Juneteenth in Thurston County
Originally published on June 8, 2026
*Note: this piece was originally intended for the JOLT News, but was designated to “Rachel’s Choice” at the last minute.
Juneteenth has been considered a federal holiday for five years now — yet, I still see select individuals in our community roll their eyes, sarcastically say things like “oh you mean June 19th,” and show other signs of disrespect towards this very important holiday. I believe the roots of these attitudes ultimately stem from misunderstanding.
Regardless of where you find yourself on the spectrum of understanding, I want to invite you, challenge you to take time to learn more about the significance of this holiday and make a point to join in the celebrations happening in our community.
This article will give you ideas of FREE Juneteenth events you can attend next week, ideas of how you can celebrate year round, and will provide a list of resources you can use to learn more about Juneteenth and beyond.
Have ideas beyond what is mentioned in this article? Share your ideas in the comments section!
Free Juneteenth Events
Each of these events borrows the language utilized on their event websites and postings.
Lacey Night Market – Juneteenth Celebration: Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at a Juneteenth Celebration at the Lacey Night Market!
Presented by the City of Lacey at The Depot, the Night Market brings the community together for evenings full of energy, flavor, and local flair. Each event offers a unique mix of experiences, making every visit something new to enjoy. Stroll through a lively marketplace featuring local and small businesses.
Enjoy live entertainment, explore themed elements celebrating Black history and culture, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, shopping local, or spending the evening with friends and family, this is a place to connect and unwind. Click here to learn more.
Date: June 12th
Time: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: 5700 Lacey Blvd SE, Lacey, WA 98503
ASHHO’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration (Tumwater): ASHHO invites you to join them for a powerful evening of joy, culture, storytelling, belonging, and community connection as they honor the meaning and history of Juneteenth through music, spoken word, reflection, delicious food, art, and celebration.
This event will also honor humble local leaders making a meaningful impact in our community through special recognition plaques. Gathering together, everyone is invited to reflect on freedom, collective liberation, collective power, healing, and how the spirit and lessons of Juneteenth continue to shape our everyday lives and future generations. Click here to learn more.
Date: June 19th
Time: 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: ASHHO Cultural Community Center, 5757 Littlerock Rd SW #4, Tumwater, WA 98512.
Note: Did you know that ASHHO is not an acronym? According to the ASHHO Cultural Community Center website, the word comes from the Bengali language and it translates to “an invite or call for someone to ‘come join’.” Click here to learn more.
Juneteenth Celebration (Lacey): Hosted by Fred U. Harris Lodge #70 in conjunction with New Life Baptist Church, this Juneteenth Celebration will be a community gathering filled with great food, fun activities, and fellowship for all ages. Bring your family and friends and come celebrate culture, unity, and freedom together. You don’t want to miss it!
Date: June 20th
Time: 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Regional Athletic Complex Pavilion C, 8345 Steilacoom Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98513
The Olympia 6th Annual Juneteenth Festival Celebration:
The Women Of Color In Leadership Movement, in partnership with Media Island International, invites all to join them for their Annual Juneteenth Celebration at The Rebecca Howard Park. We will have food vendors, performances, and activities for the entire family. Learn more on their website.
Date: June 20th
Time: 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: Rebecca Howard Park, 911 Adams St SE Olympia, WA 98501
Celebrate Year Round
Purchase AND read the book “Blacks in Thurston County, Washington,” by Dr. Thelma Jackson. Click here to purchase.
Support Black Owned Businesses including Sweetlees Ice Cream (owned by the Lee family), Beau Legs Fish & Chips, Whetstone Fitness, and more! Comment below with your favorite Black-Owned Business!
Donate and get involved with Thurston County's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Click here to learn more.
Watch the “Since I Been Down” documentary I reviewed for the JOLT earlier this year.
Donate to New Life Baptist Church’s “Black History Museum” fund so we can keep this annual tradition going. Read more about this in my article from earlier this year.
Keep supporting black artists in town and advocating for diversity in our arts scene!
Resources
Explore the Thurston County NAACP website.
Go to your local library or explore their online catalog.
Read about the Historical Legacy of Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Take time to learn about the Black Lives Matter movement.