Juneteenth
Battle Creek
June 19-20, 2026
Claude Evans Park
300 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!”
Friday – June 19, 2026
Washington Heights United Methodist Church
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
10:00 – 10:30am – Freedom Walk led by GirlTREK: Battle Creek
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 20, 2026
Claude Evans Park
10:00am – 6:00pm
More Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth!
Find more ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the surrounding areas!
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