Five ways to celebrate Juneteenth this weekend

Friday marks Juneteenth, the federal holiday that commemorates the day enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. For those looking to mark the occasion, several events are happening across the Twin Cities this weekend.

Juneteenth at the State Capitol

The Anika Foundation, a local nonprofit, is hosting its annual celebration on the Capitol lawn Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event includes live music, vendors, family activities and scholarship awards. It’s a straightforward afternoon outing for anyone wanting to observe the holiday in a public setting.

Rondo’s Juneteenth Celebration

Over in St. Paul, the Rondo Center of Diverse Expression is holding its own event Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Organizers have lined up speakers, music and exhibitors, along with the Rondo Achievement Awards. The gathering remembers the neighborhood’s history and the legacy of the day.

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Juneteenth Bash Drag Show

Modist Brewing Co. in Minneapolis is hosting a free drag show Friday evening from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The performance features five drag kings and queens. It’s a lighter way to close out the holiday, and the brewery is keeping it open to anyone who shows up.

Juneteenth Slow Roll: Black to the Future

A community bike ride on Saturday takes cyclists through what organizers call “the historic Black economic corridor of South Minneapolis.” The route stops at five spots for conversations, meals and moderated panels. The ride moves at a relaxed pace, and loaner bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Riders 10 and older are welcome. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Black Garnet Books’ Juneteenth Vendor Fair

One of Minnesota’s first Black-owned bookstores is hosting a vendor fair Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at its Midway shop. Eight local Black-owned businesses, organizations and creators will be there. It’s a chance to browse and support local sellers directly.

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The weekend also brings other things worth noting.

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns Friday for two days of live music at St. Paul parks, restaurants and venues. Several locations are within walking distance of each other, and Metro Transit is providing free passes for the Green Line. All performances are free.

Back to the ’50s car show

Father’s Day weekend brings the “Back to the ’50s” car show to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The Minnesota Street Rod Association’s annual event runs Friday through Sunday and features thousands of hot rods, classics and restored vehicles — all from 1964 or earlier. Admission is $15 at the door, and kids 15 and under get in free with a paid adult.

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Midsommar at the American Swedish Institute

The American Swedish Institute is holding its Midsommar party Saturday. Expect dancing around the maypole, flower head wreath stations, Swedish strawberry cake and live music. Tickets are $21 for adults, $10 for ages 6 to 17, and kids five and under are free.

Pride events continue across the cities Saturday. Several LGBTQ+ vendor markets are running in Maple Grove, St. Paul, Victoria and Minneapolis with free entry. Graze Food Hall in the North Loop is hosting a drag show and dance party, plus free family portraits. Inbound BrewCo has a Pride Book Fair for Grownups. The Minnesota Orchestra and Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus are performing an all-ages Disney Pride in Concert Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $46.

The Special Olympics USA Games are coming to Minnesota this week. More than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states will compete in 16 sports, from gymnastics to powerlifting to cornhole. Admission is free to all events. Saturday night’s opening ceremony at Huntington Bank Stadium features performances by Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste, with tickets at $26. The games run through June 26.