Juneteenth celebrations at RMSC, Genesee Valley Park, the International Plaza, and more

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wednesday is Juneteenth, the federal holiday that commemorates freedom from slavery. It marks the day the Union soldiers arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas in 1865 to bring the news to enslaved people that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation that President Lincoln had signed two years earlier.

Here is your guide to Wednesday’s festivities around Rochester to celebrate Juneteenth:

Rochester Museum and Science Center

RMSC is holding a free Juneteenth celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at the Eisenhart Auditorium with performances, music, and vendors. The celebration also allows people to learn about Black history and culture. Here’s a list of activities happening:

• Button-making: Learn about the Juneteenth flag and create your own to take home by decorating a button.
• Storytime (1 and 3 p.m.): Cozy up for storytime about historical events and figures related to Juneteenth.
• Face Painting by LaQuanda Brinson: Give your face some festive flair with LaQuanda’s artistry.
• Black-owned Business Bazaar: Shop and learn about local Black-owned businesses in one place.
• Black Excellence in Game Design
• Lady Rose Soul Band (4 p.m.)

Juneteenth 5K at Genesee Valley Park

The eighth annual Juneteenth 5K will take place at 1 p.m. at Genesee Valley Park. The race will start at the Riverbend Shelter. You can register for the race here and pick up your packet at the race site starting at 11 a.m. There is also a virtual race option.

Food and water will be available before and after the run. There will also be vendors and a raffle. Funds raised from the 5K will go toward building the Minister Franklin D. Florence Civil Rights Heritage Park, an outdoor civil rights classroom at Baden Park. After the 5K, there will be a free jazz concert at the Roundhouse Shelter from 4 to 6 p.m.

The International Plaza

The International Plaza on North Clinton Avenue will host musical performances, food, and vendors from 1 to 5 p.m. The city is hosting the event.

BHealthy Fresh Food Market

Save Rochester is distributing fresh, organic produce to community members at BHealthy Fresh Food Market at 442 Genesee St. in honor of Juneteenth. They will start distributing produce at 11 a.m.