Juneteenth in Indianapolis 2025

Celebrating Emancipation Day

On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to bring the news that the Civil War had ended and to ensure all enslaved people were freed. As the news spread, so too did the celebrations – Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, was born.

With a full calendar of events uplifting the message of perseverance and Black history, Juneteenth weekend in Indy has something for everyone. From local concerts to special museum activities to culinary events to match the occasion, the city will be alive this June to commemorate Black excellence and freedom.

Juneteenth Events in Indy

Jun 21
Downtown
Free Day — Juneteenth
Celebrate Juneteenth with free admission and special activities and performances around the museum! Get up close to amazing artifacts and chat…
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Jun 21 to Jun 26
International Marketplace
Juneteenth
This powerful exhibit captures the historical Black experience in a timeline from the Transatlantic Slave Trade through Black Lives Matter. The…
This event is currently underway
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Jun 22
International Marketplace
Juneteenth Celebration
Join Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration!Come celebrate freedom, history, and community at the 2nd Annual Juneteenth…
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Jun 21
Downtown
Indy Juneteenth
It's the 8th annual Indy Juneteenth Festival. These events will bring thousands of attendees ready to shop, eat, and celebrate Black…
Daily, starting from Jun 14, 2025, until Jun 21, 2025
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All Year Round: Black Culture in Indy

From the storied history of Indiana Avenue's jazz scene to the legacy of Madame Walker and the historic sites that tell the story, Indy's Black culture is history is robust. Experience the art that, in some cases, stands as tall as a building. You want to taste what our pioneering chefs are cooking and hear the city's unique sounds.

The mural of Indianapolis poet Mari Evans looms over visitors to Mass Ave
Black Culture in Indy Guide

Indy is a city filled with African American culture and attractions. Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration is the longest-running cultural event in the country, and Circle City Classic brings historic black colleges to square off in Lucas Oil Stadium.

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Black-Owned Restaurants in Indy

There are plenty of places to round up some grub in Indianapolis, but these Black-owned eateries have a special place in our hearts.

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Black History in Indianapolis

Indy's Black history is one of entrepreneurship and perseverance in times of hardship, one of creative expression, and one of fostering places of unity and forward-thinking despite adversity.

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