Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The holiday originated in 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news that the war was over and all enslaved people would be freed for good. Today, Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19 throughout the country to acknowledge the monumental moment in history and celebrate African American culture. 

This year, Philadelphia is hosting a variety of Juneteenth festivities for the whole family. From movie screenings and presentations to block parties and festivals, there are plenty of Juneteenth events taking place this weekend to educate & entertain kids and parents alike. Keep reading to learn more about some upcoming Juneteenth 2022 events in Philly.

All Weekend Long

Join the Museum of the American Revolution from Saturday, June 18 until Monday, June 20 for a weekend full of family programming centered around the federal holiday of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth at the Museum

June 18 – 20, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Museum of the American Revolution – 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia

Before Juneteenth

The events below give families an opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth before Sunday. On Friday the 17 and Saturday the 18, organizations throughout the city are hosting Juneteenth celebrations and festivals to ring in the holiday. 

Juneteenth Celebration

June 17 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Cecil B. Moore Library – 2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia

Cinema in the Cemetery: Glory

June 17 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Laurel Hill Cemetery – 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia

Juneteenth Festival at Tioga-Nicetown

June 18 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

West Tioga Street – Between North 19st & North 20th Street, Philadelphia

Juneteenth Family Pride Picnic

June 18 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Lovett Park – 6945 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival at the Johnson House Historic Site

June 18 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Johnson House Historic Site – 6306 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

National Liberty Museum Celebrates: Juneteenth

June 18 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

National Liberty Museum – 321 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia

Saturday Night Jazz | Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom

June 18 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Woodmere Art Museum – 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Juneteenth Events & Festivals

Organizations and venues throughout the city will be hosting plenty of events for families for Juneteenth. Here are just a few of the celebrations you can expect to see on June 19:

Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival

June 19 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Malcolm X Park – 5100 Pine Street, Philadelphia

Juneteenth at The National Constitution Center

June 19 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

National Constitution Center – 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Juneteenth 2022 at Please Touch Museum

June 19 @ 11:00 am – 4:30 pm

Please Touch Museum – 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

Juneteenth Block Party: Celebrating the Legacy of Emancipation

June 19 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The African American Museum in Philadelphia – 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Juneteenth Celebration at Hatfield House

June 19 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Hatfield House – North 33rd Street, Philadelphia

Monday Juneteenth Celebrations

Since it’s on a Sunday this year, many Philly businesses will observe Juneteenth on the day after the holiday. Take a look at some of the Juneteenth events happening on Monday, June 20:

Visit Philadelphia: Black Greek Edition Golf Outing

June 20, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Union League Golf Club – 3801 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia

Juneteenth (Observed) With Virtual Programs by National Constitution Center

June 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Online – Virtual Event by The National Constitution Center

Topics on Turf: Racial Justice Learning for Juneteenth

June 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Matthias Baldwin Park – 423 North 19th Street, Philadelphia

---

This year, there are more opportunities than ever before to commemorate Juneteenth in Philadelphia. We hope that you and your family have an amazing weekend packed with education and celebration! 

Remember to keep checking our Philadelphia Family Calendar for updates and information about more family-friendly events taking place in Philly this summer. 

FEATURED IMAGE: Photo by A. Ricketts for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® / EDITORIAL USE APPROVED; ©VISIT PHILADELPHIA®