Updated for 2024
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.
Juneteenth is Wednesday, June 19th, 2024. Many events are planned this year, with some happening on Wednesday and some happening the weekend before Juneteenth.
Celebrate Juneteenth in SoCal
Juneteenth Celebration
California African American Museum
Exposition Park
600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037
The California African American Museum is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15th from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. A number of wellness and family activities are planned including storytelling, yoga, a zine workshop, and more. RSVP online for this free event.
4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair
Victoria Community Regional Park
419 Martin Luther King Jr. St., Carson, CA 90746
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell hosts the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair on Friday, June 21st from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This free event includes discussions, performances, food trucks, and more and aims to raise awareness of the historical impact of Juneteenth while also connecting residents to important County and community services. Register online for this free community event.
Juneteenth Celebration: T-Pain Plus Special Guests
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068
Juneteenth Celebration: T-Pain Plus Special Guests is a one-night only special event happening at the Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday, June 19th at 8:00 pm. T-Pain co-curates this “celebration of freedom, creativity, and brilliant artistic tradition,” which includes special guests and a full orchestra. Tickets are available online.
Juneteenth
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA
Celebrate Juneteenth at Pretend City Children’s Museum on Wednesday, June 19th. Families will participate in special activities and projects on this day, which is also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day. All activities are included in general admission. Ticket information is available online.
Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair
Town Plaza @ The Steps
9300 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
The City of Culver City is hosting its Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair on Saturday, June 22nd from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This free event will feature live musical performances, community resources, and more.
Juneteenth Celebration
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting its annual Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday, June 19th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. “Learn about the history of this holiday and its significance to the African American community and beyond.” Enjoy music, storytelling, and more. Timed tickets are required and are available online. All activities are included in general Aquarium admission. If you can’t make it in person, the Juneteenth Celebration will be broadcast live on the Aquarium’s YouTube page.
Juneteenth Celebration
Manhattan Beach Library
1320 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Families are invited to a Juneteenth Celebration at Manhattan Beach Library on Saturday, June 22nd from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Families will enjoy performances by Ina the Sunshine Storyteller and Chazz Ross as well as a “local history discussion of the significance of Juneteenth.” This is an all-ages event.
Black in Mayberry’s 2024 Juneteenth Festival
El Segundo Recreation Park
401 Sheldon St., El Segundo, CA 90245
Families are invited to celebrate at the Juneteenth Festival happening in El Segundo on Saturday, June 15th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The fun includes a kids’ zone, live music, an art exhibit, interactive arts activities, Black-owned business vendors, food trucks, and more. RSVP online for this free event.
Take a look at these cool Juneteenth Digital Bookmarks by an awesome creator on Etsy!
Movie in the Park Juneteenth Celebration of Culture
Margaret Todd Park
201 N. Willow Ave., Rialto, CA 92376
The City of Rialto invites families to its Movie in the Park Juneteenth Celebration of Culture event happening on Friday, June 21st from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The evening will include games, music, community resources, food vendors, giveaways (available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last), and more. And at sundown, enjoy an outdoor screening of Sweetwater. Register online for this free event. (The movie is rated PG-13.)
32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Virginia Avenue Park
2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404
The City of Santa Monica is hosting its annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This year’s theme is “Rising Above Racism: A Legacy of Empowerment and Pride.” This free event features craft vendors, live musical performances, a children’s activity area, spoken word performances, food, and more. A schedule of the day’s events is available online.
Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival
Unfortunately, the Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival has been POSTPONED UNTIL 2025.
The 2024 Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration
Rainbow Lagoon Park
400 E. Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
The 2024 Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration is happening on Saturday, June 15th from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm. The annual event includes live entertainment, guest speakers, vendors, food, and more. Tickets are required and are available for free online. (Be sure to check the website for information about the Festival’s policies and a list of items that are not allowed.)
Annual Lancaster Juneteenth Celebration
Lancaster City Park
43063 10th Street, Lancaster, CA 93534
The Annual Lancaster Juneteenth Celebration is happening on Sunday, June 16th from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm. Past Juneteenth events have featured music, entertainment, games, food, a car show, educational programming, and more. Check the website for more details about this year’s event as they become available.
Juneteenth Community Celebration
Pierce College – Rocky Young Park
Mason Entrance on Victory Blvd. (between Winnetka and Mason)
Zawadi Cultural Collective invites families to its Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration happening on Saturday, June 15th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Families will enjoy music, food, games, more than 100 vendors, and more at this free event.
Proclaim Our Freedom: Juneteenth Poetry Reading
Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch Library
3900 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062
“Jorell Watkins, a doctoral candidate in English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and author of a new book of poetry out this spring, will lead a reading celebrating Juneteenth.” The event takes place on Tuesday, June 18th at 6:00 pm and is recommended for adults and older teens.
Runway’s Juneteenth Celebration
Runway Playa Vista
12775 W. Millennium, Los Angeles, CA 90094
Runway Playa Vista invites families to its Juneteenth Celebration happening on Saturday, June 15th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Festivities include live musical performances, artists, “an artisan marketplace showcasing local talent,” and more. Register online for this free event.
