Today (Thursday 6/19/25) is Juneteenth which is also known as Freedom day or Emancipation Day.

It commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19th 1865. Union General Gordon Grainger rode into Galveston, Texas to announce all in slave people were free.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation 2 and a half years earlier but Confederate States didn’t enforce it during the Civil War.

Former President Biden made Juneteenth a National holiday in 2021. Several Juneteenth celebrations are happening around East Tennessee.

Free parking in the Great Smoky Mountains. Big South Fork is offering 50% discounts on using the Bandy Creek Pool from 11 to 6.

The Mabry-Hazen House will host special tours where visitors can learn more about the lives of African Americans connected to the house and their stories of emancipation. The tours will take place 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM today and Saturday. It is free to the public but you are encouraged to make a reservation.

Federal government offices and services will be closed and most banks, post offices, and the U.S. stock market will also be closed.

While many state and local government offices will also be closed, it’s best to check with specific offices for confirmation.

Most businesses, including retail stores and restaurants, will remain open but some may have adjusted hours.

The City of Knoxville is set to celebrate Juneteenth with a parade and celebration.

The annual Martin Luther King parade steps off this (Thursday) morning at 10 at Chilhowee Park.

It will go up MLK, Jr. Avenue and end at Dr. Walter Hardy Park.

The Juneteenth celebration will be held there from 11 to 3 and Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon is set to take part in today’s (Thursday) festivities.