Enshrined as a Pennsylvania state holiday since 2019 and a federal one two years later, Juneteenth is a commemoration of June 19, 1865, the date when the Emancipation Agreement was enforced in Texas — more than two years after it was signed — granting freedom to the state’s remaining slaves.
Despite falling on a weekday, there’s no shortage of all-age options to celebrate this year’s Juneteenth. However, be prepared for disruptive weather — there’s a possibility of evening thunderstorms through much of the week.
Monday, June 16
Juneteenth Cookbook Popup (3 to 4 p.m.)
An homage to liberation, Blackness, summer and good food, featuring recipes from Watermelons & Red Birds by Nicole A. Taylor. At Wynnefield Library.
Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth at the Please Touch Museum (9:30 am to 4:30 p.m.)
Start the day at the Fairmount Park children’s museum as it has a special day of programming planned with Juneteenth-themed art workshops, storytimes, activities and performances. Watch the Chocolate Ballerina Company, learn how to dance hip-hop, create an airbrushed work of art with artist Amir Campbell, settle in for a special story time about fun and freedom in Philly with Kathleen Wainwright, or try another event on site.
Where: 4231 Avenue of the Republic | $22 tickets for adults and children
National Constitution Center’s Juneteenth (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
A full day of activities honoring the fight for freedom includes costumed interpreters bringing history to life, embodying the stories of abolitionists — like Ona Judge — during a special kids’ town hall. The museum’s education team offers special exhibit walk-throughs highlighting the Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th Amendment and the American freedom movements. History performances, Juneteenth crafts and more are also on the docket.
Where: 525 Arch Street | Free admission with advance registration
Juneteenth at Eastern State Penitentiary (10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
The historic landmark in Fairmount will have special performances, activities and educational panels for all who purchase regular admission tickets. The day will feature a special storytelling time for children with books focused on Juneteenth and resistance with Thembi Palmer, choral performances by the Black Breath Collective and a special panel discussion featuring scholars exploring the holiday’s history.
Where: 2027 Fairmount Ave. | $17 tickets
The Bigga Dre Juneteenth Celebration (4 to 8 p.m.)
The Rotunda (40th and Walnut streets) hosts this cultural event honoring Black freedom, resilience and excellence. Spearheaded by renowned community leader and event curator Bigga Dre (Amun Sen Hotep Re), this annual celebration is a vibrant reflection of Philadelphia’s Black community and its ongoing contributions to art, activism and progress. Attendees can expect a powerful blend of live performances, spoken word, educational programming and showcases of local Black-owned businesses and creatives.
Where: 4014 Walnut Street | Suggested donation: $19
Juneteenth Pop Up Market: Highlighting Black Makers (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Shop the incredible art, pastries, handmade pottery and more from local Black makers who Art Star has been working with over the years. Come out and support a bunch of amazing Black-owned small businesses in one spot! Free to attend.
Where: Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market
Printmaking by the People: Among these are… Juneteenth Art’Ventures Event (12 to 2 p.m.)
A free, multi-media screenprinting workshop led by artist Justin Keller, in Mt. Airy. Learn how printmaking has been vital to creating political posters and spreading important messages. Create your very own poster using language from the Declaration of Independence and layer it with various forms of screenprinting. Free with RSVP.
Juneteenth Block Party (12 to 7 p.m.)
A short walk from the Visitor Center’s pop-up market is the African American Museum in Philadelphia at 7th and Arch Streets. More shopping at a vendor village full of Black-owned businesses, food trucks, a beer garden, book giveaways, wellness and relaxation activities, educational panels and speakers, and live musical performances by Slick Rick, DJ Drama, Kid Capri, Keke Wyatt, Lady Alma and more — all hosted by Philly’s own Patty Jackson.
This year’s theme: “Audacious Freedom: Celebrating 160 Years of Emancipation.”
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia | 701 Arch Street
Restorative Justice Night (6 p.m.)
A monthly restorative justice night talk kicks off Triple Bottom Brewing’s weekend of Juneteenth events, intended “to remind ourselves how far we’ve come and to be encouraged to continue the fight. “We hope you’ll join us this weekend!”
