Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. In Mankato, we celebrate this day by honoring our community’s rich history of activism and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Each year, we gather to reflect on the legacy of those who fought for freedom and to reaffirm our commitment to building an equitable future for all.

This year’s theme, “Honor the Past, Fight for the Future,” calls us to remember the resilience of our ancestors while continuing the work of justice and liberation today.

Join us for the 8th Annual Greater Mankato Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19th at Minnesota State University, Mankato, from 3:00-6:00 pm.

Let us come together in unity–to celebrate freedom, honor those who paved the way, and stand strong in the fight for a more just future.

Group of people participating in a Juneteenth Freedom Walk in an urban area with a "be here now" sign in the foreground.

Black-Owned Business Expo

The Black-Owned Business Expo at our Juneteenth celebration highlights local Black entrepreneurs and their unique offerings. Black-owned business owners can vend for free, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase their products and services. This expo highlights the important contributions these businesses make to our economy and culture.

People at an outdoor market browsing and selling clothing from a table under trees.

Freedom Walk

The Freedom Walk launches a symbolic demonstration of resilience, liberation, and progress. Community members gather to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, advocate for equality, and reflect on the journey toward freedom. As we march through the streets, we celebrate the triumphs of the past and the resilience of the human spirit while reaffirming our shared commitment to an inclusive future where all are treated with dignity and respect.

Be a Part of the Celebration

We’re inviting local vendors, organizations, and businesses to join us at Juneteenth! Showcase your goods, services, or mission while connecting with the community in a powerful way. Black-owned businesses and BIPOC-led student organizations can vend for free as part of our commitment to uplifting historically marginalized voices.

Vendor Registration Now Closed

Support the Celebration

Help us make this year’s Juneteenth Celebration a meaningful and impactful event for the entire community. Your sponsorship directly supports local artists, performers, and community engagement activities. Join us in honoring the past and investing in a more equitable future.

Volunteer at Juneteenth

Be part of the team that makes the Greater Mankato Juneteenth Celebration possible! Volunteers help with everything from setup and activities to welcoming guests and keeping the event running smoothly. Your time and support help create a joyful, inclusive space that honors freedom and community.

Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors!

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Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors! –

Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership

Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership

Taylor Corporation

Taylor Corporation

American Lung Association

American Lung Association

MNSU African American Affairs

MNSU African American Affairs

MNSU DEI Community Partnerships

MNSU DEI Community Partnerships

KMSU The Maverick

KMSU The Maverick

MNSU Kessel Peace Institute

MNSU Kessel Peace Institute

Blethen | Berens

Blethen | Berens

WOW! Zone

WOW! Zone

Cultivate Mankato

Cultivate Mankato

Bethlehem Lutheran Mankato

Bethlehem Lutheran Mankato

Federated Insurance

Federated Insurance

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato

People dancing outdoors near a brick building with an audience watching, in a sunny setting.
A person wearing a black bandana and t-shirt is standing outdoors with hands clasped. Behind them is artwork of a leopard and a sign with the words 'Miracle' visible. Trees and a purple tablecloth are in the background.
A child with curly hair and a "Black History" shirt watches while someone applies henna to their hand.
Man speaking at an outdoor event with microphone, wearing a cap and scarf, in front of a purple banner.
A community event booth with a CADA banner, a woman leaning over the table talking to a child, another woman standing beside them wearing a CADA T-shirt, and informational pamphlets displayed. A small rainbow flag is visible on the table.
People gathered around an outdoor booth with promotional materials and a prize wheel. A woman is smiling while interacting with visitors. The setting is a green area near a building.
Children playing with large bubbles at an outdoor event, with tents and people in the background.
Craft table with social tapestry project, fabric strips, tags, markers, and instructions displayed.
A group of people gathered around an outdoor table at an event, interacting with volunteers. The table is covered with a gray cloth and has jars and promotional items on it. Some people are signing papers, and others are observing, while a tree and c
People interacting at an outdoor booth during a Juneteenth celebration.
People sitting on grass near a red clock tower in an outdoor event.
Group of people smiling and talking at an outdoor market stall with colorful clothing on display.
People shaking hands at a community event booth outdoors.
Two people sitting at a table with Palestinian flags, displaying items. One wears a red hijab and holds a flag. The other has a keffiyeh scarf. There are papers and a bottle on the table.
Photographer guiding a family photo shoot outdoors with a couple holding a child, near a wooden booth and a monitor.
Two men smiling and posing with camera gear at a photography event, with others in the background holding cameras.
A happy family standing together, featuring a man in a striped shirt, a woman in a black jacket, and a little girl in a blue printed dress holding their hands.
A group of five people in matching TNT EATS shirts standing in front of a food truck. They are smiling and appear to be working together. The truck is blue and used for cooking and serving food, with various items and supplies visible around them.
People visiting a vendor booth at a outdoor market, with a white canopy and various items displayed on a table, including plants and clothing. A group of individuals engage with the vendor, who is smiling.
Photographer taking a picture of a model wearing a colorful outfit in an outdoor setting
Three women smiling and looking at a laptop in an outdoor setting.
People interacting at an outdoor event or fair table
Group of adults and children outdoors, some engaged in activities like playing with chalk and wearing casual summer clothes. The setting appears to be a community event.
People at an outdoor market stall, displaying and browsing clothing items on a table, with trees in the background.
Smiling woman at a booth helping people with a prize wheel and baskets on display.
Group of people gathered outdoors participating in a basketball shooting game called 'The RL Shot Challenge' with multiple basketball hoops, surrounded by buildings and parked cars.
Outdoor event with a female singer and a DJ performing on a stage with colorful decorations, viewed by a small crowd. A banner below mentions a Juneteenth celebration.
Outdoor performance with singer and audience, brick building background
Outdoor performance with a man singing into a microphone, a DJ in the background, and another person filming. "Never Stop Going" is written on the camera operator's hoodie.
Female performer in floral dress singing with microphone on stage, brick building in background.
DJ performing at event, wearing headphones and a "Celebrate Juneteenth" shirt, standing behind a DJ setup with laptop and mixer, colorful tablecloth on table.
A man wearing sunglasses and a white jersey performing with a microphone, with a DJ in the background at an outdoor event, in front of a vibrant patterned table. Audience members are visible in the foreground.
Group of people participating in a Juneteenth Freedom Walk, holding a banner, in an urban area with tents and buildings.
Man speaking into a microphone wearing a bandana and black shirt, with a DJ in the background operating equipment.
Man speaking at an outdoor event with a microphone, holding a phone, wearing a black cap and t-shirt. Woman in white shirt behind DJ equipment, background with brick wall and decorative fabric.
Man speaking on stage during Juneteenth celebration in Mankato, MN, holding a paper and gesturing, with microphones and a banner reading "Celebrate Juneteenth."
People dancing outdoors in a sunny urban setting with a mix of casual and smart clothing.
Group of people smiling and interacting, including a child reaching out with a person holding a camera.
A group of people performing a choreographed dance outdoors, wearing green shirts and black pants, in front of a building.
People dancing energetically outdoors, with some wearing green shirts. The group appears joyful and lively, enjoying the activity on a sunny day.