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 216
Goodnight Irene by Charles Wilbert White
10 am-1 pm | Gallery 219
Blackburn, Ron Adams
Noon-2 pm | Gallery 214
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
Begin the day with a powerful presentation of colors by the Urban Rangers, remarks by Alex Moyer, remarks by Craig Smith and a special recognition of Makeda Peterson, JuneteenthKC program director. In tribute to the enduring legacy of her father, Horace Peterson III—founder of JuneteenthKC and several of Kansas City’s most treasured cultural institutions—she honors his impact while celebrating the community.
The program continues with the introduction of Miss JuneteenthKC 2026 and her Court, and uplifting performances by the Kansas City Boys and Girls Choirs.
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, percussionist Angela Williams, 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.
Interactive book displays
Noon-4 pm | Educator Resource Center
Explore an engaging selection of books highlighting African American artists and works of art that speak to Black history.
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 high-energy majorette routines in the style of historically black college and universities.
Kansas City 2Step Youth Participation
1:50-2:15 pm | Kirkwood Hall
De Barker invites you to try Kansas City 2Step moves, accompanied by 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 members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), also known as the Divine 9, will present a dynamic showcase of dance, step, and stroll performances.
Kansas City 2Step Showcase & Free Style Dance
3-4 pm | Kirkwood Hall
DJ Joe Straws, DJ Ice Kole, 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
Sketching with Saint Gregory
Noon-2 pm | Ford Learning Center Rooms 4 & 5
Join local creative Saint Gregory as he guides guests through his sketchbook process, helping them rediscover the joy of drawing. All materials will be provided.
Sketchbook Activity
10 am-4 pm | Ford Learning Center Rooms 4 & 5
Create a sketchbook and experiment with drawing.
Bloch Building
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.
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 historical 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, Daniel Montoute
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 camaraderie that drives the Show Me State Jeeperz.
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Dining
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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.
11 am-3 pm | Bloch Lobby
Purchase á la carte small plates and Sweet Potato Pie Bars (while supplies last). 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
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 Spotlight 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