JuneteenthKC is celebrating 15 years of its Heritage Festival, which commemorates Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The free event will take place in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District on June 19 from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m., and June 20 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The annual celebration will feature music performances, live entertainment, local art on display, youth-oriented areas, and vendors.
On Saturday, the Mainstage will open up for music performances. “We’re bringing the biggest act we’ve ever brought this year, Common, as our headlining act,” says JuneteenthKC program director Makeda Peterson…