A NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CELEBRATION
The University of Arkansas and the NWA Juneteenth Planning Committee invite the community, friends and family to celebrate our annual Northwest Arkansas Juneteenth Celebrations, which commemorate the anniversary of African American emancipation.
2023 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Freedom Festival
June 17th ~ 1 pm – 9 pm
Shiloh Pavilion
106 West Emma Ave
Springdale AR 72764
We are excited to partner with Music Moves, Community Cohesion Project and Interform Fashion to bring another amazing event to NWA.
The Freedom Festival will take place Downtown Springdale on June 17th from 1pm-9pm! This event is FREE to the public! We’ll have lots of fun with live music, games, giveaways, and activities for the whole family!!
NWA is gearing up for 2023 Juneteenth celebrations! As a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the full emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Local organizations are planning a special way to observe Juneteenth this year with the Freedom Festival in downtown Springdale.
Live Entertainment featuring The Ohio Players, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Yung Joc, Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers and Funk Factory
Foundation sponsors Walton Family Foundation, Tyson Family Foundation.
This family-friendly event is free to the public.
For up to date information, visit our Facebook event page: Freedom Festival – Celebrating Juneteenth
2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Click on arrow for more details
Thursday, June 15 | 6:30 – 10:00 pm | Cost: Free
Third Annual Arkansas Black Film Showcase @ Crystal Bridges
The NWA Juneteenth Committee, in association with DAYVISION Films Crystal Bridges and the Community Cohesion Project brings the African American film experience to northwest Arkansas in an effort to bring awareness, education, exposure and networking opportunities for Black Arkansans, both native and residential.
Visit the Black Film Showcase Page
Saturday, June 17 | 8:00 – 11:00 am | Cost: Free
Tyson Feed The Community Juneteenth Product Donation Give Away
Location: Tyson Headquarters, 2200 W. Don Tyson Parkway, Springdale, AR
Saturday, June 17 | 1:00 – 9:00 pm | Cost: Free
3rd Annual Freedom Festival – Celebrating Juneteenth
Location: Shiloh Pavilion ~ Downtown Springdale, 106 West Emma Ave
Springdale AR 72764
The Freedom Festival will take place in Downtown Springdale on Saturday June 17th from 1pm-9pm! There will be musical performances, giveaways, activities for the kids, and much MORE! You do not want to miss this!
We are excited to partner with Music Moves, Community Cohesion Project and Interform Fashion to bring another amazing event to NWA.
Volunteering at Juneteenth Freedom Festival
Individuals are needed to assist with this event. If you would like to volunteer the day of the event, complete the following:
Volunteer Release Form (For Minors Only – 17 years old & under)
** NOTE: Individuals 17 years old and under must complete a a volunteer release form. Send the completed form to J’onnelle Colbert-Diaz at jcdiaz@uark.edu.
Event Sponsors
What is Juneteenth?
Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Major General Gordon Granger and the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free.
Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official January 1, 1863.
The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865 and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. For more information visit:
