The Best Southwest Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration, one of North Texas’s largest cultural festivals, will return to Grimes Park in DeSoto on Saturday, June 14.
The festival will feature live music, family activities, and a collaborative tribute to Black history.
The free event, a partnership between DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and Lancaster, expects more than 10,000 attendees for an evening of performances, food trucks, and educational exhibits.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with festivities running from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 501 E. Wintergreen Road.
“This event is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of our values as a region,” said DeSoto City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry. “The Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration demonstrates the power of unity and the deep respect our cities share for the historical and cultural importance of this day.”
This year’s lineup includes funk legends Zapp, R&B artist Chadney Christle, and Dallas-based N’Tense the Band. Attendees can also explore:
- Black-owned business vendors
- Free health screenings
- Interactive youth activities
- Educational exhibits on Juneteenth history
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, community, and progress,” said DeSoto Parks and Recreation Director Chris Glover. “We’re proud to create a space where thousands can gather to learn, reflect, and enjoy the richness of our shared culture.”
Now recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their emancipation, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Best Southwest celebration has become a cornerstone event for the region, highlighting both historical remembrance and modern community bonds.
For details, visit desototexas.gov/events.
DeSoto Tribune Staff