Juneteenth in Waco
The second weekend of June is busy for all of Waco! As summer temperatures return after a week of rain, expect neighbors and tourists alike to be soaking up the sun, tearing up the town, and gathering together in community.
FUN FACT: The earliest documented Waco celebration occurred in 1876, which included a two-thousand-person procession led by the Waco Colored Band and local societies, including the Rising Stars and the Young Men’s Club. The groups waved bright-colored banners and wore dazzling uniforms. The parade ended at Waco Creek, in the southern part of the city, where celebrants listened to various speakers and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Afterward, they danced, sang, and ate together. Read more HERE!
The farmers market will operate on normal hours, but don’t miss the parade starting at 10am! The Juneteenth Parade Celebration will kick off on Elm Avenue. This event, annually hosted by the Central Texas African American Chamber of Commerce, will be starting at Heritage Square Park, traversing down Washington Avenue, and ending at Quinn Campus in East Waco.
Join the community in reflection and celebration of Freedom Day! From noon to 1:30pm, the No Kings Protest will be gathering at Valley Mills Drive and Waco Drive in recognition of the Nationwide Day of Defiance. Setting up at what has been deemed Waco’s Freedom Corner, this event will continue commemorating the impact of Freedom Day, recognizing Flag Day and the genesis of the US Army, and protesting subjectivity within our own country.
Art Center Waco screening the short documentary “I Have A Story To Tell” at 2pm. The film, presented and directed by De’Viar Woodson, documents the first year of A Beautiful Message, an art program founded by Vincent Thomas. The program encourages students to engage in mural painting, leadership training and exhibiting their artwork.
The screening is part of New Growth: Celebrating Juneteenth and Freedom Through Black Hair, a juried exhibition on view from May 22 to June 26. In collaboration with A Beautiful Message, Art Center Waco is showcasing works by 14 Texas-based African American artists who explore the cultural and historical significance of Black hairstyles—ranging from afros and cornrows to locs and braids.
These hairstyles represent both identity and resistance. According to African folklore, enslaved women used intricate braiding patterns to communicate escape routes and hide items like seeds and coins to support survival after escape. In this way, hairstyles became powerful tools for freedom and cultural preservation.
This weekend is the perfect time to get out and connect with the Waco community. Whether you’re exploring local art, attending special events or simply spending time with neighbors, there’s no better way to celebrate the creativity and culture that make our city so vibrant. Come out, show your support and be part of the story.
