Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day and/or Emancipation Day, is a holiday commemorating the freedom of slaves in the United States. Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, is celebrated in different ways including marches, speeches, and more.
Many events are planned this year, both in and around Los Angeles as well as virtually.
Be sure to check the dates. While most events are happening on Saturday, June 19th a few are as early as June 15th.
Celebrate Juneteenth in SoCal
Celebration: Lift Every Voice and Sing – Virtual Event
The California African American Museum and “nine other Black museums and historical institutions across the country join forces with blkfreedom.org to honor the day the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Texas.” This year’s celebration is a film inspired by the anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and also includes poetry, performances, and more. The event is happening on Tuesday, June 15th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and can be streamed live on blkfreedom.org.
L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park
905 El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90059
The L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair is happening on Friday, June 18th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This free event will feature music, food trucks, and community services. Masks will be required.
Juneteenth Edition of Story Creation Zone – Online Event
Story Pirates is celebrating Juneteenth on Friday, June 18th at 4:00 pm. This special “Juneteenth edition of Story Creation Zone will celebrate the June 19th holiday celebrating the historic day of emancipation for formerly enslaved Black Americans. This virtual show will be made up on the spot from kids’ ideas with a cast of incredible Black Story Pirates.” Register online for this free event.
KWPP Juneteenth Celebration
21 Rancho Camino Dr., Pomona, CA 91766
Families are invited to attend a Juneteenth Celebration happening on Friday, June 18th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. “Come enjoy an evening of fellowship, education, music, games, refreshments, and more.” Register online for this free event.
Aquarium of the Pacific’s 1st Juneteenth Celebration (Virtual)
Everyone is invited to join the Aquarium of the Pacific for its virtual celebration of Juneteenth with Baba the Storyteller this Saturday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m. PDT. You can learn more about the history, meaning, and significance of this holiday to the African American community and beyond and its annual traditions through storytelling, music, and song. This event is free and no RSVP is required.
Creative Communal Market + Live Mural Painting
Runway at Playa Vista/Town Center Drive
Runway at Playa Vista will host their first Makers Market with Creative Communal on Saturday, June 19th from 10:30am to 2:30pm. There will be photo ops, family fun, live music and local artisans. PLUS: Special Live Mural painting with Artist Mike Norice for a Juneteenth Celebration!
Juneteenth Celebration Guided Trail Run/Hike
Old Los Angeles Zoo
4801 Griffith Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Join in on a Juneteenth Celebration Guided Trail Run/Hike happening Saturday morning, June 19th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. On the guided hike, families will see “some of the hidden gems of Griffith Park all the way up to Hollywood Peak with views of the Hollywood sign, Burbank, Downtown, and more!” Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Register online for this free event designed for all ages and all skill levels.
Online Juneteenth Celebration: West African Class
To celebrate Juneteenth, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is hosting a special dance class on Saturday, June 19th at 9:00 am to 10:15 am. Enjoy a “free West African dance class with Maguette Camara. With live drumming, this class will dive into West African culture while teaching the fundamentals of traditional West African dance and rhythms.” Register online for this free event.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Loma Alta Park – Lower Lot
566 W. Palm St., Altadena, CA 91001
Celebrate Juneteenth in the San Gabriel Valley on Saturday, June 19th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The day includes a Freedom Walk, a Resource Fair, entertainment, discussions, COVID-19 vaccinations, giveaways, and more. Register online for this free event.
The Juneteenth Jubilee
2524 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA
The Juneteenth Jubilee is happening on Saturday, June 19th from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. This all-day event features something for everyone. The morning includes “mindful movement and meditation;” a Marketplace is scheduled from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; a drum circle is planned at 4:00 pm; and a Jubilee begins at 5:00 pm and features a variety of performers including singers, dancers, poets, and comedians. Register online for this free event.
Juneteenth: Journeys of Remembrance Celebration – Online Event
The King County Library System is hosting Juneteenth: Journeys of Remembrance Celebration on Saturday, June 19th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. This special event will allow families to “experience Juneteenth through the lens of local artists and creatives. Learn the history, traditions and story of the African American journey from slavery to emancipation and beyond.” Register online.
