Juneteenth — which takes place on Monday, June 19 — commemorates the day slavery was officially abolished in the US, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Honor the day and its history around town:

Stay Black and Live: Austin Citywide Juneteenth Festival | Thursday, June 15-Monday, June 19 | Times vary | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., Austin | Free | Get ready for a week's worth of festivities, including performances by Granny Award winners, cultural conversations, a cookout, parade, and more.

Freedom & Juneteenth | Thursday, June 15 | 7-9 p.m. | Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin | Free | Learn about Black Freedom Communities in Austin at this panel and documentary discussion featuring representatives from UT Austin, Visit Austin, and Central Texas Juneteenth.

Juneteenth Celebration with Black Makers Market | Saturday, June 17 | 12-6 p.m. | African American Cultural and Heritage Facility, 912 E. 11th St., Austin | Free | Support 40+ Black-owned businesses, try food from local Black-owned vendors, and bring your kids to try out the activities at the market’s kids’ corner.

Juneteenth Block Party | Saturday, June 17 | 5-9 p.m. | Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander | Free | This event features a booked schedule of activities, including performances by the Soulful Soundz Party Band, a live reading, and spoken word poetry.