Looking for some of the best Juneteenth celebrations in Colorado? We’ve got you covered! From music festivals to vendor markets, parades and fashion shows, check out these five Juneteenth events the celebrate and honor the Black experience.
Denver Juneteenth Music Festival
Dates: June 15-16, 2024
Location: Five Points Neighborhood, Denver
With as many as 80,000 annual attendees, the Juneteenth Music Festival in Denver is one of the nation’s largest celebrations. Held in the historic Five Points neighborhood, this event pays tribute to Black history in this once segregated—and now joyfully diverse—district.
The street party kicks off with the Juneteenth parade, where nearly 5,000 musicians, dancers, and local community members march down the streets with pride. Shop with over 200 vendors and food stalls, spot colorful art murals, join in with DJ Squizzy Taylor’s Summer Sing-Along, and let the kids play in the Youth Zone.
The main event is the music festival, welcoming local and national acts like brilliant jazz guitar player Greg Goodloe and this year’s headliner, Bow Wow.
Attendance is free, but you can upgrade to a paid VIP ticket for great front-of-stage views and access to a VIP bar!
Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival
Dates: June 14-16, 2024
Location: America the Beautiful Park, Colorado Springs
Set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, the free Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival brings the community together for three days of free family fun, culture, and heritage. Marvel at classic, vintage, and modern cars at the Car Show, plus motorcycles and even bicycles! Feel the rhythm at a percussive step show, play games, ooh and aah at the fashion show, and catch local performers at the 719 Showcase.
Shop with local vendors like Primrose Boutique for beauty products, L7 Premium Fragrances for custom-blended scents, and Mistezz’s Smiles for handcrafted jewelry. And feast on mouthwatering grub from around the world, like Cajun seafood, tacos, and Filipino cuisine. Don’t forget to cast your vote at the Best of Jamaican Food Contest!
The main stage will have daily headliners that you won’t want to miss. On Friday, comedians Joe Torry, Darius Bradford, B-Phlat & Brian Sullivan will keep you laughing at Comedy in the Park. Saturday night will feature R&B star Jacquees. And on Sunday, Tony Exum Jr.’s Rhythm & Smooth Experience will be joined by 90s R&B stars H-Town and Zhane, plus up-and-coming singer-songwriter E. De La, for an evening of jazz, funk, and R&B.
Fort Collins Juneteenth Celebration
Dates: June 14-16, 2024
Location: Foothills Mall, Fort Collins
The lawn at Foothills Mall transforms into three fun-filled days at the Fort Collins Juneteenth Celebration.
The party starts on Friday night with two special events. Uplifting local hip-hop star Rolos Rios will set the mood, while Motown Revue will play 1960s hits and get everyone dancing. There will also be a Youth Night event with games, outdoor film screenings, and activities for kids ages 12–17.
On Saturday, the lawn transforms into a vendor market featuring diverse-owned businesses, including artisans, makers, and food trucks with barbecue, Indonesian food, Jamaican food, and more.
Kids can get their faces painted, and the whole family can get moving at the TikTok dance party. Educational programming will also help kids and adults alike learn more about this special holiday. It all leads to a free concert on the lawn featuring hip-hop artists New Bloodline and energetic funk group Titonic.
Finally, come back on Sunday for “Church on the Lawn,” a music and praise opportunity with a live gospel performance.
Boulder Juneteenth Liberation Day Celebration
Date: June 20, 2024
Location: Museum of Boulder at Tebo Center, Boulder
The Museum of Boulder is teaming up with Rocky Mountain Equality for a special celebration of the Black community, as well as queer and trans people of color (QTPOC). The Boulder Juneteenth Liberation Day Celebration is a creative blend of music and dancing, speakers and poetry, all on the museum rooftop with stunning views of the Flatirons and Downtown Boulder.
Catch drag performances by drag king TOKYN and LeeLee James, mother of the Colorado chapter of the Royal House of LaBeija ballroom group. Hit the dance floor with music by Denver’s DJ NAASHA, and enjoy catering by burrito shop Illegal Pete’s.
Longmont Juneteenth Celebration
Date: June 22, 2024
Location: Roosevelt Park, Longmont
Join the Longmont Juneteenth Celebration, dedicated to “Amplifying Black Voices and Community.” There’s plenty of entertainment packed into one afternoon, including a performance by Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Chrisette Michele. There will also be appearances by fashion designer/motivational speaker Prep Curry and Congressman Joe Neguse. Dance to music by hip hop and R&B artist Saridae and “bigg” mixes by DJ BIGG DADD. And cheer on drum lines from area high schools.
Local vendors will offer lots of tasty food, plus shopping opportunities and fun activities for kids. Learn about the history of this important holiday and celebrate the diversity of the Longmont community.
