This year, the cities of Leander and Cedar Park are joining forces for a Juneteenth celebration that reflects both the spirit of the holiday and the strength of a growing regional partnership. On Friday, June 19, 2026, the two communities will come together at Robin Bledsoe Park in Leander for a free, family‑friendly Juneteenth Block Party from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.—a vibrant evening of music, culture, recreation, and shared history.
The event marks the first year that Leander and Cedar Park have partnered on a Juneteenth celebration, a collaboration led by the Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission. For both cities, the partnership represents more than a shared event—it’s a commitment to unity, understanding, and honoring the legacy of Juneteenth together.
Leander Mayor Na’Cole Thompson emphasized the meaning behind the moment, calling Juneteenth “an opportunity to come together as a community—to reflect on our history, celebrate how far we’ve come, and continue the work of building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.” She noted that the partnership between Leander and Cedar Park underscores the idea that “the values of unity, understanding, and community don’t stop at city limits.”
Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman‑Morin echoed that sentiment, celebrating the collaboration as a reflection of the region’s shared strength. “Our two cities are better together,” he said. “The diversity of our communities is one of our greatest strengths, and Juneteenth calls us to honor that by remembering where we’ve been, celebrating how far we’ve come, and recommitting to a future where everyone belongs.”
The block party will offer a full evening of activities for all ages, including live music, a basketball tournament, line dancing, food vendors, and a fun zone featuring the pool, splash pad, and live art demonstrations. The program also includes ceremonial moments such as the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a joint welcome from city leaders, a proclamation, and the reading of General Order No. 3, the historic announcement that brought news of emancipation to Texas in 1865.
Schedule of Events
- 5–9 p.m. — Basketball Tournament, Fun Zone, Pool, Splash Pad, Live Art
- 6:00 p.m. — “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Genail Marthol
- 6:05 p.m. — Welcome by Leander Mayor Na’Cole Thompson and Cedar Park Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Harris
- 6:10 p.m. — Proclamation by Leander Councilmember Natomi Blair and Cedar Park Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Harris
- 6:20 p.m. — Reading of General Order No. 3
- 6:25 p.m. — Sponsor Spotlight & Announcements
- 6:35 p.m. — Soulful Soundz Party Band
- 7:30 p.m. — Line Dancing with Sonya Rangel
- 8:00 p.m. — Soulful Soundz Party Band
- 8:30 p.m. — Live Art Drawing & Basketball Tournament Awards
Why Juneteenth Matters
Juneteenth, recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, commemorates the day—June 19, 1865—when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to announce the end of slavery in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It stands as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
By celebrating together, Cedar Park and Leander are honoring that legacy in a way that brings neighbors closer, strengthens regional ties, and ensures that the story of Juneteenth continues to be shared with future generations.