Where: 915 Spring Garden Street | Free
Roots & Rhythms: The African Influence in the Venezuelan Diaspora & Latin America (6 to 9 p.m.)
Explore the powerful legacy of African heritage in Venezuelan and Caribbean traditions at the Taller Puertorriqueño auditorium. Includes an interactive workshop, live performance by Afro-Venezuelan artist Carlos Talez, and more. Honor the vibrant traditions of San Benito and San Juan Bautista—Afro-Venezuelan celebrations rooted in resistance, resilience, and cultural pride. $15 tickets. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Kami’s Korner: Spoken-Word Soundscapes for the Black, Ancestral Body (6:45 to 9:30 p.m.)
Hang out in East Passyunk on Juneteenth for poetic soundscapes performed live with KAMI X, followed by an ancestral poetry workshop led by Nycir Keen. $17.85 tickets.
Friday, June 20
Movies on the Mall: “Harriet” (Starts around dusk/8:30 or 9 p.m.)
Watch Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman in the 2019 historical fiction biopic based on the heroic abolitionist’s life, from her escape from slavery through the dangerous missions she led to liberate hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad. Screening starts at dusk, around 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 21
3rd annual Juneteenth Wine and Arts Festival (1 to 6 p.m.)
Toast to local and international Black culture at the free, family-friendly event at Cherry Street Pier, curated by musical artist Shekhinah B. On tap: tastings from Pennsylvania wineries, local art exhibitions, live music performances, craft vendors and more. Free to attend; $20 for wine tastings.
Where: Cherry Street Pier | Race Street and N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Spoken Word Showcase (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
Part of a lineup of events at Triple Bottom Brewing highlighting freedom and the ongoing fight for social justice.
Where: 915 Spring Garden Street | Free
Sunday, June 22
Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
The 9th annual Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival commemorates the anniversary with the largest event in the nation celebrating the summer holiday. At 10 a.m., the Juneteenth Marketplace & Art in the Park kicks off with over 250 vendors, a Youth Pavilion, and the family-friendly Juneteenth Music Festival.
The Juneteenth Parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. on South Concourse Drive across from the Mann Center. As usual, it will proceed along 52nd Street and conclude around 2:30 p.m. near Malcolm X Park. The Juneteenth Music Festival kicks off at the park at 5 p.m. The Juneteenth Dance Party with DJ Kool will be held at 52nd and Larchwood from 3 to 7 p.m.
For more information, visit https://juneteenthphilly.org and follow @juneteenthphila on social media.
Where: Various locations including Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine Street
Juneteenth Jubilee at Bartram’s Garden (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Bartram’s Garden is hosting a Juneteenth Jubilee, co-hosted and emcee’d by its friends at VinylTap 215. Enjoy a full day of activities, such as live performances and storytelling, vendors, free workshops, lawn games and more.
Where: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. | Free
Juneteenth Art Market (12 to 5 p.m.)
An art show featuring the work of Black artists in Philly who have worked with Mural Arts’ Restorative Justice program.
Where: Triple Bottom Brewing | 915 Spring Garden Street | Free
Jawnteenth – A Juneteenth and Pride Celebration (6 to 9 p.m.)
The Naughty Jawn is back and coming to Silk City Diner in Northern Liberties. Burlesque, drag, comedy, singing and more. A 21+ variety showcase that’s all black and queer, ready to entertain and turn up. Tickets are $17.50 online, $20 at the door. Doors at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. show. Food available to purchase.
Where: Silk City Diner | 435 Spring Garden Street
Multi-day events
June 19 through June 29: Philadelphia African Restaurant Week
Celebrate diverse voices in the global culinary movement during Philadelphia African Restaurant Week, with restaurants offering special, discounted menus of African, African American and Caribbean favorites.
Among the week’s nearly two-dozen participating restaurants are Food Geez, New Era Cuisine, Macho’s Delish Mix, Eatwell Philly, Gojjo Ethiopian Restaurant and Amina Philadelphia. The event also features programming like cooking experiences, meet-and-greets, happy hours and more.
