Juneteenth Community Celebration returns to Ellensburg next week

Kittitas County residents and neighboring communities are invited to gather on Friday, June 19, for a Juneteenth Community Celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating freedom, history, and togetherness.

The free, family‑friendly event will take place from 4-9 p.m. at Unity Park in Ellensburg. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, marking an important moment in American history.

The celebration will begin at 4 p.m., with a brief opening program taking place at 5, followed by an evening of live music, family entertainment, and community connection. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, relax, and enjoy time with friends, neighbors, and visitors in a welcoming outdoor setting.

The event is open to all who support the idea of freedom for all and who wish to learn more about African American history, culture, and contributions. Organizers view the celebration as an opportunity to honor the past while strengthening community unity and understanding.

Additional event details, including a full schedule and Juneteenth educational resources, are available on the CWU Libraries website.

The Juneteenth Community Celebration is presented by Black Grenade Entertainment; The City of Ellensburg’s Access, Advocacy, Equity and Engagement Commission; Kittitas County Historical Museum; Central Washington University; Kittitas Valley League of Women Voters; Kittitas Chamber of Commerce; and the Ellensburg Downtown Association.