Juneteenth, Freedom Day, marks the moment in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War’s remaining enslaved were free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Now a federal holiday, the date has evolved into a nationwide commemoration, blending history, activism, and cultural celebration.
Across the country this weekend, cities are hosting a range of events, from live performances and public art to panel discussions and wellness gatherings. Here are some of the most notable Juneteenth events scheduled for 2025.
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Sunrise Reflection in Port Arthur, Texas
The “Grand Rising” event, organized by the African American Cultural Society, invites community members to gather at sunrise on June 19 for a silent reflection ceremony. Held outdoors, the event emphasizes a collective moment of remembrance and gratitude.
The Musicians’ Green Book Screening and Retreat in Michigan
Manistee’s Vogue Theatre will screen The Musicians’ Green Book on June 17, followed by a moderated panel discussion. That same week, the “Black Eden Weekend” in Idlewild offers a multi-day retreat featuring camping, yoga, storytelling, and wellness activities.
Community Art and Food Fundraiser in Conroe, Texas
Children’s Books on Wheels, a nonprofit focused on literacy, is hosting a Juneteenth fish fry fundraiser in Historic Downtown Conroe. In addition to food plates, attendees can explore local art installations and participate in a community art project.
San Francisco’s Multi-Venue Juneteenth Celebrations
In the Bay Area, Juneteenth weekend includes a celebration at City Hall, a Fillmore District block party with over 80 vendors and musicians, and a wellness-focused Reggae Sunday in Golden Gate Park. The events highlight the region’s historical and cultural ties to Black activism and creativity.
Wellness, Panels, and Heritage in New York’s Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is hosting a series of Juneteenth events, including tea socials, live storytelling, riverfront festivals, yoga classes, and ancestral tributes. Organizers aim to blend educational programming with local culture and wellness.
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Museum Programs in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta
In Washington, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will offer free public events including spoken word performances, gardening workshops, and mural painting. The National Archives will display the Emancipation Proclamation through June 22.
In Atlanta, the city’s annual parade and music festival returns on June 14, accompanied by additional programming, including Beauté Noir Fest, which showcases local creatives and features live music performances.
“Black in Baseball” Series at Comerica Park, Detroit
From June 13 to 19, the Detroit Tigers are hosting a tribute series recognizing the legacy of Black athletes in professional baseball. Events include on-field acknowledgments, heritage nights, and curated exhibits inside Comerica Park.
As we gear up for Black in Baseball Weekend, we stopped by Bert’s BBQ, a Detroit staple that’s been around since 1968, to shine a spotlight on their story.
Catch Bert’s BBQ at Comerica Park all weekend long near section 133! pic.twitter.com/ZsVgLRwm9m
— Detroit Tigers Community Impact (@TigersCommunity) June 12, 2025
Community Engagement in Washington State and North Carolina
Seattle-based supplement brand Black Girl Vitamins is organizing “Nourishing Our Roots,” a Juneteenth wellness and dialogue event centered on health equity and intergenerational conversations.
Meanwhile, cities across North Carolina are hosting localized celebrations, including educational workshops, concerts, and family festivals, which are supported by community organizations and local governments.
Commemorating From Home
Boston is also spotlighting Juneteenth with a lineup of events compiled by City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, who shared a roundup on X, emphasizing the holiday as “a day of jubilee for our African-American community.”
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L #Juneteenth is almost here! Celebrated every year on June 19 to commemorate enslaved persons in Texas learning of their freedom pursuant to the Emancipation Proclamation upon a Union General order announced in Galveston, TX, Juneteenth is a day of jubilee for our… pic.twitter.com/2KtoBGOxr0
— Ruthzee Louijeune (@Ruthzee) June 11, 2025
For those unable to attend in-person events, organizers encourage reflection through documentary viewing, virtual panels, supporting Black-owned businesses, or hosting educational gatherings at home. Suggested titles include The Color Purple, and local oral history archives available through public libraries and university portals.