June Jubilee: A Celebration of Black Excellence
Central Library
630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071
The 2nd Annual June Jubilee: A Celebration of Black Excellence is happening on Saturday, June 8th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The day includes speakers, workshops, entertainment, arts and crafts, and more. This free event offers something for everyone. A complete schedule of the day’s events is available online. This is a free, all-ages event.
We Still Thriving Juneteenth Event
San Manuel Stadium
280 S. E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401
We Still Thriving Juneteenth Event is scheduled for Saturday, June 15th from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Be sure to check the website for more details as they become available.
Juneteenth Take Home Craft
Mark Twain Branch Library
9621 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90003
Stop by the Mark Twain Branch Library on Tuesday, June 18th starting at 12:00 pm to pick up a Juneteenth Take Home Craft. Kids will take home a beaded necklace craft kit to celebrate Juneteenth. Available while supplies last.
34th Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz and Arts Festival
Ganesha Park
1575 White Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
The 34th Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz and Arts Festival is happening on Saturday, June 15th from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. The festivities include live musical performances, beautiful art displays, delicious food, and more. Register online. (Tickets are $5)
Juneteenth Celebration and NAACP 3rd Annual Roller Jam
Pasadena City Hall
100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA
The City of Pasadena invites families to its Juneteenth Celebration and NAACP 3rd Annual Roller Jam happening on Saturday, June 15th from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This family-friendly event features arts and crafts, community resources, food for purchase, roller skate rentals (for $10), and more.
3rd Annual Menifee Juneteenth Celebration
Mt. San Jacinto College
28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee, CA 92584
Take a drive and attend the 3rd Annual Menifee Juneteenth Celebration happening on Saturday, June 15th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. This free community event will feature a vendor marketplace, live entertainment, a kids zone (complete with inflatables, face painting, and more), informational booths, and more.
Third Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration
Melrose Trading Post
7850 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Melrose Trading Post is hosting its Third Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration on Sunday, June 16th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event will feature story time, musical and dance performances, poetry readings, shopping, and more.
DENA Juneteenth Celebration
Metropolitan Baptist Church
2283 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena, CA 91001
The 4th Annual DENA Juneteenth Celebration is happening on Saturday, June 15th from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. This free community event will feature a complimentary community breakfast, a Justice, Peace, and Freedom March (starting at 8:30 am), and a celebration and festival. Register online for this free event.
Maps and Memories: Reflections on Juneteenth
Central Library
630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Maps and Memories: Reflections on Juneteenth is happening at Central Library on Saturday, June 15th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. “View maps from the Los Angeles Public Library and National Museum of African American History and Culture collections that tell stories of the event in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865.” Participants will then design a memory book of reflections that celebrate Juneteenth. Recommended for teens and adults. RSVP [email protected] .
Natural-WE Juneteenth Community Fair
Calvary Resurrectional Baptist
12416 Wilmington Ave., Compton, CA 90222
The Natural-WE Juneteenth Community Fair is scheduled for Saturday, June 15th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This free event will feature vendors, music, community resources, and a “Kids Korner.” Tickets are free and are available online.
Juneteenth Celebration 2024
Memorial Park
3901 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250
The City of Hawthorne is hosting its Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22nd from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This free event features live musical performances, children’s activities (including face painting), vendors, food trucks, and more.
Juneteenth Community Celebration
Calvary Baptist Church
1502 20th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Calvary Baptist Church, the oldest African-American Baptist church in Santa Monica, invites families to its Juneteenth Community Celebration happening on Sunday, June 16th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The festivities include live entertainment, art, vendors, food, and more. Check the website for more details as they become available.
SLASB AAIMM Juneteenth Father’s Day Celebration & Community Resource Fair
Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Public Health
11833 Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059
Families are invited to the Juneteenth Father’s Day Celebration & Community Resource Fair happening on Saturday, June 8th from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. “This event honors Juneteenth, Black Fathers and birthing persons, while connecting participants with valuable resources in the community.” Enjoy music, food, giveaways, and more at this free event. Register online.
2024 Juneteenth Celebration & Concert
Polliwog Park
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA
The City of Manhattan Beach is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration & Concert on Saturday, June 22nd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Festivities include Black-owned business vendors, live musical performances, food trucks, and more.
Juneteenth Celebration
Pomona Wellness Community
750 S. Park Ave., Pomona, CA 91766
Pomona Wellness Community is holding a Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 14th from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. This free event is a celebration of “freedom, hope, and unity with community.” Families will enjoy performances, the opportunity to participate in a West African dance class and affirmation Drum Circle, and more. This is an all-ages event. Register online.
Juneteenth Family Festival
Mt. Rubidoux Church
5320 Victoria Ave., Riverside, CA 92506
Celebrate at the Juneteenth Family Festival happening in Riverside on Wednesday, June 19th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Activities include live performances, presentations, a Black Business Expo, children’s activities (including face painting and inflatables), and more. Register online for this free event.
