Block parties, musical performances, interactive workshops, and educational talks are on the lineup for this year’s Juneteenth celebrations in Philadelphia.
Enshrined as a Pennsylvania state holiday since 2019 and a federal one two years later, the day 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, precautions should be taken against expected record high-temperatures.
Here’s a look at the festivities around town today:
Rhythms of Liberation: Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
Kicking off at noon, the AAMP’s celebration will feature performances by Rich Medina, Seraiah Nicole, Suede Lace, and headliners Kid N Play. Philadelphia poet laureate Kai Davis is also set to take the stage, as well as the winner of Lincoln University’s Juneteenth Joy essay competition. Food trucks, vendors, and kids’ activity centers will be on site. The day ends with an evening conversation, ‘Shattering the Glass Ceiling: African American Women in Politics,’ with reporter Soledad O’Brien, former mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms, and speaker of the PA House of Representatives Joanna McClinton.
Free | 12 to 7 p.m. | 701 Arch Street | aampmuseum.com
Art Star Craft Bazaar at Independence Visitor Center
Small, Black-owned businesses are showcased at this pop-up market in the heart of historic Old City, with works from local artists alongside baked goods and beauty products: Hand-crafted soaps, lotions and balms from Nooked, punch-needle coasters and mirrors from By Hand By Dej, and desserts from Kira’s Cupcakes are some of the items you can expect to pick up.
Pay-as-you-go | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 599 Market Street | artstarcraftbazaar.com
Juneteenth at the Please Touch Museum
Print-making and tie dye workshops, West African storytelling, and traditional cooperative games are some of the activities on the Please Touch Museum’s program for the day. Kids will also get to experience performances by West African drummers Troupe Dada, the Living Arts Dance Studio, and Black Urban Theater’s Lewis Harris, who’ll be exploring freedom through movement. A workshop highlighting achievements by African Americans in science will feature a DNA extraction demo.
$22 per ticket | 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 4231 Avenue of the Republic | pleasetouchmuseum.org
Juneteenth at Eastern State Penitentiary
Themes of liberation and justice mark the children’s stories that will be read by local storyteller Thembi Palmer in the opening hour of the penitentiary’s Juneteenth commemoration. Choir group Black Breath Collective will be performing an original 45-minute work, “Unshackled” at 11:30 and 1 p.m., followed by a panel discussion between Ismael Jimenez, Director of Social Studies Curriculum at the School District of Philadelphia, and Michael Coard, radio host and Philadelphia Tribune columnist.
$15 for adults, free for children under 12 and residents in the 19130 and 19121 zip codes | 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | ticketing.easternstate.org
JUNE-teenth: A June Jordan Inspired Family Reunion
A combination of celebrations, with Harriet’s Bookshop in West Philly using the occasion to honor poet, essayist, and activist June Jordan whose work focused on race, representation, and gender. The program opens with a panel discussion on Jordan’s impact, followed by a book reading and conversation with state Senator Nikil Saval. In the afternoon, collage and writing workshops, and a live music performance by Denise King wrap things up. There’ll also be a Jordan-inspired DJ set throughout the day, and BBQ and fish fry courtesy of chef Tonia Renae.
Free/$20 for food | 12 to 6 p.m. | 258 E. Girard Avenue | Register at Eventbrite.
Juneteenth at the National Constitution Center
Free admission today to the center and its lineup of Juneteenth exhibits. Two shows explore the origin of slavery in America, and the lives of four Harriets—Tubman, Jacobs, Beecher Stowe, and Robinson Scott. Kids will have a chance to make trading cards of influential African American figures and engage with historical re-enactors. Philly-based DJ DeeJay Howard will also be on site with a playlist celebrating Black artists and the Civil Rights movement. There will also be an online conversation at 2 p.m. with best-selling author Eddie Glaude Jr. Free admission also includes the museum’s exhibits.
Free | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 525 Arch Street | constitutioncenter.org
Juneteenth Dream Space
Head up to Northern Liberties’ Sculpture Garden for a more relaxed celebration, with a 2 p.m. stretch therapy session leading into an afternoon of yoga, sound healing, and a pop-up portrait workshop. There’ll also be a music performance by Chris n Teeb and, starting at 3, a BBQ cookout.
Free, $30 after 4 p.m., $30 BYO charge | 2 to 8 p.m. | 1717 Hancock Street | Register at Eventbrite.
2024 Black Music City Grantee Showcase
This free, all-ages event showcases works by 30 Philly-area artists who received grants totaling $135,000 earlier this year from Black Music City, a collaborative effort between Philadelphia public radio stations WXPN and WRTI with REC Philly. The evening’s lineup will feature tributes to notable Philly tap dancers, and a Sun Ra-inspired performance, as well as film and video screenings and painting, photography, and fashion exhibitions.
Free | 5 to 9 p.m. | 3025 Walnut Street | Register at Eventbrite.
