Photos Courtesy of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
This Juneteenth, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks is partnering with community organizations to host three events that will create spaces for residents to connect through stories, nature, food and music to celebrate and honor Juneteenth. From live African drumming on the Detroit Riverfront to a relaxed senior gathering at Lake St. Clair Metropark to a culinary history talk exploring food traditions of the African diaspora, these three events are free and offer something for all ages.
Red Foods, Memory & Meaning – Wednesday June 17 at 6 p.m.
Join Chef Josmine of Indigo Culinary Company at the Sterling Heights Public Library to explore the cultural and historical role of red foods in Black foodways across the African diaspora, highlighting Juneteenth, tradition, seasonality, spirituality and food as living memory. Through storytelling and discussion, this talk invites participants to understand food as a living archive that holds memory, meaning and connection across generations. Learn more.
2026 June Jubilee: Gather, Reflect, Celebrate – Friday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This relaxed, free, senior-focused event at Lake St. Clair Metropark will showcase an uplifting blend of music, storytelling, and hands-on creativity in a space centered on connection and reflection. Highlights include live music with Larry Lee & Back in the Day, book giveaways, guided park shuttle tours, crafts, food and more. Learn more.
Juneteenth at Wilson: The Stories of Us – Friday June 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A free, family-friendly festival at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park in partnership with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy featuring African drumming and dance, youth poetry, an artist panel, guided tours of the “Stories of Us” exhibit, a Michigan Black Business Alliance vendor market and a closing performance by Rev. Robert Jones. Learn more.
