Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the day when the last enslaved Black people in Texas were freed by Union soldiers on June 19, 1865. Black Americans have celebrated the holiday since 1866, but it was only recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Philadelphia this year, from special museum programs, to block parties, to educational talks. Plus, all of these events are family-friendly!

Juneteenth Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

June 17-19, 10 am – 5 pm

Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S 3rd Street

 

The Museum of the American Revolution will be celebrating Juneteenth all weekend with with tours, discovery carts, talks, and more. Also visit their newest exhibition, “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia.”

PrideTeenth

June 17, 12 – 4 pm

Lovett Park, 6945 Germantown Avenue

 

Philadelphia Family Pride is hosting an event centering Black LGBTQ+ families with food, entertainment, vendors, and free resources for those interested in quitting tobacco.

 

17th Annual Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival

June 17, 12 – 7 pm

Germantown Avenue

 

Philadelphia’s all-day Juneteenth festival is happening in Germantown with African drumming, a Children’s Village, historical re-enactments, a historical and cultural marketplace, tours, resource information, food trucks, music, artistic performances, panel discussions, and more.

Juneteenth Celebration in Fairmount Park at the Hatfield House

June 17, 1 – 5 pm

Hatfield House, N 33rd Street

 

The Fairmount Park Conservancy is throwing a Juneteenth celebration at historic Hatfield House. There will be outdoor activities, refreshments, as well as a photo exhibit called “Healing Through the Land: Black Faces in Green Spaces” inside the house.

Jawnteenth

June 17, 2 – 7 pm

Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine Street

 

Black Lives Matter Philly is hosting a Juneteenth celebration in West Philly’s Malcolm X Park that will include wellness, vendors, games, performances, speakers, and DJ sets.

Juneteenth Celebration through the Storytelling Art of Jerry Pinkney

June 17, 4 – 5:30 pm

Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue

 

Woodmere Art Museum is celebrating the legacy of children’s book illustrator Jerry Pinkney for this Juneteenth. There will be live music and storytelling.

Juneteenth at the Please Touch Museum

June 19, 9 am – 4:30 pm

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

The Please Touch Museum will have interactive storytimes, music, workshops, and more to commemorate Juneteenth.

Liberation Rising: Juneteenth Block Party and Free Museum Day at AAMP!

June 19, 11 am – 4 pm

The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street

 

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is throwing a huge block party on Juneteenth complete with performers, a community marketplace, and free admission to the museum.

Juneteenth Skate

June 19, 1 – 9 pm

Rolling Thunder, 7017 Roosevelt Boulevard

 

Rolling Thunder roller skating center is hosting a special Juneteenth skating event which will include games, trivia, and a special character visit.

Juneteenth Guided Talk

June 19, 2 pm

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street

 

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens will be hosting a free talk exploring the storied Black history of its block.

Awbury Juneteenth Dinner

June 22, 6 – 9 pm

Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Road

 

Awbury Arboretum’s Juneteenth dinner will feature cuisine inspired cooks of the reconstruction era made by Chef Gail Jones-Hinson. There will be also be performances from spoken word artists, poets, and musicians.

 

Lead photo courtesy of Johnson House Historic Site