29th Annual Juneteenth Celebration – Online Event
The City of Santa Monica is hosting a virtual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 19th from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. This online event features “a morning of song, music, and community.” Register online for this free event.
Juneteenth Heritage Festival – Virtual Event
Black Arts Los Angeles is hosting a virtual Juneteenth Heritage Festival on Saturday, June 19th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. This special event will feature virtual vendor booths, panel discussions, and entertainment. Register online for this free event.
The Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration
450-454 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
The City of Long Beach is celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday, June 19th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. “This year’s Juneteenth celebration is all about good vibes, family, and unity.” The festivities include music, dancing, arts and crafts, fellowship, food, networking, and more. Tickets for this free event are available online.
Leimert Park Uprising Juneteenth Commemoration
Leimert Park Village
4337 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
The Leimert Park Uprising Juneteenth Commemoration is happening on Saturday, June 19th from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The festivities include 5 stages – 2 stages of live music and 3 DJ stages. In addition, there will be art, storytelling, idea sharing, food, and more.
Juneteenth – Michigan Avenue Block Party
Sol Plaza Boutique Mall
1140 Commerce Center Dr., Lancaster, CA 93534
The Juneteenth – Michigan Avenue Block Party is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This community event will celebrate an important moment in American history as well as celebrating the grand opening of new storeowners. Enjoy live music, food, games, and raffles.
Celebrating Juneteenth: Storytelling and Reflections – Online Event
The Los Angeles County Library System invites families to join its special event, Celebrating Juneteenth: Storytelling and Reflections, happening on Saturday, June 19th at 2:00 pm. The event is a “celebration of freedom with storyteller and educator, Binnie Tate Wilkin, who will engage us with Juneteenth history, stories, folktales, and personal reflections.” Register online.
1619: Resistance/Resilience/Remembrance – Online Event
The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is hosting an online event on Saturday, June 19th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This special storytelling hour features Mr. Delbert Richardson who will “highlight the resistance of his ancestors during the periods of American chattel slavery and Jim Crow, as well as focus on the resilience of Black brilliance.” Space is limited; register online. This event is free though a $5 suggested donation is very appreciated.
Freedom in Full Bloom: A Juneteenth Celebration
Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Julianne and George Argyros Plaza
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Head to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Saturday, June 19th at 3:00 pm for Freedom in Full Bloom: A Juneteenth Celebration. This special afternoon features “interactive activities and artistic performances celebrating Black innovation and resilience in music, poetry, visual art, and gardening.” There is a $10 ticket price for this event which includes one socially distanced viewing area (or pod) with seating for up to 6. Tickets are available online.
Juneteenth Community Rally
Woodley Park
6350 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, CA
The Juneteenth Community Rally is happening on Saturday, June 19th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This free event includes music, speakers, games, giveaways, and more. Pack a picnic and a blanket and make a day of it. Masks are required.
Juneteenth Joy Virtual Celebration
The Los Angeles Public Library System is hosting Juneteenth Joy Virtual Celebration on Saturday, June 19th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This program, for teens and their families, will “invite movement through dancing, ancestor remembrance through ritual, and an opportunity to collectively celebrate our liberation and resilience.” Register online.
Make a Zine Celebration of Octavia E. Butler and Juneteenth – Online Event
The Los Angeles Public Library System invites teens to another special online event on Saturday June 19th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. “Join the Octavia Lab and Sabine Maxine in zine-making to celebrate yourselves and Juneteenth around the theme of Black joy and Octavia E. Butler’s affirmations.” Register online for the Zoom information.
Juneteenth Freedom March and Block Party
Charles White Park
77 Mountain View St., Altadena, CA 91001
Charles white Park is the site of the Juneteenth Freedom March and Block Party on Saturday, June 19th at 4:30 pm. The festivities include a Freedom March, live musical performances, dancing, food, games, art, and more.
Juneteenth Celebration Freedom + Unity
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
1950 Lemon Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806
The Juneteenth Celebration Freedom + Unity event is happening on Sunday, June 20th at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This educational event will feature gospel music, an art display, speakers, and more.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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