Denver’s popular Juneteenth Music Festival is ready for the historic Five Points neighborhood Sunday.

Five Points, nicknamed the “Harlem of the West,” boasts a long history in the music world of jazz and African American culture.

Between the 1930s and 1960s, Five Points was the first predominantly African American neighborhood in Denver, offering dozens of bars once graced by Black jazz legends like Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and others, according to the RiNo Art District history page.

Juneteenth, typically celebrated on June 19, commemorates the anniversary of the day Major General Gordon Granger proclaimed the freedom of slaves in Galveston, Texas.

This year, the Juneteenth Musical Festival 2025 will be a one-day event, unlike previous years, when it was a two-day festival.

“We may have scaled down to a one-day format this year, but the spirit and impact of Juneteenth will be just as strong,” said Norman Harris, founder and organizer of the Juneteenth Music Festival, in a statement

“Even with fewer corporate sponsors,” Harris said, “the community has shown up with heart, creativity, and generous donations. We’re incredibly thankful for the grassroots financial support that helped make this celebration possible.”

The Juneteenth festival officials previously said they lost long-time sponsors “amid shifting corporate priorities and a changing philanthropic landscape,” requiring the festival to raise $80,000 to continue, according to event organizers.

The festival will feature a variety of activities, including live music with The Drop 104.7, a sanctioned youth boxing tournament and, starting at 11 a.m. at Manual High School, the famous Juneteenth Parade led by Grand Marshal Fathima Dickerson of the Welton Street Café.

Nearly 5,000 people will march in the Juneteenth Parade, organizers estimated.

A number of local performers will be on two stages, including Danae Simone, Trev Rich, Tony Exum Jr., Bella Scratch, and Beasts of No Nation.

Juvenile will headline the main stage.

The festival will also feature local businesses, hundreds of food vendors, craft booths, games, and craft beer.

A Juneteenth kickoff party is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday at Spangalang Brewery.