Juneteenth Observances 2023: What's Open, Closed In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — Juneteenth observances in Arlington include an Arlington Reads Signature Author Event at Arlington Public Library.

Juneteenth, on Monday, June 19, is a national holiday that commemorates the day in 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, when word finally reached the last enslaved people in Texas that the Civil War had ended, and they were free.

Also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day and Jubilee Day, Juneteenth is the oldest-known celebration of the end of slavery in the 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.

Juneteenth events in Arlington include:

Imani Perry: In Celebration of Juneteenth: Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Arlington Public Library (Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington).

• Author Imani Perry and Library Director Diane Kresh will discuss her book, "South to America: A Journey Below the Mason Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation." Prior to the talk, the Washington Revels Heritage Voices will present songs and stories celebrating freedom and commemorating the Juneteenth holiday. Attendance is first-come, first-served until seating capacity is reached. Visit the Arlington Public Library website to RSVP.

Washington, D.C. is one of the top destinations to celebrate Juneteenth, U.S. News & World Report said in a story earlier this month.

• The National Archives will be displaying both the original Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 on Juneteenth weekend.
• The "One Life: Frederick Douglass" exhibit will open on June 16, at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery.
• Anacostia Community Museum will host its Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on June 19.

Related: What Is Juneteenth? Celebrating The End Of Slavery

Because Juneteenth is an official U.S. holiday, banks, federal offices and post offices in Arlington will be closed Monday. Many state, county and local government offices will be closed as well, including:

Arlington County government offices: Closed on Monday, June 19.

Arlington Public Schools: Students will be on summer break on June 19. All schools and offices are closed on June 19.

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

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

ART Bus: Regular weekday service.

Department of Motor Vehicles: All DMV customer service centers in Northern Virginia, including 4150 S Four Mile Run Dr., will be closed June 19.

Libraries: On June 19, all Arlington County Library branches will be closed.

Permitting and Inspection Services: Permit Arlington Center is closed on June 19. No building or trade inspections.

Parks & Recreation Facilities & Programs: All Community Centers are closed. Parks will be open.

Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center: Open on June 19.

Animal Welfare League of Arlington: On Monday, June 19, Animal Welfare League of Arlington will be closed. The Arlington County Animal Control team can be reached for emergencies at 703-931-9241.

Post offices: Closed on June 19.

Trash Pickup & Recycling: Trash/Recycling/Yard Waste Curbside Routes: Regular collection. Special Collections (Brush, Metal, E-waste): Regular collection. Mulch delivery: None. Customer Contact Center: Closed. Household Hazards/Electronics Drop-off facility: Closed. Earth Products Drop-Off Yard: Closed.

Sheriff's Office: Administrative Offices closed on June 19.