Juneteenth

Battle Creek

June 20-21, 2025

Claude Evans Park
300 N. Washington Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49037

FREE FAMILY EVENT

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 6TH @ 12pm

DEADLINE: May 30th

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 3RD

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.

2025 Events Schedule

Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa, a cub lost and alone, meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of a group of misfits searching for their destiny.

Concessions will be sold by the Juneteenth Family Day Celebration Committee.

Friday – June 20, 2025
Washington Heights United Methodist Church

7:00 – 9:00pm

Juneteenth Family Day

10:00 – 10:30am – Freedom Walk led by GirlTREK: Battle Creek
Click here for more information

11:00am until gone – FREE Hot dogs, chips and red pop (while supplies last)

12:00 – 4:00pm – Kids Korner

  • Bounce House – Kirk’s Jump N’ Fun
  • Bounce House – Roll Bounce & More
  • Caricatures by Dennis
  • Basketball Exhibition – Cereal City Hoopsters
  • Face painting – The Burma Center
  • Chamberlin Pony Rides
  • Mobile Game Bus – Michael Guest
  • Various Yard Games and more…

12:00pm – Juneteenth Family Day Kick Off Program

  • History of Juneteenth & Family Day
  • Juneteenth Essay Awards
  • Community Service Awards
  • Proclamations and Acknowledgements

1:00pm – Brandon Fitzpatrick and The Element

2:00pm – Bobby Holley Bike Giveaway (children ages 7-12) sponsored by John and Bridget Banks

2:30pm – The Deon Yates Soul Project

3:30-6:00pm – TBA

Performance times are subject to change

BE SURE TO BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIR AND/OR BLANKET

Saturday – June 21, 2025
Claude Evans Park

10:00am – 6:00pm

More Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth!

Find more ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the surrounding areas!

A Special Thank You to the Following Sponsors:

Battle Creek Club of the NANBPWC

Christine Kosmowski & Wayne Kukuk

Stan & Shirly Tuggle

Kathy Antaya

Deborah & Victor Sallee

SPONSORING IN PARTNERSHIP

Calhoun Community High School

Masterpiece Creation COGIC

John & Bridget Banks

Adam’s Shirt Shack

Michigan Round Table for Just Communities

Linda Pell

Samuel & Lynn Ward Gray