UNEARTHED: A Juneteenth Celebration Promoting Unity, Community and Freedom
Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Rhimes Performing Arts Center
1850 S. Manhattan Place, Los Angeles, CA 90019
“ ‘The Emergence of the Resurgence’ an Opening Reception for our new exhibition UNEARTHED featuring artists of all forms,” is happening on Saturday, June 8th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. “Works will unveil the hidden treasures in the joys and challenges faced on the journey of liberation, embodying our human experience as spiritual beings. Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth, promoting Unity, Community and Freedom for all.” This is an all-ages event with a $10 minimum suggested donation. (All proceeds help support the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Debbie Allen Middle School programs and scholarships.) RSVP online.
OC Juneteenth Festival
Pearson Park
400 N. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
Celebrate freedom and unity at the OC Juneteenth Festival happening on Saturday, June 15th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The event will feature live performances, food, local vendors, and lots of fun. This is a free event.
Juneteenth Jamboree 2024
Boston Court Pasadena
70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106
Lower Depth Theatre is celebrating Juneteenth with a Jamboree for the whole family on Saturday, June 15th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Enjoy live dance performances, storytelling, an African Drum Circle, a craft station for kids, food, and much more. Tickets are available online.
Black Joy – A Storytelling Celebration of Juneteenth
The Institute of Musical Arts
3210 W. 54th St., Los Angeles, CA 90043
The Storytelling Association of California and The Institute of Musical Arts present Black Joy – A Storytelling Celebration of Juneteenth happening on Saturday, June 22nd from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. “The event will feature performances by five accomplished storytellers who will present stories that reflect various aspects of this meaningful holiday.” Seating is limited; reservations are required.
BLK at Compass L.A. – Juneteenth Black-Owned Showcase
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
BLK at Compass L.A. is a “Juneteenth celebration showcasing Black art, businesses, and real estate” happening on Wednesday, June 19th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Activities include yoga, a sound bath, Black Art exhibit, and Real Estate Transaction Partners all designed to “support and celebrate Black artists, entrepreneurs, and real estate professionals.” This is a free, all-ages event.
Juneteenth Musical StoryTime
ESMoA
14929 Hawthorne Blvd., Lawndale, CA
Families are invited to a Juneteenth Musical StoryTime event on Friday, June 14th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Ms. Kym (Kymberly Stewart), a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, musician and early childhood music educator, will be leading the activities. “Children will be immersed in a child-appropriate musical storytime about Juneteenth, filled with love, music, and joy. They will have the opportunity to participate in making music, singing, and dancing, making this an interactive and fun learning experience.”
Juneteenth Ceremony
Bruce’s Beach Park
2600 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA
The City of Manhattan Beach is hosting a Juneteenth Ceremony on Wednesday, June 19th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The ceremony will include speakers from the community, a gospel choir, and special guests.
Juneteenth Resources and Events
Multiple LA County Library Branches
LA County Library System is honoring Juneteenth in a number of ways. You’ll find Juneteenth-themed movies and music, as well as Juneteenth booklists with titles that are appropriate for readers of all ages. In addition, a number of branches are hosting events including art activities, storytelling, and more.
FREEDOM! A Juneteenth Art Exhibition
910 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
“FREEDOM is an exhibition that reflects on the African-American journey toward freedom, past, present and future. Twelve of Los Angeles’ finest Black artists come together to explore the concept of freedom through their artwork, each offering a unique perspective.” The exhibition will be available from Sunday, June 16th to Sunday, June 23rd. Tickets are available online.
Santa Ana Juneteenth Picnic
Centennial Park
3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704
The City of Santa Ana is hosting a Juneteenth Picnic on Saturday, June 22nd from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This family-friendly event features live entertainment, food vendors, games, and more. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
Juneteenth Celebration
Westfield Culver City
6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA
Westfield Culver City is holding a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22nd from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A number of fun activities are planned including panel discussions, airbrushed temporary tattoos, live performances, and more. Plus, Taraji P. Henson will be reading from her new children’s book, You Can Be A Good Friend (No Matter What!). After the reading, a Meet-and-Greet Book Signing event will be held at Malik Books. (The Celebration is free. However, the Meet & Greet Book Signing is a ticketed event. Tickets may be reserved online.)
Juneteenth Story Time
Chevalier’s Books
133 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Chevalier’s Books is hosting a special Juneteenth Story Time on Saturday, June 22nd from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Musician Kymberly Stewart will be leading the musical story time.
Additional Online Resources:
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture presents Senses of Freedom: Exploring the Tastes, Sounds and Experiences of an African American Celebration. This important educational resource includes a wealth of information including a recommended reading list, information about the First Juneteenth, a look at Juneteenth today, and much more.
- “Black in Mayberry has designed a resource guide to assist you in celebrating Juneteenth.” The Juneteenth: Celebrate Freedom Toolkit contains a number of links to click on, articles to read, recipes to try, movies to watch, 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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