Juneteenth is an important holiday in Bastrop. Also known as Freedom Day, it celebrates the day 250,000 enslaved Black people were freed in Texas on June 19, 1865. Although the Emancipation Proclamation became effective in 1863, some former Confederate states didn’t comply until years later. On that day in June, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas and Union General Gordon Granger announced that by executive decree all slaves were freed in the state.
We’re going all out on our Bastrop Juneteenth Celebration with a parade, freedom festival, street dance and car show. From a 5-star resort and luxury yurts to cozy cabins and a Victorian B&B, there are also lots of places to rest and recharge for the next event here. Read on for details on one of the best Juneteenth celebrations in Texas:
Bastrop Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
On Saturday, June 20th, come out to Downtown Bastrop, at 10am and bring the kids for the Bastrop Juneteenth Parade. Enjoy walking groups, classic cars, and local organizations as they stroll downtown Main Street celebrating freedom and culture. Immediately following stroll down to Fisherman's Park for the Bastrop Juneteenth Celebration Family Freedom Festival. We’re going back to where it all started – Fisherman’s Park aka “the Boat Docks.” Immediately after the parade, join us in the park for an afternoon and evening full of fun for the entire family. We’ll have live music and a DJ playing throughout the day, food and small business vendors, kids and adult activities and family competitions. Later in the evening we’ll have special musical guest to wrap the activities up.
Blue Flame Cruisers Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
Also on June 20th, head over to the Bastrop Convention Center for the Blue Flame Cruisers Car,Truck & Motorcycle Show. It’s a great time for everyone with great vendors, food, games for the kids, and of course, tons of cool cars, trucks, and motorcycles to check out. Its the place to be if you love classic cars, motorcycles, and good vibes. You'll meet fellow enthusiasts, check out amazing vehicles up close, and enjoy a fun day hanging out with the coolest crowd around.
Bastrop Juneteenth Parade
This is a parade you can watch or get in on if you like. It’s on Saturday, June 20th. There’ll be judging and ribbons awarded, so be prepared to bring it. Basic ground rules cover things like no throwing things at people (handing things out is ok), no alcohol, no glass containers and ATVs have to have adult supervision of someone 21 or older. In other words, it’ll be a big Bastrop, Texas good time and we are all in.
Proud to Be Free in Bastrop
Juneteenth is an important holiday for all of us and we’re thrilled to celebrate it. We hope to see you there. Plan your visit to Bastrop today! Be sure to get on our email list as well, for the latest Bastrop happenings.
