Newer Houstonians may not know the deep roots that Juneteenth has in Texas, especially Galveston. Celebrating freedom and now a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, there are events all over the Greater Houston area and beyond worth a visit. Keep reading for your guide to Juneteenth and more arts and culture for June!
Women to Watch: Houston R&B Storytellers | June 8 | 5 p.m.
Capping off an all-day ceremony to kick off the Fade to Black Arts Festival at the Hobby Center, this organization presents a powerful lineup of film, music, poetry, theatre and visual arts.
Houston Grand Opera: “A Voice Within” | June 17 | 7 p.m.
The life stories and oral histories of Houston’s Third Ward residents have inspired this new song cycle created by HGO Composer-in-Residence Joel Thompson and librettist and Houston poet laureate emeritus Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton. It will premiere at the Emancipation Park Conservancy’s cultural center and has received support from the Gregory School’s African American History Research Center. Catch songs that evoke local landmarks like the Eldorado Ballroom and explore big themes like freedom and community.
Galveston Celebrates Juneteenth | June | Various Days & Times
Experience Juneteenth where it began in Galveston with events all month long, featuring everything from lectures, live music, dance, car shows, golf tournaments, and even reenactments.
“The Prison Show” | June 3 | 7 p.m.
For over 40 years, The Prison Show on community radio station KPFT (Pacifica) provided a lifeline between the state’s incarcerated people and their families through the airwaves. The radio program was hosted by Ray Hill, the late LGBTQ rights activist and organizer of the city’s first Pride Houston. Cinema Arts Society presents the premiere of this documentary, with filmmakers Gabriella Kessler and David Collingsworth and producer Linda Snyder in attendance.
Ken Burns: The American Revolution Film Screening | June 5 | 7 p.m.
The Emmy-award winning documentarian comes to Houston to be in conversation with Brené Brown at Zilkha Hall in downtown. Burns will preview his new six-part series – coming to your local PBS this fall – about America’s founding struggle.
Summer Wellness Series | Fridays, June 6, 13 & 27 | 12 p.m. noon
Experience art AND get in your yoga flow at the Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University. These free hour-long classes pair low-impact mindfulness and yoga with a walk through the art galleries, ending your week peacefully and starting your weekend strong.
Other Upcoming Happenings in June
Opening Reception for The Big Show | June 6 | 7 - 9 p.m. | Free | Lawndale Art Center
A Tribute to Turkish Music Legends | June 7 | 8 p.m. | $15 - $20 | Big Owl Craft Brew House
Catastrophic Theatre Presents “Another Ding-Dang Tamarie Show” | Opening June 27, runs though August 2 | Pay What You Can | MATCH
