Juneteenth has deep roots in Texas, and the Brazos Valley takes this holiday seriously.
On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with the news that enslaved Americans had been freed. Texas was the last state to receive word, and that moment of long-overdue freedom is what we commemorate every June 19. Right here in Bryan, where so much of the city’s early history was built on the forced labor of enslaved African Americans, Juneteenth is more than a date on the calendar.
The Brazos Valley African American Heritage and Cultural Society (BVAAHCS) presents this year’s celebration under the theme “Resilience and Strength Through Art” and there’s more than a week’s worth of events to take part in. Here’s the full rundown.
⚠️ Act Fast: One event on this list requires reservations by June 12 – that’s tomorrow if you’re reading this on publish day. Details below.
Saturday, June 13
Juneteenth Blues Festival Kick-Off Palace Theater | 105 S Main St, Bryan | 6PM–10PM
The celebration gets rolling a full week early with a Blues Fest at the Palace Theater in Historic Downtown Bryan. Featuring live performances by JMG and Mi’Chel Rosii, this outdoor amphitheater show is a great way to ease into the Juneteenth season. Bring your own chairs and settle in. 🔗 More Info
Tuesday, June 16
Juneteenth with Twanda’s Theatre on Wheels Larry J. Ringer Library, College Station | 10AM Clara B. Mounce Library, Bryan | 2PM
The BCS library system is bringing Twanda’s Theatre on Wheels to both locations for free Juneteenth performances. Audiences will experience African customs and traditions through storytelling and dramatized folktales; great for families and kids. Free tickets are distributed 30 minutes before showtime. Space is limited so arrive early. 🔗 More Info
Wednesday, June 17
⚠️ Exploring History Luncheon: “A Walk-Through History: A Juneteenth Story” Larry J. Ringer Library | 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy S, College Station | 11:30AM–1PM
Former Lincoln Recreation Center Supervisor Lance Jackson presents a guided look at the significance of Juneteenth in an intimate luncheon setting. Attendance is free, lunch is $10 for residents, $12 for non-residents. Lunch reservations are required by June 12. A limited number of walk-in meals will be available for $12 at the door. 🔗 Reserve Your Spot
Juneteenth Soul Food Fundraiser James’ Studio 59 | 318 North Main, Bryan | 7PM
An evening fundraiser celebrating Juneteenth with soul food and community. Details on the fundraiser beneficiary weren’t available at press time, check the BVAAHCS social channels for updates closer to the date.
Thursday, June 18
Freedom Walk & Unity Lincoln Recreation Center / W.A. Tarrow Park, College Station | 9AM–11AM
Start the morning with a legacy walk around W.A. Tarrow Park, followed by a light breakfast, live music, and performances by summer camp participants. Free admission. A meaningful way to start a big day.
Gospel Explosion Neal Recreation Center | 600 N Randolph Ave, Bryan | 6PM–8:30PM
An uplifting evening of gospel music, praise, and dance hosted by the BVAAHCS Juneteenth Committee. This one tends to fill the room with energy — don’t miss it if gospel music moves you. 🔗 More Info
Party at the Pavilion W.A. Tarrow Pavilion, College Station | 6PM–8:30PM
Music, line dancing, a kids’ zone, and community spirit for all ages. Free admission. A great evening option if you’re in the College Station area and want to keep the celebration going.
Saturday, June 20
Juneteenth Parade Starts at Kemp-Carver Elementary | 750 Bruin Trace, Bryan | 10AM
The centerpiece of the week. The parade steps off at Kemp-Carver Elementary and follows Martin Luther King Jr. Street down to Sadie Thomas Memorial Park; local businesses, organizations, floats, impressive vehicles, and community pride on full display. Line the route and cheer them on. 🔗 More Info
Juneteenth Celebration in the Park Sadie Thomas Memorial Park | 129 Moss St, Bryan | 10AM–2:30PM
The parade ends here and the party continues. Family-friendly activities, vendors, and the kind of community energy that makes this one of Bryan’s best annual events. Plan to stay a while. 🔗 More Info
Sunday, June 21
Juneteenth Blessing Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church | 501 N Houston St, Bryan | 10:30AM
A Sunday morning service to close out the week’s celebrations with reflection and community. Open to all.
All Weekend
Brazos Valley African American Museum 500 E Pruitt St, Bryan
The official repository of African American history in the Brazos Valley: artifacts, oral histories, media archives, and more. Open Friday and Saturday during Juneteenth weekend. Worth making time for before or after the parade. 🔗 More Info
Bryan celebrates Juneteenth the right way with music, history, community, and a full week of events worth showing up for. If you’re in town for the festivities, rest your shells with us and take in everything the community has to offer.