Juneteenth in Boulder

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the official end of slavery. While the Emancipation Proclamation officially ended slavery in 1863, enforcement in all the states took several years. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers reached Galveston, TX, that all enslaved people in the country were finally freed.

2023 Juneteenth Events

Friday, June 16 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. - Juneteenth Flag Raising

The city will raise a Juneteenth Flag at the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building at 3 p.m. Remarks from local leaders, including representatives from Boulder City Council, NAACP and Boulder Valley schools, will follow the flag-raising.

  • Where: Penfield Tate II Municipal Building (1777 Broadway, Boulder, CO)
  • Visit the city's website to add this event to your calendar.

Saturday, June 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. - Juneteenth Poetry Open Mic

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. To honor this occasion, OUT Boulder County is uplifting Black and queer voices through poetry, art, food, and community.

  • Where: The Gallery @ Bus Stop Apartments (4895 Broadway, Boulder, CO)

  • Register for this event through OUT Boulder County's sign-up form.

Sunday, June 18 through Wednesday, June 21 - A Celebration of Black Joy and Excellence: Juneteenth 2023

NAACP Boulder County and ECAACE are back for their 3rd Annual Boulder County Juneteenth 2023 Celebration! Find more details and registration information for the below events on Eventbrite.

Watch the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration

Juneteenth 2021

The inaugural Boulder County Juneteenth Celebration was funded in part by the Human Relations Commission (HRC), the Executive Committee for African American Cultural Events (ECAACE) and NAACP Boulder County Branch. This event included performances, interviews with Boulder students working on issues of racial equity and an interview with Ms. Opal Lee, “The 94 years old Grandmother of Juneteenth”!

Watch the Juneteenth Celebration Boulder County 2021 | Featuring Opal Lee