Juneteenth Community Day Returns For 2nd Year At National Landing

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County's Juneteenth Community Day returns for the second year on Thursday, June 19 at National Landing.

Hosted by Challenging Racism, this family-friendly event celebrates of African American culture, heritage, and the historic emancipation of enslaved Africans. Enjoy live music, cultural performances, food, and activities for all ages.

Juneteenth Community Day kicks off at 4 p.m., with special guests arriving at 4:30 p.m. Register in advance for this free event.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the day in 1865 when word finally reached the last enslaved people in Texas that the Civil War had ended, and they were free. It was more than two months after the end of the Civil War, and about two and one-half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day and Jubilee Day, Juneteenth is the oldest-known celebration of the end of slavery in the on United States. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making it a federal holiday, the first since the addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

Some towns and cities are scaling back Juneteenth celebrations — or canceling them altogether — due to concerns about violating the Trump administration’s executive orders banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Trump’s executive orders don’t cancel the federal holiday — Congress created it and only Congress can repeal it — but civil rights groups contend the DEI bans are having a chilling effect on Juneteenth. They argue the bans undermine the principles of equality and equal opportunity that Juneteenth represents.

Organizers of some events across the country say they’re having trouble landing their usual corporate sponsorships from businesses and organizations working to comply with DEI executive orders. Many of these companies have contracts directly with the government or receive indirect federal funding through contracts with nonprofits that provide services, such as workplace diversity training. Or, they may simply have shifted priorities due to the politics of DEI.

• Related: How DEI Bans Are Affecting 2025 Juneteenth Celebrations

Because Juneteenth is an official U.S. holiday, banks, federal offices and post offices will be closed. Patch will be closed Thursday.

Many state, county and local government offices will be closed or are open but with holiday hour, including:

Arlington County government offices: Closed Thursday, June 19.

Arlington Public Schools: Closed Thursday, June 19.

Courts: The Arlington Circuit Court, General District Court, Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court will be closed on Thursday, June 19.

Permitting and Inspection Services: Permit Arlington Center is closed on Thursday, June 19.. Permit Arlington is available for customer use and application submissions

Parking: Permit parking is always in effect unless specifically noted on the sign. Meters are not enforced on holidays.

Libraries: Arlington Public Libraries will be closed Thursday, June 19.

Trash Pickup & Recycling:

• Recycling/Trash/Organics Curbside Routes: Regular collection on Thursday, June 19.
• Special Collections (brush, metal, E-waste): Regular collection on Thursday, June 19.
• Household Hazards/Electronics Drop-Off Facility: Closed Thursday, June 19..
• Earth Products Drop-off Yard: Closed Thursday, June 19.

Department of Motor Vehicles: All DMV customer service centers are closed Thursday, June 19.

Post offices: Closed Thursday, June 19.

Metrorail: on Thursday, June 19, Metrorail will open at 5 a.m- 12 a.m. on Saturday service levels.

Metrobus will run Saturday Supplemental service, to provide additional buses beyond the typical weekend schedule but less than a normal weekday.

MetroAccess customers may make a reservation to travel on the holiday; however, pre-scheduled subscription trips will be canceled.

Parks & Recreation Facilities & Programs: All community centers, administrative offices and classes are closed Thursday, June 19.

• See APS Pool Schedule.
• Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center is open from 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

Animal Welfare League of Arlington: Closing early at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 19. The Arlington County Animal Control team can be reached for emergencies at 703-931-9241.

Sheriff's Office: Administrative Offices closed on Thursday, June 19. Fingerprinting for the public and county employees are open Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. See detention center visiting hours.

>> Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap