Juneteenth, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day is celebrated on June 19, to commemorate the end of slavery in America.
Juneteenth has become a day, nationwide, where Americans celebrate the African American heritage and culture, but also denouncing racial injustices.
Celebrate Black culture, business, and liberation with these five festivals happening in Philly to honor and commemorate Juneteenth!
1. 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival in Tioga-Nicetown
Returning for its third year, this free Juneteenth festival is a great way to support minority-owned small business in the community while having an exciting time. It all goes down Saturday June 17th, 2023 from 1-5pm.
Presented by City Athletics, this Juneteenth festival is fun for the entire family. Attendees can expect delicious food, sweet treats, performances, a live DJ, free haircuts, pony rides, face painting and so much more.
Raise your fist in pride as you recite the Black National Anthem or jump into nostalgia (literally) by participating in the Philly Girls Jump Double Dutch match.
✊🏾 Where: 1901 W. Tioga Street
2. Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival
One of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country, The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival returns this year to West Philadelphia. Kick-off the celebratory day with a parade, mesmerizing performances and beautiful floats from noon to 2 p.m.
Next, kids can join in the fun with a carnival, games, arts and crafts, and more at the Children’s Village. The celebration of Black culture wouldn’t be complete without a dynamite music festival. This year’s lineup features Fatman Scoop, Lil Mo and DJ Cupid from 3 to 7 p.m.
Indeed, the festival and parade is a great way to support minority-owned businesses in the Black community. Throughout Malcom X Park, a marketplace of over 250 Black- and Brown-owned businesses, vendors, nonprofits and Philly entrepreneurs will be on-site with treats, artwork, free food, yoga classes and more. Find out all you need to know before you go by visiting this website.
The magic begins Sunday, June 18th, 2023
✊🏾 Where: 5100 Pine Street
3. Liberation Rising: Juneteenth Block Party At The African American Museum
Celebrate culture, history, and liberation! This festive block party takes place on Juneteenth Monday, June 19th, 2023 from 11am-4pm outside of The African American Museum in Philadelphia.
Attendees can enjoy a vibrant marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses, delicious food trucks, and hands-on activities for the entire family. Legendary DJ Spinderella (of Salt-N-Pepa fame) will keep the crowd jumping with musical performances.
Admission to the museum will also be free for the day with online registration.
✊🏾 Where: 701 Arch Street
4. 4th Annual Millennial Juneteenth Festival
Millennials pull up! Monday June 19th, 20203 from 3-8pm, enjoy a festival of Black pride and celebration. Presented by the non-profit organization Millennial Juneteenth, the festival returns for its fourth year.
The mission of the organization, geared toward millennials, focuses on the liberation of Black people through political awareness, mental health education and economic empowerment.
Attendees will enjoy mouth-watering soul food, fun, and great vibes. It all goes down at Kingsessing Recreation Center in Southwest Philly. The festival is free to attend but you can make a donation by visiting here.
✊🏾 Where: 4901 Kingsessing Avenue
5. Mack Brewing Co. 3rd Annual Juneteenth Cookout
Sunday June 18, 2023 from 1-5pm, pull up to the cookout! Now in its 3rd year, Mack Brewing Co. presents its Annual Juneteenth Cookout. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet and all-you-can-drink craft beer from three Black-owned breweries! This old-school style cookout is the ultimate celebration of black culture. Expect great music, cookout games likes spades and dominoes, and music trivia for cash prizes.
Tickets are required to attend the cookout and can be purchased by visiting their website.
The location of the cookout is kept secret until the morning of the event. So get your tickets and get ready to grub and celebrate Black pride!
✊🏾 Where: secret location!