Juneteenth Events You Should Not Miss

Iowans are “Free to Be” in 2023!

Celebrate Iowa Juneteenth this year in Greater Des Moines (DSM) with a variety of events focused on remembering the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The official Iowa Juneteenth celebration takes place on the third Saturday in June in our state — this year on Saturday, June 17. You can find even more information about the events happening in the region on Facebook and Instagram.

2023 Iowa Juneteenth Observance Events

• Kick Off Event – Happening at Mainframe Studios in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), this free event will feature speakers, food and live music on Friday, June 9 from 5 – 8 p.m.
• Gospel Celebration – Hoyt Sherman Place in Sherman Hill welcomes a guest pastor, Pastor Derail Smith, and The Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir for a celebration on Sunday, June 11. Pastor Stephen A. Carter will MC the free event beginning at 6 p.m.
• Community Builders Appreciation Banquet – Abena Sankofa Imhotep will be the keynote speaker at this year’s banquet on Thursday, June 15 at 5 p.m. Register to attend at the Drake Olmstead Building on Drake University’s campus. See recipients awarded for contributions made in Iowa.
• Golf Outing – Head to Blank Golf Course for check-in at 7 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 16. Raffles will take place, too, so there’s a chance to win prizes as you golf!
• Neighbor’s Day Celebration – Visit vendors, hear speakers and see live entertainment during Neighbor’s Day in Western Gateway Park on Saturday, June 17 from Noon until 8 p.m. There will also be raffles, a children’s play area and storybook walk.
• Drive-In Movie Night – Watch Wakanda Forever at the Valley West Mall parking lot on Monday, June 19. Don’t forget to bring blankets, pillows, popcorn and a treat for while you watch! Gates open at 6 p.m.; the movie starts at 8 p.m.
• Culture in Color – On Friday, June 23, enjoy food from Joppa Experience and purchase tickets to Dress 2 Impress at Bella Love Venue in Clive from 6 – 10 p.m.

Other Juneteenth Events in Greater Des Moines

There are even more Juneteenth events happening at local businesses in DSM this month. Check them out below!

• Emancipation Day: A Juneteenth Event – Living History Farms in Urbandale will hold an event exploring the Black experience in Iowa’s history on Saturday, June 10 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. This is your chance to hear about Iowa’s Black pioneers, enjoy a story time with Abena Sankofa Imhotep, watch a baseball game and more. See the Iowa Civil Rights exhibit or explore the story station.
• Juneteenth Tea – Join Black Women 4 Healthy Living for a free annual Juneteenth Tea event at the Speed Lyceum Conference Center located in the Student Center at Grand View University Monday, June 19 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. While free, each person must register by Thursday, June 15.
• Juneteenth Comedy Jam – Spend an evening at Teehee’s Comedy Club for a festival-like comedy show.
  • The Kickoff Show is Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m. ($15 adv./$20 at the door)
  • Ladies Night is Friday, June 16 at 9:30 p.m. ($20 adv./$25 at the door)
  • The Bias Crew Showcase is Saturday, June 17 at 7 p.m. ($15 adv./$20 at the door)
  • The Grand Finale showcase is Saturday, June 17 at 9:30 p.m. ($20 adv./$25 at the door)
• Juneteenth Sickle Cell Blood Drive – The American Red Cross and Black Women 4 Healthy Living are encouraging donors to walk in and donate on Saturday, June 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Pappajohn Education Center Lobby in Downtown DSM.
• Juneteenth at the District at Prairie Trail – Ankeny will hold a Juneteenth celebration of Black culture with food trucks, vendors, a children’s area and black and brown artists. There will also be a 360-photo booth, mini golf, mural painting and more on Saturday, June 17 from 4 – 10 p.m.
• Juneteenth and Emancipation – The African American Museum of Iowa and Waukee Public Library will offer a presentation on the impact of slavery on the U.S. on Saturday, June 19 at 1 p.m. at the library.
• Iowa History 101: Emancipation Celebrations: The Historical Context for Juneteenth – See a film presentation from the State Historical Society and hear from Leo Landis on the history of Juneteenth in Iowa on Tuesday, June 20 at Forest Avenue Library from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Learn more about Iowa Juneteenth at iowajuneteenth.org.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.