What Is Juneteenth? 22 Ways to Celebrate the Historic Holiday in 2021

It's another year and Juneteenth is finally a national holiday. The celebration continues. Here are 22 Juneteenth events happening in person & online.

What Is Juneteenth and How To Celebrate
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Image via Getty/ Vitalii Abakumov

What Is Juneteenth and How To Celebrate

June 19, also known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day, is probably one of the most underrated dates in US history. But as calls for social justice grew in 2020, more people started educating themselves about racism and discovered that enslaved Black Americans weren’t freed after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Nope. Instead, the last enslaved Black Americans, who resided in Galveston, Texas, were freed two and a half years later on June 19, 1865. That date put an official end to traditional slavery in the US and it’s worth every bit of celebration.

Juneteenth isn’t just a historic moment for Black people, it’s a monumental date for all Americans. But despite its importance, every state except Hawaii, South Dakota, and North Dakota recognized it. While those areas figured out how to acknowledge the date, many citizens marched and signed petitions to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. On June 17, 2021, Joe Biden signed “Juneteenth National Independence Day” into law

Regardless, Black Americans have been commemorating Juneteenth since 1866. Now, the rest of the country can finally recognize the holiday, too. If you’re happy that traditional slavery no longer exists and you’re looking for ways to join the celebration, here are some festivities taking place in major cities and online. 

City: Atlanta

Location: Centennial Olympic Park

Date: Friday, June 18–Sunday, June 20

Cost: Free

The Juneteenth Atlanta weekend kicks off on Friday, June 18 at Centennial Olympic Park with music, art, vendors, and performances. But Saturday is when things really come to life with a parade commemorating freedom and Black history, as floats and bands march along the  parade route. The free three-day event will wrap on Sunday at 8 p.m. Spectators can RSVP or support the event with a tax-deductible donation on the Juneteenth ATL webpage.

City: Atlanta

Location: Atlanta Contemporary

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

For a more chill Juneteenth celebration, consider joining award-winning bartender Tiffanie Barriere at the Atlanta Contemporary art gallery for drinks and conversations about the history of Juneteenth. Barriere is an influential figure in the bartending industry and will present her signature crafted “Red Drink.” Historically, red drinks have been a part of Juneteenth celebrations because of their ties to the West African hibiscus plant and kola nut. But it’s also consumed in honor of those lost to slavery. More event details are on the Atlanta Contemporary website.

City: Fort Worth, Texas

Location: Panther Island Pavilion

Date: Friday, June 11–Monday, June 21

Cost: Free–$20

Everything is bigger in Texas, including Juneteenth. As the first state to recognize June 19 as an official state holiday, you can always expect a grand celebration. In Fort Worth, 94-year-old Ms. Opal Lee is an icon who has been continuously pushing to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She leads the Fort Worth celebration, which lasts for 10 days. On Friday, June 18, you can join the 2.5-mile Opal’s Walk, which represents the 2 ½ years Black Texans remained enslaved after slavery was abolished. The highlight of the weekend is the music and food festival on Saturday, June 19, at the Panther Island Pavilion. The performances will be streamed live. Patrons can check out the schedule and get event tickets at JuneteenthFTW.

City: Houston

Location: Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free–$5

The BLCK Market hosts shopping experiences for people who want to shop at Black-owned businesses. It has a large digital store and produces physical pop-up markets twice a month. On Saturday, June 19, the market will host its second annual Juneteenth celebration, giving Houston shoppers an opportunity to celebrate the holiday with some of the best Black-owned brands, businesses, and merchandise. Check out event details on Eventbrite.

City: Brooklyn, New Yok

Location: Virtual + In person:  Herbert Von King Park | Restoration Plaza

Date: Friday, June 18–Sunday, June 20

Cost: Free

Since 2012, Gershwin Park has been the primary location for folks looking to celebrate Juneteenth in New York City. This year, event organizers are launching a hybrid celebration that’s slated to take place in person and online. Over the three days, there will be a health summit, virtual panels, performances, and a pageant, among other activities. More information is available at JuneteenthNY.

