Honor the legacy of freedom and resilience at the Emancipation Day Festival. The day begins at 9 a.m. with a community walk led by Mrs. Vivian Filer, chair of the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, and City of Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward, starting at Depot Park and ending at the museum.
After the walk, enjoy live music, dance performances, educational exhibits, and screenings of the mini-documentary “Before Juneteenth: Emancipation in Florida.” Browse local vendors, grab a bite to eat, and take part in traditions like the plaiting of a maypole and a memorial service honoring fallen African American Civil War soldiers. Learn about Gainesville’s rich history, support the Cotton Club Museum, and commemorate Florida’s Emancipation Day.
This free event is part of the City of Gainesville’s Journey to Juneteenth series, in partnership with historic neighborhoods and the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center.
