20 | JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival
- June 19 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Prairie Village Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrating Community Across the Region
Across Overland Park and the Kansas City region, Juneteenth celebrations bring together history, culture, community, music, food, education, and reflection.
Whether you’re attending an event, exploring a museum, discovering a local business, or spending time with family and friends, there are many ways to connect with the stories and people that help shape our region.
As communities gather throughout June, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of both the progress that has been made and the importance of continuing to build strong, welcoming, and connected communities for future generations.
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