City: Harlem, New York

Location: Marcus Garvey Park

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

The Capital One City Parks SummerStage has returned. SummerStage is a series of live concerts, festivals, and performances hosted in New York City parks and amphitheaters throughout the summer. On Satuday, Juneteenth the series will present a special outdoor advanced screening of Questlove’s Summer of Soul. Questlove’s film tells the story of the almost forgotten 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and is a great way to celebrate Black culture on Juneteenth. Following the screening, Questlove will perform live with special guests. It’s a free event, but tickets are required. Visit SummerStage for tickets and more details.

City: Los Angeles

Location: Leimert Park Village

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

Leimert Park is a distinct Black community in South LA with a rich history. It’s the perfect spot to celebrate Juneteenth in LA. In fact, the location has hosted some form of Juneteenth celebration annually for the last 40 years. This year, Leimert Park Rising is presenting its third annual Juneteenth festival with music stages, performances, food, art, discussions, and all the activities one would expect from a festive Juneteenth function. Go to Leimert Park Rising to RSVP for free entry.

City: San Jose, California

Location: Virtual + in person Santa Clara County Fairgrounds-Gate D

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

The African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) has been the largest Juneteenth event organizer in the Bay Area since the ‘80s. This year, the celebration starts on Sunday, June 13 with a Juneteenth Kickoff Brunch at Jackie’s Place. Each day there will be a mixture of in-person and online activities and events, ranging from virtual discussions, a happy hour, an open mic night, and wellness activities, to a comedy show featuring Tahir Moore. All events lead up to the big festival on June 19. Check out the schedule for details.

City: Chicago

Location: The Promontory

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

Juneteenth is about Black liberation, freedom, and history. Chicago offers many ways to celebrate the holiday, including focusing on Black-owned businesses. On Saturday, June 19, Thank You Chicago is collaborating with the Black Mall to host a Juneteenth pop-up market at The Promontory in Hyde Park. The market will be filled with a variety of Black vendors and food trucks. Make the Juneteenth Market part of your Juneteenth celebration and swing by between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

City: Evanston, Illinois

Location: Robert Crown to Ingraham Park | Twiggs Park

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

Evanston Present & Future partners with the City of Evanston to produce the area’s annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival. This year the celebration will continue with a parade from the Robert Crown Center to Ingraham Park, followed by a list of programs at Twiggs Park. Visit the site for more details.

City: Southfield, Michigan

Location: Catalpa Oaks Park

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

Catalpa Oaks Park is just 17 miles from Detroit—one of the Blackest cities in America. It’s also the location for the Juneteenth Family Reunion (JFR), created by the local Black community. On Saturday, June 19, JFR is hosting its third annual Juneteenth celebration. And like any good family reunion, there will be food, music, dancing, community, and Spades. Guests will have an opportunity to purchase items from vendors, while celebrating Black ancestry and culture. Check out JFR for more information.

City: Flint, Michigan

Location: Berston Field House

Date: Friday, June 18–Sunday, June 20

Cost: Free

The Flint Juneteenth Citywide Coalition has prepared a three-day weekend full of events. On Friday, June 18 an assortment of vendors will kick off the festivities at the Black Wall Street function. This will be an opportunity to purchase quality Black-owned items and to see what local Black businesses have to offer. On Saturday, June 19, spectators are encouraged to come out and enjoy the Flint Juneteenth parade lineup and festival activities. Finally, on Sunday, the outdoor Gospel Festival at the Riverbank will close the weekend. Go to Flint Juneteenth for more details.

City: Washington, DC

Location: 500 Malcolm X Ave. SE

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

The National Black United Front is planning to make “giving back” a part of its Freedom Day celebration on Saturday, June 19. NBUF is requesting volunteers to meet at Malcolm X Avenue to put together 100 care packages for families in need. Volunteers will also clean along the streets and corridors. But the event won’t be all work and no play. The Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers are expected to perform along with a live DJ, and there will be gifts and other activities. More information is available on Eventbrite where people can also donate to the cause.

