Orlando’s Juneteenth 2021: Unique Celebrations and Cultural Highlights
Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, marks the last emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Orlando welcomes you to a year‑long celebration of freedom, culture, and community.
Since its designation as Juneteenth National Independence Day in 2021, the holiday has grown into a nationwide movement. Orlando is proud to host a diverse lineup of events that honor this pivotal moment in American history.
Below is your guide to Juneteenth 2021 in Orlando—cultural exhibits, spirited parties, and more. Organizers have prioritized safety, so you can enjoy the festivities with confidence.
Please note: Depending on the time of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified. Learn more about healthy travel in Orlando, and check with your favorite attractions for current status.
Juneteenth Events in Orlando 2021
Historic Hannibal Square in Winter Park
See how Orlando is marking Juneteenth this year. Unless otherwise noted, all events are on June 19, 2021.
Juneteenth Celebration: Knowing and Remembering
Hosted by the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in partnership with the city of Winter Park, this event features guest speakers, live performances, local food trucks, and more. It coincides with the debut of the Heritage Center’s new exhibition, 'Preserving the Past and Looking Toward the Future: A Celebration of Hannibal Square'.
Juneteenth Celebration at Bronze Kingdom
Enjoy a free event at Bronze Kingdom Museum’s new International Drive location. The program includes live music, entertainment, museum tours, and discounted future ticket options. The in‑house Serengeti Restaurant & Bar serves a‑la‑carte African specialties.
Lunch & Learn: A BTGM Juneteenth Experience for Kids and Families
Hosted by Black Theatre Girl Magic at the Orlando Repertory Theatre in Loch Haven Park, this free afternoon event offers story time with Juneteenth books, a face‑painting station, music, and refreshments.
Black Wall Street: The Juneteenth Remix
Honoring Tulsa’s historic 'Black Wall Street,' this downtown Orlando event at Wall St. Plaza features DJs in four clubs and showcases Black‑owned businesses offering apparel, self‑care, financial services, and more.
Facets of Freedom: A Celebration of Juneteenth
Held in Maitland, this multidisciplinary art event presents live music, vocal performances, spoken word, visual art exhibits, and additional features.
Black Friday Orlando: Juneteenth 2021
On June 18, a scavenger hunt invites participants to explore Black‑owned businesses across Orlando. Winners receive local business donations and are announced at midnight during the Vendor Fair Finale on Church Street.
Juneteenth Freedom Day at Painting With a Twist
At Painting With a Twist’s Windermere location, join an evening of painting paired with 'Freedman Delayed,' a short production exploring the last‑to‑hear Emancipation Proclamation story.
Viewz Day Party (Juneteenth Celebration)
From 4–10 p.m., enjoy one of Orlando’s best views at the Sky Lounge atop Amway Center.
AFRO LOVE: An Afro‑Caribbean Experience (Juneteenth Edition)
Continuing from the Viewz Day Party, this 10 p.m.–2 a.m. soiree at the Amway Center’s Sky Lounge invites guests to dress in African garments—optional but encouraged.
Melanin: A Good Evening Juneteenth Event
At Courtyard 390 in downtown Orlando, the dress code is '50 shades of brown'. Celebrate Black independence in style.
More Ways to Commemorate Juneteenth in Orlando
Zora Neale Hurston Mural in Historic Eatonville
Beyond celebrations, Orlando offers rich African‑American history, culture, and thriving businesses. Explore historic districts and venues linked to the Civil Rights movement.
About 30 minutes north of downtown lies Eatonville, the nation’s oldest self‑governing African‑American community. It is the childhood home of author Zora Neale Hurston, who is honored at Eatonville’s Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts and the annual ZORA! Festival.
In downtown Orlando, visit Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture, housed in the historic Wells’Built Hotel. The museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases Civil Rights memorabilia, African art, and artifacts.
Tinker Field, the site of a historic Martin Luther King Jr. speech, is another landmark to see. Nearby Winter Park’s Hannibal Square Historic District once housed railroad workers and hosted one of the country’s earliest Civil Rights marches in 1887.
While attending Juneteenth events, support Orlando’s Black‑owned businesses, many affiliated with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida.
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