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
Get In Touch
