RISE: FREEDOM COMMUNITIES FESTIVAL

An afternoon celebrating Austin’s Black freedom communities.
Presented by Pease Park Conservancy and Art Is Cool

SAVE THE DATE

SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2026 | 2:00-5:00 PM

Mark your calendar and join us for RISE: Freedom Communities Festival at Pease Park on Sunday, March 29th from 2:00-5:00pm.

Pack your blankets or lawn chairs and gather in community to enjoy engaging activities, music, food, and discussions. More details to come!

In 2025, the event featured an excerpt from Rise — a film that explores the rich history of the Freedom Communities that emerged in Austin after emancipation and Juneteenth, the importance of fostering unity, and stories from the descendants of Austin’s Black freedom communities.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

LOOKING BACK AT RISE 2025

Thank you to Kimon Horne for these images.