The city’s Juneteenth celebration is from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Switchyard Park Pavilion. The event is free.
The federal holiday, officially June 19, is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day. It originated in Galveston, Texas, and celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in the United States.
Union Army General Gordon Granger announced the emancipation of those enslaved in Texas on June 19, 1865, in Galveston.
The Bloomington event will have live entertainment starting at 6:10 p.m. with DJ Darran Mosley, then a performance by Troy Thomas and Trumusiq at 7:15 p.m.
There will also be food trucks in conjunction with Food Truck Fridays, a vendor market with Black-owned businesses and health and wellness services.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets as all event activities will be outdoors.