Juneteenth in Brevard: Here's a guide to celebrations, events

Juneteenth - short for "June nineteenth" - is an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Here's a guide to some of the Juneteenth celebrations across Brevard. Please note that these events take place from June 10 to 17, 2023. Event details are subject to change, so we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.

Bring your own non-alcoholic refreshments and create a painting with instructor Alicia Riedel at the Cocoa Civic Center, 430 Delannoy Ave., Cocoa, on Friday, June 9 at 6 p.m. There will be music by DJ LBoog, a silent auction, photo booth, vendors, a cash bar, door prizes and more. Proceeds will benefit the Alliance for Neighborhood Restoration in Cocoa. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door, and include painting tools and canvas. Call 321-271-6969.

The Alliance for Neighborhood Restoration and the City of Cocoa will host the event at Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa, on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free, family-friendly event with the theme "Unity in the Community" will feature a community awards presentation, a kids zone, vendors, food trucks and more. The Master of Ceremony will be Johnathan McFadden, and there will be live entertainment by JKABEL, Reflections Band and Jero Green. The Little Black Book Drive will distribute free books to young readers up to age 18; parents are asked to be in attendance with a child to receive the free books. Admission to the event is free. Call 321-635-7702, email [email protected] or visit cocoafl.gov.

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The event will be in Riverview Park, 2301 Irwin Street, Melbourne, on Saturday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature a live DJ, a singing of the Black National Anthem, a recital of "Hey Black Child," bounce houses, food trucks, vendors, a live performance by the Bayside High BayStep, poetry readings and more. The Little Black Book Drive will distribute free books to young readers up to age 18; parents are asked to be in attendance with a child to receive the free books. Admission is free. Email [email protected].

Brevard County Parks & Recreation hosts this free event to commemorate emancipation at Sandpoint Park, 101 N. Washington Ave., Titusville, on Saturday, June 17 from 3 to 7 p.m. The theme of the event is "Perfecting Unity." Bring lawn chairs and enjoy free family-friendly activities including a 3-legged race, crafts, food and drinks, hula hoops, a kids’ corner, music, splash pad and more. The Little Black Book Drive will distribute free books to young readers up to age 18; parents are asked to be in attendance with a child to receive the free books. The event may be changed or canceled in the event of severe weather. Admission is free. Call 321-264-6595 or visit facebook.com/events/6043388402380927.

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TgIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune, on Twitter at @lafortunec, or send her an email at [email protected].

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