City: Boston

Location: Museum of Fine Arts

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has a full day of fun informative Juneteenth events (especially if you enjoy Basquiat’s work). On Saturday, June 19, the celebration starts with a crown or headpiece crafting session to pay homage to the Basquiat crown that has become a notable image in hip-hop culture. Throughout the rest of the day there will be an artist discussion, music concert, and advanced film screening of Questlove’s Summer of Soul. MFA is even offering a shuttle to other Juneteenth events taking place in Boston. Check out the event webpage for more information.

City: Philadelphia

Location: Malcolm X Park

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

This year, Juneteenth Philly won’t host its annual Juneteenth parade, but the organization is rolling out new and exciting festivities to keep the Juneteenth spirit alive. First, there will be a Freedom Day March to support the push to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Then an art exhibit will take place in Malcolm X Park, followed by the Juneteenth Float House Contest. Judges will select the best decorated house, business, or block. Visit Juneteenth Philly to learn more.

City: Philadelphia

Location: Online

Date: Thursday, June 17

Cost: Free

If the name William Still doesn’t ring a bell, join Temple University, virtually, to learn about the Black abolitionist ahead of his 200th birthday. He played a big role in conducting the Underground Railroad, which gave many Black Americans freedom before slavery was abolished. The event is on Thursday, June 17, so it’s a great precursor to Juneteenth. Go to Temple’s webpage to register.

City: Washington, DC

Location: Facebook | YouTube

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

Those who miss the sounds of their college’s Black Greek fraternities and sororities will certainly enjoy Step Afrika!’s Juneteenth performance. The professional stepping company is the first of its kind in America, and will showcase a virtual performance on Juneteenth. Spectators can watch the three new choreographed pieces on the Step Afrika! Facebook and YouTube pages.

City: Washington, DC

Location: Online

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

For those who aren’t ready to take their celebrations to the streets, The National Museum of African American History & Culture is offering a digital Juneteenth celebration with an educational lineup. Online guests can enjoy a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before scrolling through historical facts about Juneteenth and a short workshop on how to uncover your ancestry.

 

City: Lincoln, Massachusetts

Location: Online

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

This virtual dance party celebrates Juneteenth and Black Music Month with four hours of diverse music from an assortment of DJs. The virtual party will stream live from deCordova Sculpture Park and will ask attendees to send donations to three organizations that assist Black wxmen and trans people: Boston Ujima Project, For the Gworls, and Activation Residency. Visit the Trustees website to register for the party.

City: Baltimore

Location: Online

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

On Saturday June 19, the Peale Center and Griots’ Circle of Maryland will present African American stories to highlight Black heroes from the past and social justice moments from today. Both organizations promote storytelling and will use professional storytellers to lead the event. American Sign Language interpretation and live captioning will also be available to make the experience more accessible. RSVP for virtual link.

City: Nationwide

Location: Online

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

This virtual celebration is truly a star studded event hosted by Amanda Seales and JB Smoove. Entertainers, influencers, and civic leaders will grace the digital stage with performances, speeches, storytelling and much more—all in honor of freedom and Black Culture. Grammy-nominated artist Robert Randolph is presenting the function and has slated appearances from big-name guests like Phylicia Rashad, Billy Porter, Jon Hamm, Van Jones, and Wayne Brady, among others. In addition to Randolph, performers include India Arie, Earth, Wind & Fire,  Ledisi, and more. Visit Juneteenth Unityfest for the full lineup.

City: St. Paul, Minnesota

Location: Rondo Commemorative Plaza

Date: Saturday, June 19

Cost: Free

On Juneteenth, St. Paul will honor the local community by dedicating the Rondo Community Garden to the historically Black neighborhood. Republic Services and Rebuilding Together Twin Cities patnered with the community to revitalize the gathering spot, which will be used to celebrate cultural heritage and become a space for perormances and creative expressions. Community officials including Gov. Walz and the St. Paul Mayor will be present at the dedication, which is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

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