Click here for the June 19 card.
TRAVEL FOR FREE
Stay cool, ride the METRO all summer long. Akron METRO RTA offers free fixed-route bus rides on Saturdays and Sundays, June through September 2022. Free rides apply on all METRO fixed routes and ADA services.
For more information on routes and timetables, visit akronmetro.org or call 330-762-0341.
About Juneteenth
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. From its origins in Galveston, Texas in 1865, the celebration of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. To learn more, Click here.
Downtown Akron
While you’re downtown, be sure to check out all the other big events happening on June 17, 18, and 19, and plan to grab a drink, a bite to eat, or even go shopping.
June 16 dinner and community conversation
Saturday June 18 | 5pm – 6.30pm | Lock 3
The Downtown Akron Partnership will host a dinner for 150 people in Lock 3 on Saturday, June 18, with catering by Ernie’s, a signature drink from Perfect Pour (there will be a non-alcoholic option) and a dessert from Sweet and Savvy Cake Shop. In an “On the Table” style community conversation, table facilitators will initiate and moderate discussions on a variety of topics about ways to build community, ways to achieve equity, and how to encourage sharing. between people of all incomes and backgrounds. A number of tickets will be offered to families through community partners. Guests will receive a commemorative tile featuring artwork by Diane Johnson. Get tickets here.
Free concert
Saturday June 18 | 7pm – 10pm | Lock 3
DJ Forrest “Getemgump” Webb and the Unit Band will perform in Lock 3. The concert is free and open to everyone. Learn more.
Gospel meets symphony
Saturday June 18 | 7:30 p.m. | E.J. Thomas Hall
The Akron Symphony Orchestra and the inspiring voices of the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir unite to present Gospel meets symphony.
The concert – one of northeast Ohio’s proudest and most enduring musical traditions – features the orchestra as well as a variety of inspiring songs performed by some of the region’s finest musicians and singers, including including the GMS 2.0 Choir, the junior gospel choir. Click here for tickets.
Christopher Wilkins, driver
Gospel meets symphonic choir
Gospel Meets Symphony Choir 2.0
Jonathan Turner, Choirmaster
summit lake
June 16 Celebration at Summit Lake
Saturday June 18 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Summit Lake Park
Guest speakers: Dr. Philathia Bolton, Kwame Williams
Tabling, Harmony House, 100 Black Men of Akron, and more!
Free hotdogs for the first 100 participants
Community pop-up sellers
Guided canoeing on the lake
June 16 party
Sunday June 19 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Summit Lake Nature Center
Come to Summit Lake to celebrate Juneteenth! Juneteenth is the oldest national observance commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Summit Metro Parks is honored to share this day with members of the community. There will be crafts, food, fishing and more! Learn more about Summit Lake Nature Center.
West Akron
African Migration / Juneteenth Farm Friday
Friday, June 17 | 10:30 a.m. | Perkins Stone Mansion
This week will feature African American migration to Akron/Summit County and kick off our June 19th celebrations for the weekend. Students will be divided into two groups: 1) Preschool – Grade 1 and 2) Grades 2-6. Click here to find out more.
Community Talk Back: Empowering a Community
Saturday June 18 | 10:30 a.m. | John Brown House
GinaKaye Maddox, Chair of the John Brown Institute Task Force, will moderate the roundtable. The Community Talk Back program was founded at the Society by Reva Golden, Community Education and Outreach Coordinator. Click here to find out more.
Speakers:
- Taba Aleem – Ujima Project
- Bishop Samuel Hamption II – pastor of the First Apostolic Faith Church
- Carla Davis – member of Akron’s Racial Equity Task Force
- Albert A. Bragg, Jr. – director of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes
- Steve Arrington – Executive Director of Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Soul Food Cooking Demonstration by Chef Dannika Stevenson, Sip Savor Soul
Saturday June 18 | 12:15 | Perkins Stone Mansion
John Brown Open House with “Conversations of Grace,” an exhibition curated by artist Dara Harper
Saturday June 18 | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. | John Brown House
Historic June 19 Hike in Akron | meets at Akron Zoo
Sunday June 19 | 9 a.m. | meets at Akron Zoo
Join us for a historic hike from Akron to the John Brown Monument for June 19 and Father’s Day guided by Dave Lieberth, Director Emeritus. Learn more.
24th Annual June 16 Festival
Sunday June 19 | 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Stoner/Hawkins Park
Event calendar :
12:00 p.m. – West Akron Parade (departs from Buchtel. To reach you, call 330-622-1797)
1:00 p.m. – Buy Black Business Market opens
2:00 p.m. – Opening ceremony and community drumming circle
3:00 p.m. – Messages from sponsors and giveaways from the community
4:00 p.m. – Gerald R. Carter Teen Talent Show
5:00 p.m. – Family kick-off and father/son flag football games
6:00 p.m. – Heritage Balloon Launch and West Side Car Show.
All day: free meals for kids, family entertainment, live DJ, giveaways, food trucks, open mic and vendor market.
Eastern Akron
Ward 5 Community Meeting and Dialogue
Friday, June 17 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Joy Park Community Center
Submission and assistance with ARPA funding requests
Joy Park Juneteenth Festival
Saturday June 18 | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | park of joy
For even more June 19 events and celebrations, check out this article in the Akron Beacon Log.
