Juneteenth
Battle Creek
June 19-20, 2026
Claude Evans Park
320 N. Washington Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49037
FREE FAMILY EVENT
DEADLINE: MAY 29, 2026 @ 12pm
DEADLINE: May 29, 2026
SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED: MARCH 24 – JUNE 3, 2026 @ 11:59pm
SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED: MARCH 16 – APRIL 17, 2026
Past Year’s Highlights
Two Day Celebration!
The celebration of Juneteenth began on June 19th, 1865, in Galveston TX. Juneteenth is a celebration that commemorates African American Freedom and the ending of slavery in the United States of America. In 2003, Battle Creek started Juneteenth celebrations, initiated by the Battle Creek NAACP. In 2005, Juneteenth became a State of Michigan holiday, designating the 3rd Saturday in June, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially designated as a federal holiday and on March 1, 2022, the City of Battle Creek added Juneteenth as an official city holiday in Battle Creek.
The Battle Creek Juneteenth Celebration Committee and the Southwestern Michigan Urban League announced in 2009 for the first time a combined event, which became Juneteenth Family Day. We are very excited to offer this celebration to the community in recognition of Juneteenth, families and especially the youth of Battle Creek.
2026 Events Schedule
GOAT
A small goat named Will gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball — a high-intensity, full-contact sport that’s dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Ridiculed by his teammates, Will becomes determined to revolutionize the sport and prove that “small can ball!”
5:00pm – Doors Open
Guests are invited to honor local athletes, past and present, by participating in our “Who’s your GOAT?” shoutout by using sidewalk chalk to write their GOAT on the sidewalk leading into where the movie is shown. Check out our Facebook page for “Legends of the Community” leading up to movie night where you can post your own heroes on our GOAT Wall.
5:30-7:30pm – FREE Movie – GOAT
FREE Pizza, Popcorn, and Concessions (while supplies last)
Friday – June 19, 2026
Washington Heights United Methodist Church
153 N Wood St, Battle Creek, MI 49037
Doors open at 5:00pm
5:30 – 7:30pm
Free pizza and popcorn while supplies last.
2026 Juneteenth Family Day T-Shirt sale begins!
Juneteenth Family Day
8:00am – 2:00pm – FREE Cereal Product Giveaway from Sponsors: Mars Inc. and Post Consumer Brand (while supplies last)
10:00 – 10:30am – Freedom Walk led by GirlTREK: Battle Creek
10:00am – 12:00pm – FREE FOOD Hot dogs, chips and red pop (while supplies last)
12:00 – 4:00pm – Kids Korner (more to be announced)
- Basketball Exhibition provided by Cereal City Hoopsters (begins at 10am)
- Chamberlin Pony Rides
- Bounce Houses
- Face Painting
- Various Yard Games, Misting Tent for all, and more…
11:00am – Juneteenth Family Day Kick Off Program
- History of Juneteenth & Family Day
- Juneteenth T-Shirt Contest Winner
- Juneteenth Essay Awards
- Community Service Awards
- Proclamations and Acknowledgements
- Food, Retail, and Information Vendors Open
12:00pm – Local Talent including NAACP Poetry Slam Winners and Throughout the Day (more information to be announced)
1:00pm – Larry Lee and Back in the Day Band
2:00pm – Brandon Marceal
3:00pm – Larry Lee and Back in the Day Band
4:00pm – Gospel Showcase
5:00pm – Juneteenth Family Day Concludes
Performance times are subject to change
BE SURE TO BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIR AND/OR BLANKET
Saturday – June 20, 2026
Claude Evans Park
320 N Washington Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037
10:00am – 6:00pm
Larry Lee and Back in the Day Band
Brandon Marceal
More Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth!
Find more ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the surrounding areas!
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