More cities across Seminole, Orange, and Osceola Counties will host separate Juneteenth celebrations this weekend than at any other time in the history of Central Florida.
Across the tri-county area, multiple cities are celebrating and recognizing the holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, for the first time.
The city of Orlando will host its inaugural Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 18, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Lorna Doone Park, which is located at 1519 West Church Street. The event will feature live music, entertainment, a vendor village, food trucks, and a kid’s zone.
Apopka will host a Juneteenth Independence Day celebration from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Apopka Amphitheater, which is located at 3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway in Apopka. The event will feature live music from Chico DeBarge, local DJs, a kid entrepreneur zone, and arts and crafts vendors.
The city of Kissimmee will host its celebration on Saturday, June 18, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Lakefront Park, which is located at 201 Lakeview Drive. The event will feature live music from the 69 Boyz, The Franchise Players, and 95 South, as well as food trucks, craft vendors, and kids zones.
The city of Longwood will host its celebration at Reiter Park, which is located at 311 W Warren Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature live music by the Silkee Smoove Hall Band, food trucks, and vendors.
Winter Park will host its seventh annual Juneteenth Celebration at Hannibal Square, which is located at 642 W New England Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature a free Father’s Day community breakfast, vendors, local artists, and community discussions, as well as a presentation by Dr. V. White (Issa Muhammad).