Juneteenth Celebration
Jun 13, 2026
10:00 am
–
4:00 pm
Free
Museum admission includes entry to the Juneteenth Celebration
Honor and celebrate the enduring contributions of African Americans with a full day of festivities
As part of city-wide observances and in partnership with JuneteenthKC, the free Juneteenth Celebration honors the enduring contributions of African Americans with a full day of festivities, including live music and dancing, storytelling performances, and educational experiences in the museum’s galleries.
About Juneteenth
Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth is an abbreviation of “June nineteenth” and honors the emancipation of people who were enslaved, which was announced by executive order in Texas on June 19, 1865. The history of freedom and equal rights after emancipation is long and complex — and still being written today.
Free registration
General admission to the museum and festival is free. Although you may register for admission upon arrival, we encourage advance registration for a more convenient check-in experience.
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Parking
The Nelson-Atkins parking garage is located at 45th and oak streets. Parking is $20 per vehicle or free for museum members and guest with ADA placards.
Festival Schedule
Program details subject to change
Nelson-Atkins Building
Gallery learning stations
Discuss works of art with museum guides and docents.
The Young Sabot Maker by Henry Ossawa Tanner
10 am-1 pm | Gallery 214
Goodnight Irene by Charles Wilbert White
10 am-1 pm | Gallery 219
Portrait of a Boy Holding a Bow, artist unknown
Noon-2 pm | Gallery 124
Portrait of a Gentleman by Joshua Johnson
1-4 pm | Gallery 211
Elsie Mountain by Leonard Pryor
1-4 pm | Gallery 219
Opening program
10:30-11:15 am | Kirkwood Hall
A presentation of colors by the Urban Rangers, remarks by Craig Smith, a special recognition of JuneteenthKC Program Director Makeda Peterson, and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Horace Peterson III, founder of JuneteenthKC and other Kansas City cultural institutions.
The program continues with the introduction of Miss JuneteenthKC 2026 and her court, and performances by the Kansas City Boys and Girls Choirs singing renditions of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “A Change is Gonna Come.”
Kansas City Jazz Storytelling
11:15 am-12:15 pm │ Atkins Auditorium
Created especially for Juneteenth, this call-and-response show invites you to jump in and be part of the fun. Designed for all ages, Jazz Storytelling is led by vocalist Lisa Henry, storyteller Brother John, drummer Mike Warren, and bassist Tyrone Clark.
The Kansas City Boys & The Kansas City Girls Choirs
11:45-12:15 pm │Kirkwood Hall
Enjoy musical selections directed by Mia Ramsey, including “Young, Gifted and Black” and “Wake Up Everybody.”
Interactive book displays
Noon-4 pm | Educator Resource Center
Explore a selection of books and resources celebrating Juneteenth to discover inspiring works of art from the museum’s collection.
Storytelling by the Buffalo Soldiers
12:30-1 & 1:30-2 pm │Gallery 220
Buffalo Soldier reenactors tell stories of triumph and glory.
Fellowship Experience
1-1:45 pm | Atkins Auditorium
Storyteller and community creator Craig Smith and guests comment on the topic “How do we make freedom?”
North Kansas City High School Purple Diamonds Performance
1-1:10 & 1:40-1:50 pm│Kirkwood Hall
Celebrate culture and unity through majorette routines in the historically black college and university style.
Kansas City 2Step Youth Participation
1:50-2:15 pm | Kirkwood Hall
De Barker invites you to try some Kansas City 2Step moves accompanied by a special setlist from DJ Joe Straws.
Story Time
12:15-12:30 & 12:45-1 pm | Educator Resource Center
Ajia Mignon Morris delights young audiences with meaningful stories that celebrate the history and spirit of Juneteenth.
Divine Nine: African American Greek
2:30-3:10 pm │ Atkins Auditorium
The Kansas City Greek Picnic, in collaboration with the National Pan-Hellenic Council, presents a fusion of traditional step dancing and modern choreography performed by Divine Nine fraternities and sororities.
Kansas City 2Step Showcase & Free Style Dance
3-4 pm | Kirkwood Hall
DJ Joe Straws, Nikol Straws, De Barker, and steppers from the Kansas City 2Steppin’ Community celebrate over 20 years of the Big StepOff.
3-3:30 pm | 2Step Showcase
3:30-4 pm | Free Style Dancing
Bloch Building
Sketchbook Activity
10 am-4 pm | Lens 2 & Lens 2 Mezzanine
Create a sketchbook and experiment with drawing.
Sensory Break Room
10 am-4 pm | Rockhill Room
Need a break from the crowd? Relax with various fidget items and enjoy the quiet in our calming sensory break room.
Juneteenth Quilt
10 am-4 pm | Bloch Lobby
Take a picture in front of the quilt created by guests during the first Juneteenth Celebration at the Nelson-Atkins.
Sketching with Saint Gregory
Noon-2 pm | Lens 2 & Lens 2 Mezzanine
Local creative Saint Gregory will introduce guests to his sketchbook process and invite them to experiment with pencils and paper.
Drawing Demonstration: Anthony High
Noon-2 pm | Bloch Lobby
Watch artist Anthony High create one of his amazing pieces.
Learning Station with the Black Archives of Mid-America
Noon-3 pm | Bloch Lobby
Speak with representatives from this educational organization that serves as a repository for every facet of African American culture.
Juneteenth book displays
1-4 pm | Spencer Art Reference Library
View a display of materials about African American artists and history.
Race Project KC
1-4 pm | Spencer Art Reference Library
Meet representatives from RPKC and Johnson County Library to learn about the Dividing Lines tour, an exploration of how Kansas City was sculpted by race and real estate practices.
Meet and Greet: 2026 JuneteenthKC Featured Artist
1:30-3:30 pm | Bloch Lobby
Learn about the artist’s inspiration, process, and technique.
North Drive
Show Me State Jeeperz
2-4 pm | North Drive
Stop by for a photo opportunity, learn more about Jeep Life, and feel the energy that drives the Show Me State Jeeperz.
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Dining
Rozzelle Court Restaurant
Lunch: 11 am-2 pm | Coffee and dessert: 2-4 pm
Order entrees and small plates. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options are available.
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Free festival pins for members
10 am-5 pm | Bloch Lobby Info Desk
Members can stop by to claim their free, limited-edition Juneteenth Celebration enamel pin. Present your member card to collect your pin.
Help us Protect the Art
Please help us protect the art by following these important guidelines:
View art from two feet, but don’t touch (even outdoors)
Enjoy food or drinks in designated areas only
Wear backpacks in front of your body or use our free coat check
Special Thanks to
Lilly Endowment Inc. for support of this year’s festival.
JuneteenthKC and all community partners who contributed to a successful Juneteenth Celebration.
Members — the art and soul of the museum — and volunteers, whose support makes festivals like this possible. To learn more about membership, visit the Info Desk or ArtandSoulKC.org.
Share your pictures with us
After the festival, we’ll release official event photos on Flickr.
If you take photos, tag us!
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Save the date:
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Kansas City’s Lawn Party
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Sunday, July 19 | 4-8 pm
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Juneteenth National Independence Day Gallery Learning Stations
Friday, June 19 | 10 am-4 pm
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The 15th Annual JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival
Friday, June 19 | Noon-8 pm & Saturday, June 20 | Noon-10 pm
18th & Vine Historic Jazz District