While many San Antonians are preoccupied with the commencement of this year’s postponed Fiesta, this weekend also celebrates another major event — Juneteenth.
Though the anniversary falls on Saturday, local commemorations of emancipation begin as early as Thursday.
This weekend’s Juneteenth celebrations feature opportunities to learn about San Antonio’s Black heritage as well as to celebrate artists and performers. Not to mention the numerous ways to party.
The Black Freedom Factory gets out Thursday at Hopscotch, a hip downtown art space. The Future Is Freedom festival includes live music, artists, artisans, and lots of food and drink from Tony G’s Soul Food, a local favorite. DreamWeek San Antonio’s Shokare Nakpodia, poet Sacred Fantasy, DJ Mr. G, and others are among the featured artists and presenters. The event’s proceeds will benefit the Texas Heat Wave Project and Corazon San Antonio.
Texas Freedom Festival
With the 2021 Texas Freedom Festival, the San Antonio Juneteenth Association returns to Comanche Park on the South Side.
A free showing of the documentary Walk on the River: A Black History of the Alamo City will be held at the Alamo. Prior to the screening, director Born Logic Allah, producer Baba Aundar Ma’at, and Trinity University history professor Carey Latimore will hold a discussion.
On Saturday, the Dream Big Scholarship Fund will host a Block Party and Fair at Alamo Beer Co. There will be food trucks, live music, DJs, and other entertainment. Face painting and other kid-friendly activities will also be available. The event is free to attend, but attendees must register in advance on Eventbrite.
Legacy Park
The Art of Four is performing Juneteenth at Legacy Park in downtown. Special guests will include San Antonio Poet Laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, Buffalo Soldiers, DJ Jevonchi, and others. The Fiesta Royalty will also make an appearance.
