Where to Celebrate Juneteenth Across the USA

Since 2021, Juneteenth has been recognized as a federal holiday, marking the full enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation in the United States.

This pivotal decree, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, granted freedom to the 4 million enslaved Black Americans at that time. The news of this proclamation took two years to reach all corners of the nation, with Texas being the last state to announce the liberation of all Americans on June 19, 1865. This marked the birth of the Juneteenth celebration.

In the years that followed, the Black American community has celebrated this day to varying degrees – culminating in Juneteenth becoming an official American holiday with the signing of the law by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021. Since then, Juneteenth has inspired a variety of culturally rich, innovative, and historically meaningful events. Continue reading to discover major Juneteenth celebrations planned in cities across the USA.

Juneteenth Festivities in New York City

The city that never sleeps will feature a weekend-long series of artistic and athletic events. Highlights include an awards ceremony honoring 28 impactful NYC men, a restaurant crawl showcasing Black-owned eateries, and a vibrant festival with various vendors and performers.

The Lincoln Center will present an event titled 'Some Sing,' curated by Carl Hancock Rux. Described as 'a campus-wide celebration of Black sound in all its rich diversity,' attendees can expect concerts throughout the campus, featuring experimental jazz, soul, and a main concert by the acclaimed composer Toshi Reagon.

Discover more: Explore Black Gotham walking tours to uncover New York's hidden history

Juneteenth Festivities in Chicago

This world-class city boasts a rich history of transformative Black Americans, from Jean Baptiste Point du Sable and Ida B. Wells to modern artist Rashid Johnson and Barack Obama. Juneteenth provides an excellent opportunity to explore this vibrant city, enjoy the lovely early-summer weather, and partake in the celebrations.

The DuSable Museum of African American History in Hyde Park, the first independent museum in the USA dedicated solely to African American culture, will host various events. Delve into the museum's well-researched exhibits before heading over to the nearby Juneteenth Block Party.

For an elegant evening in celebration of Juneteenth, head to the 99th floor of Chicago’s iconic Willis Tower for the city’s Emancipation Ball. Enjoy cocktails crafted from spirits produced by Black-owned, Chicago-based brands, alongside art displays by Black artists.

In the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, Gallery Guichard showcases some of the city’s finest artworks related to the African diaspora, including sculpture, paintings, and decorative arts. For a pre-Juneteenth experience, consider the Bronzeville Art District Trolley tour, which will drop you right at the gallery's entrance.

Juneteenth Festivities in Atlanta

Renowned as a center of Black American history, Atlanta has been celebrating Juneteenth for decades, offering an impressive range of concerts, festivals, museum tours, athletic events, and parties to cater to all tastes and budgets. The popular 5K Freedom Run draws large crowds, and the historic three-day Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival held in Centennial Olympic Park is an annual highlight. The festival features everything from aerial displays to dance performances and a marketplace showcasing Black-owned vendors. Expect attendees and partner organizations from across the South, as well as visitors from the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and beyond. Here, Juneteenth is truly a global celebration.

Read more: Explore top Atlanta locations that commemorate Martin Luther King's legacy

Juneteenth Festivities in Houston

In the state where the very first Juneteenth celebration took place, festivities in Houston, Texas have been both enjoyable and profoundly significant for over a century. Emancipation Park, located in the city’s 3rd Ward, exemplifies this legacy. As one of the best green spaces in the city, it holds the distinction of being the oldest park in the Houston metro area and was historically the only public park available to Black Americans during the segregation and Jim Crow periods. The park hosts multiple days of activities including lectures, the Freedom Run/Walk, and musical celebrations. The friendly Annual Juneteenth Celebration Vendor Market returns with numerous stalls featuring handmade and homemade goods from over 50 Black-owned vendors. For a full schedule of Juneteenth events throughout the city, visit Juneteenth Houston's calendar.

Juneteenth Celebrations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire honors the legacy of African American communities throughout New England all year long. In celebration of Juneteenth, this organization has organized educational initiatives and refined arts programming at locations in Portsmouth and across New Hampshire, featuring academic lectures, a Motown-themed musical event, and an African drumming workshop.