Juneteenth 2025: Detroit Celebrates Freedom with Events and Closures

Detroit is gearing up to commemorate Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, 2025, marking the anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Celebrations will take place across the city, even as federal and state offices observe closures for the holiday.

Juneteenth, officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 [1], has long been celebrated within the Black community as their true Independence Day [2].The holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing news of freedom to enslaved people, two and a half years after President abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation [3].

Juneteenth Observances in Detroit

Several events are scheduled throughout Detroit to honor Juneteenth:

• The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will present two free community concerts featuring music by African American composers at Greater Grace Temple. The DSO will also offer family-pleasant activities before the concert.
• Hart Plaza will host a block party to launch the Hart of Detroit Summer Fest, featuring music, food, and performances. Tickets are available for $18.
• Hamtramck Stadium will host a Juneteenth celebration including a homerun derby and a speech by Dale Hale,grandson of Eulyn “Red” Hale of the Detroit Stars,a Negro Leagues baseball team.
• The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will host a program with talks from museum president and CEO Neil A. Barclay, followed by reflections on Juneteenth by Detroit’s official historian, Jamon Jordan.

Governmental Closures

As a federal holiday, Juneteenth prompts the closure of numerous federal entities, including:

• Federal Courts
• Post Offices
• Social Security Offices