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The 2024 Downtown Akron Juneteenth Saturday Celebration is Saturday, June 22, from 3 - 7 pm on Cascade Plaza.The family celebration on Saturday will include live performances, vendors, free activities and more at Cascade Plaza.
At 7 pm, the celebration will shift to the Lock 3 Back Yard with live music. The 2024 headlining entertainment for the celebration is the acclaimed New Orleans band, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, presented by Lock 3 and performing at the Lock 3 Back Yard at 8:30 pm. Opening act at 7 pm is The AfterParty.
❤ Both the Celebration on Cascade Plaza and the live music at the Lock 3 Back Yard are free and open to all. ❤
FOOD
• Southern Comfort Kitchen (Creole/Cajun cuisine, authentic New Orleans Flavor to Ohio: Shrimp, fish, crawfish Mac, jambalaya, crawfish etouffe, chicken tenders, fries, hush puppies)
• The Twisted Jerk (Jamaican Jerk cuisine with a soulful twist: Jerk Chicken Chicken Bowls, Fried Turkey Ribs, Jerk Lamb Chops, Whole Wings, Smackin Mac, Cabbage, Fries, Twisted Corn)
• da Bayou Cajun & Creole (Cajun & Creole: Gumbo, Gator, Catfish, Lobster Mac & cheese)
• Cookies BBQ (Soul Food: Greens, Mac and Cheese, fried or grilled Chicken, Ribs, yams, homemade lemonades, water)
• Da Dawg House (Smash burgers, fresh cut fries, dogs, coneys and joes. We also have vegetarian options of everything. We do have a specialty dog and burger that comes with seasoned fries on it along with our special sauce.)
• The Ice Bucket (One-of-a-kind sherbet shakes, soft shaved ice and novelty ice cream treats. We also offer non-dairy, sugar free and natural options.)
• Ernie's Catering (Fried Swai Fish Sandwiches with chips)
• The Smoothie Stand & Co (Frozen fruit smoothie and frozen fruit lemonades)
VENDORS
• Julia Belle's Seasonings (Hand-blended seasonings, rubs & mixes, no MSG, GMO or artificial colors, with salt and sugar free options. Our side-dish mixes can be made by adding 2-3 kitchen ingredients)
• ib.graphics_plus (Caricatures/ face painting and event themed merch)
• Elizabeth's Bookshop & Writing Centre (We sell new books that exclusively center and amplify marginalized voices. We plan to bring a selection of books by Black authors, including books about Juneteenth and Black history)
• Hair Geek (hair products and women's clothes)
• P31 Art & Design (P31 is a family run company that sells the collective works of Mother-Daughter Duo, Stephanie Stewart and Kyla-Ann Decatur. The company creates hand painted and handmade goods and sells affordable top quality art.)
• Drive-Thru Weddings and Notary (Drive-Thru and Micro Weddings (Blu-tique Hotel))
• SetTrendz Jewelry (Handmade artisan jewelry specializing in the traditional art of waistbeads)
• Nuni Products (We sell Body Butters, natural soaps, body oils, lip balms, scrubs, lotions, and beard products)
• Saint Rest Publications (Books, prints, and t-shirts)
• Hilltastic Coaching (Books, bracelets, cultural awareness merch)
• Lady J Accessories (Custom Jewelry, ladies accessories and t-shirts, divine 9 custom items, designer inspired handbags)
• Set Trendz Jewelry (Handmade artisan jewelry specializing in the traditional art of waistbeads)
• Gear2Go (Juneteenth tees, dresses, hats, leggings)
COMMUNITY
• Signal Akron (online news organization providing local news to local residents)
• Community Action Akron Summit Head Start (Head Start Free Pre-School)
• College Now Greater Cleveland (free resource flyers, business cards, and some free swag)
• The Suite (Free Balloon Animals)
• Pretty Handsome Photo Booth (Free Photo Strips)
• CRPS Hope 4 a Cure (Information, giveaways, activities, and purchasable crafts)
• The Freedom BLOC (The Black Led Organizing Collaborative (BLOC) was created to build black political power independent of the current two-party political apparatus)
• Akron-Summit County Public Library (Library card sign up/rehab cards, give away library swag: pens, pencils, notepads etc.)
• Summit County Historical Society (Summer camp activity information, John Brown and Underground Railroad information and displays, and a word Scrabble game activity)
• METRO Regional Transit Authority (Promoting free fare weekends, giveaways and promotional items, and other information)
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Friday, June 21 from 6 - 8 pm is the Downtown Akron Juneteenth Mix & Mingle at the Akron Civic Theatre Knight Stage.
The Mix & Mingle will be an opportunity for community members to enjoy time together, network and get to know some of downtown Akron’s Black-owned businesses. Details coming soon.
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VENDORS
We encourage those interested in vendor or engagement opportunities for this year’s celebration to fill out the Juneteenth vendor form: https://bit.ly/2024DowntownJuneteenthVendorApp
SPONSORSHIP
DAP is seeking corporate sponsorship for this event. For more information: https://bit.ly/DowntownJuneteenthSponsorship2024
Additional information about the Downtown Akron Juneteenth Celebration and Juneteenth celebrations throughout Akron can be found on the DAP website: https://www.downtownakron.com/
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The 2024 Downtown Akron Juneteenth Celebration is presented by DAP in partnership with the City of Akron, Lock 3, and Akron Civic Theatre, with additional support from Knight Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, Akron Community Foundation, Akron Civic Commons, GAR Foundation, and State and Federal Communications.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cascade Plaza, Akron, United States