Where to celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in the Twin Cities with live music
June 15, 2026

On June 19, 1865, about 2,000 Union troops arrived at Galveston Bay, Texas, announcing that the Civil War was over and the 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were now free after more than 200 years of enslavement. This was more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the end of the war. After 158 years, Juneteenth has evolved into a celebration of culture, family, and Black joy, as well as an honoring of the legacy of Juneteenth.
This roundup is focused on highlighting Juneteenth events that include live music:
Wednesday, June 17

Juneteenth Event Series - Summer Concert Series kickoff with SoulFlower: 7 p.m. at Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater, St. Louis Park (FREE)
· View St. Louis Park’s full Juneteenth Event Series here.
Thursday, June 18

Meet at Mia: Celebrate Juneteenth with Brass Solidarity: 5 p.m. at Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis (FREE)
Rollin’ @ the ROC: Juneteenth Skate with Wheels of Expression and a live DJ: 5:30 p.m. at Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), St. Louis Park (FREE)
Juneteenth with the Minnesota Orchestra with conductor Kedrick Armstrong, vocalist Melody Betts, and Brian Raphael Nabors on Hammons organ: 7 p.m. at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
Friday, June 19
Juneteenth: A Family Celebration: 12 p.m. at Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul (FREE)
Juneteenth Celebration with DJ S Dot, the Roho Collective, Provers Christian Fellowship Youth Choir, and Dance with Vuyd: 12 p.m. at Centennial Lakes Park, Edina (FREE)
Juneteenth Celebration: 12 p.m. at Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions, St. Paul (FREE)

Soul of the Southside with Kennadi Watkins, iLLism, J’Mere, Gifted Handz, Yana the Mooncricket, Obsidian James, Uchaye, Lemony, DJ Cassieopia, and more: 12 p.m. at Legacy Building Stage (Minnehaha Avenue and East Lake Street), Minneapolis (FREE)
Twin Cities Jazz Festival: 4 p.m. at Various Locations, Minneapolis and St. Paul (FREE)
Juneteenth Celebration: 5 p.m. at Town Green, Maple Grove (FREE)
HOT 8 BRASS BAND with Brass Solidarity and DJ Tarik Thornton: 7:30 p.m. at The Cedar, Minneapolis
Cameron Kinghorn & Friends: Jazz & Soul: 7:30 & 9 p.m. at Berlin, Minneapolis
SoleEnt. Presents: Soul Train Night Hosted by Drunken Monkeee with TJ Houston, Jackson Hurst, Traiveon, Tek, Cousin Chris, and Ms. Lakesha: 8 p.m. at Icehouse, Minneapolis
Saturday, June 20
Twin Cities Jazz Festival: 12 p.m. at Various Locations, Minneapolis and St. Paul (FREE)

Movement Werk: Juneteenth Celebration with DJ Dandara and Junauda Petrus: 3 p.m. at The Capri, Minneapolis
Juneteenth: Fresh Wit It, a Black Market x Summer Cypher Joint: 4 p.m. at Northrup King Building Courtyard, Minneapolis (FREE)

