Thursday is Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. While this holiday was only declared a federal holiday in 2021, it’s been celebrated by Black communities in the U.S. for over 150 years. It’s considered the oldest African American holiday.
There are plenty of fun events this weekend that are great opportunities to teach your kids about this important moment in American history. Here’s a few in Frederick County to get you started!
Freedom Vibes Fest
June 18, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Sophie & Madigan’s Playground | 632 Contender Way, Frederick, MD 21703
In the lead-up to Juneteenth, get ready to celebrate at Sophie & Madigan’s Playground! This music festival and community event features live music in genres like Afro Beats and Neo-Soul, as well as a vendor fair, community art projects and on-site food trucks. Bring your own lawn chairs!
Free | mysoulstreet.com
Juneteenth – From Enslaved to Emancipated
June 19, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Monocacy National Battlefield | 5106 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704
Explore Monocacy National Battlefield and learn something new about history during this guided ranger walk, which focuses on the lives and contributions of the enslaved people who worked on the battlefield’s six historic properties and the U.S. Colored Troops who enlisted to fight there.
Free | nps.gov/mono/index.htm
Juneteenth Commemoration at Catoctin Furnace
June 19, 6 p.m.
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society | 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
This annual commemoration honors the enslaved ironworkers who constructed many of the buildings that make up the area surrounding Catoctin Furnace. The names of 271 workers will be read to commemorate their memory.
Free | catoctinfurnace.org
