The Juneteenth Celebration in Oberlin is a festival that commemorates the end of slavery through music, food, non-profit booths and more. Oberlin is a significant city for this festival due to its role in the Underground Railroad.
2025 DATE: June 14, 2025
Location: Oberlin Underground Railroad Center
S Main St (at Edison St behind McDonald’s)
Oberlin, OH 44074
Website: https://www.juneteenthoberlin.org
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This post documents my experience on June 15, 2024.
I also attended the festival in 2017, which you can find the post HERE.
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Since 2023, the Oberlin Juneteenth Festival has been taking place on the grounds…
…of the Oberlin Underground Railroad Center.
This building, originally constructed in the 1880’s as a gasholder building…
…now shares the history of the city’s role and importance in the Underground Railroad…
…while also serving various roles for the community such as showcasing art and hosting events.
Outside the center, vendor tables lined up outside…
…made up of local organizations who helped with energy savings, voter registration…
…the sharing of local history…
…and fundraising for a good cause.
Vendors, meanwhile, offered Afrocentric publications…
…all sorts of garments, hats and accessories…
…soap, incense, shea butters…
…handmade earrings and various works of art.
Nearby food trucks cooked up an assortment of BBQ and creole dishes…
…while fresh cut fries and Kona Ice were big hits with the kids…
…all of which could be enjoyed at either the picnic tables near the children’s activity area…
…or the tables at the DJ pavilion…
…which also served as a stage for entertainment.