Scottsdale’s free Community Juneteenth Celebration, presented by Mayo Clinic, is back by popular demand.

Hosted by the city of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Arts, the afternoon of culture, entertainment, music, wellness, presentations and career opportunities takes place 2–7 p.m. Saturday, June 17, according to a press release.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the celebration in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Civic Center, 7380 E. Second Street. 

The event also includes free admission to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, located nearby.

Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery — more specifically the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas, who did not receive the news until two years after abolition, the release stated. Annual celebrations in different parts of the country date back to 1866. 

Scottsdale’s celebration will include a public art exhibit that commemorates the 900 days from the Emancipation Proclamation to when enslaved people were made aware that they had been freed.

“Juneteenth is the highlight of June Days, becoming one of Scottsdale’s largest diversity, equity, and inclusion events” Mayor David Ortega stated in the release. “We welcome people throughout the Valley to come to Scottsdale to celebrate and support an inclusive, safe environment where the rights of everyone are protected.”

This year’s expanded Scottsdale Juneteenth celebration is possible through the support of sponsors including the presenting sponsor, Mayo Clinic, and HonorHealth, Fry’s Food Stores, PetSmart, Renewal by Anderson, Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association and SRP.

In 2022, the Scottsdale City Council adopted and approved an amendment to Scottsdale Revised Code (Section 14-81, Holidays), establishing the day as one of Scottsdale’s designated city holidays. The holiday will be observed Monday, June 19. Garbage and recycling collection will not be affected.