Your Juneteenth activities guide for events in Central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As Juneteenth approaches, several events and celebrations in the RVA area will ramp up as well. 8News has you covered, and has created a list of local events for both family and friends to attend.

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln the Emancipation proclamation to free enslaved Black Americans, however news of their newfound freedom did not reach every Black American and still left some enslaved.

According to The National Museum of African American History and Culture, on June 19, 1865 2,000 Union troops arrived at Galveston Bay, TX and announced to over 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in the the state that they were free by order of an executive decree. This day became forever known as "Juneteenth" by the the newly freed people.

Down below are a list of a few Juneteenth events taking place in Central Virginia this upcoming week:

Juneteenth Jamboree

Henrico County recreation and Parks is hosting a two day Juneteenth celebration titled "Juneteenth Jamboree." On Wednesday June 20, the county will host it first ever Juneteenth Jamboree with a community parade at 5 p.m. and a 7v7 football showdown from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with announcements by Shawn Mears.

The showdown will feature Henrico County schools such as Varina, Highland Sprigs, J.R. Tucker, Glenn Allen, Deep Run and Henrico. Food trucks will also be in attendance from Bono's Caribbean, Pretty and Proud to Jay's Carnival Foods. For more information on the event you can visit Henrico.gov.

Juneteenth Celebration 2025

As a part of their two day celebration, Henrico county will be hosting their Juneteenth celebration on Saturday June 21 with gates opening at 4 p.m. The celebration seeks to commemorate what will be the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth.

The event will feature a vendor fair with over 160 local vendors, a kid zone, a community stage featuring local talent and a mainstage area with Go-Go music and food. At 9:45 p.m. there will be a fire works finale show for those who attend. For any questions about the event call 804-652-1421 or email Juneteenth@henrico.gov.

Juneteenth Free Community Day: Lewis Ginter Garden's

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is inviting the community to celebrate Juneteenth with them June 19 in honor of Juneteenth along with free admission on this Thursday.

2025 Juneteenth Parade: Virginia Union University

On Thursday June 19, Virginia Union University (VUU) is asking the community to join them in their fifth annual Virginia Juneteenth Parade. This years parade will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will take place at VUU. Those who attend are invited to march in the parade and to celebrate freedom on the tenth anniversary of Juneteenth. For program updates you can visit the event Facebook page and to register or register your organization to march in the parade visit here.

Juneteenth at the Hardywood Richmond

The Hardywood café is inviting you to join them for a "celebration like no other" at the café on Saturday June 21, at 12 p.m. as they look to honor freedom, culture and community with live music, food and art.

Juneteenth Spoken Word

This virtual event will take place Thursday June 19, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will be emceed by artist and emcee Asiyahsson with work from poet and author Lololi Speaks. According to the event organizer the theme this year is JUBILEE! Celebration! Gratitude, JOY, sovereignty, resilience, HOPE,  transformation, prosperity, breakthrough, freedom! According to the event organizers, all skill sets are welcomed and if you have a piece that resonates with the theme you're invited to share.

Here are some audience guidelines:

• A supportive presence is welcomed
• Encouragement is welcomed through emojis and chat feedback
• If a line resonates with you drop it in the chat
• Attendees are encourage shower artists with gratitude and celebrate their courage to generously share their gifts