Juneteenth 2025: How Iowans can celebrate

Iowa communities around the state are holding events Thursday to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday.

June 19, 1865, marks the day the Emancipation Proclamation was finally enforced by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger in Texas at the end of the Civil War. For slaves in Texas, their unshackling came more than two years after their freedom was ordered by President Lincoln. 

While only recently being recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, early Juneteenth celebrations date back as early as 1866. What started as a small community gathering in Galveston, Texas, quickly spread across the South where it was then brought all across the country during the Great Migration, beginning in 1910. 

“Juneteenth gives an opportunity for us to celebrate the holiday, to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, to show the resilience, the persistence and all of this history that is buried,” said Rachelle Chase, an Ottumwa author and organizer for her city’s Juneteenth Celebration.

This festival serves as both a celebration of liberation and an observance of Black history, progress and culture. Here’s how Iowans can celebrate America’s second independence day this Thursday, all around the state:

The Black Voices Project: Johnson County Juneteenth Commemoration 2025 – 12 p.m.

South District Market Parking Lot, 925 US-6, Iowa City.

The theme for this year’s Juneteenth celebration is “Reckoning: Reclaiming the Past, Remembering Black Voices, Reshaping the Future.” It will include a “Black Style in Motion,” fashion show, “Rhythms of Resilience” live performance, soul food & solidarity community meal and much more! This event is free and open to the public and more details can be found here.

Ottumwa Juneteenth Celebration – 12 p.m.

Central Park, North Court and Fourth streets, Ottumwa.

Free and family friendly, the fourth annual Ottumwa Juneteenth Celebration will include a live performance by the Ottumwa Municipal Band, a screening of a Juneteenth documentary film and many other fun and educational events centered around “unity in the community.” There are several activities for children too such as a bounce house, train rides and an activity booth. Vendors, food trucks and booths promoting community resources will be on-site. Details here.

The Lincoln Resource Center: Juneteenth Celebration – 5 p.m.

225 W. 2nd St., Davenport. 

The evening will begin with a bar and “light bites” followed by a choral performance by Jerry Johnson & the Community Choir at 5:30 p.m. The screening of the documentary “Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom,” will be at 6 p.m. This event is free for all and more details can be found here.

Iowa Juneteenth Observance: Juneteenth Jubilee – 5 p.m.

600 E. Locust St., Des Moines.

The Iowa Juneteenth Observance will be hosting a “Juneteenth Jubilee” banquet at the State Historical Society at 5 p.m. on Thursday. The theme of the banquet is ‘Remembering Our History, Releasing The Past, Reshaping Our Future.’ The banquet will include light refreshments and a musical selection by Bethany Elle, an award-winning gospel jazz artist. The event will feature a community appreciation award ceremony, a high school scholarship award ceremony, a historical Juneteenth display, a silent auction and a community forum discussion. Tickets are available for $35 here.

REVIVE: Juneteenth at Hope+Elim – 6 p.m.

2500 University Ave., Des Moines.

The Lutheran Church of Hope+Elim will be holding a service to recognize, learn and celebrate Juneteenth. This celebration will include a worship service, words from keynote speaker Dr. Ian Roberts and performances by special musical guests. This is a free event, but requires an RSVP. The service will also be streamed on YouTube.

Underground Comedy: Des Moines – Juneteenth Comedy Jam – 7 p.m.

1312 Locust St., Des Moines.

Underground Comedy will be hosting The Comedy Penthouse in a “premiere yet intimate” venue. This Juneteenth-edition show will feature comedians Dannie Tee, Benard Bell, Clif Antoine and Quionez Berry. It will be hosted by Perry Thompson III. Headliner Dannie Tee has been named the funniest person in Iowa, was featured on National Lampoon Satellite and has performed in venues all over the country. Tickets can be purchased for $10 here.

Fleur Cinema: Free Pride and Juneteenth screening of ‘Moonlight’ – 9 p.m.

4545 Fleur Dr., Des Moines.

From Fleur Cinema: “A young African-American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.” Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2016, “Moonlight” will be screened for free on Juneteenth at 9 p.m. Non-reserved seating. More information can be found here.