OHIO community invited to Juneteenth Celebration

The Ohio University Rufus mascot wears a Juneteenth shirt and walks near a table at the Juneteenth Festival

Ben Wirtz Siegel

All Ohio University students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to celebrate freedom, culture and community at the 2026 Juneteenth Festival.

This year’s event will be held on Friday, June 19, from 1-4 p.m. at Richland Avenue Park in Athens. In case of rain, the event will move to the Athens Community Center.

A man and a child work on crafts at a craft table at the Juneteenth Festival

All members of the community are invited to enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors and children’s activities including a bounce house, face painting and the Crafty Arts Bus.

Celebrated on June 19 each year, Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day. Ohio University celebrates this occasion each year with programming and activities, and this year’s event will be hosted with community partners.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the event. You can sign up to volunteer here.

You can find more information on the Juneteenth Celebration here.