As Juneteenth becomes more widely recognized, cities all over the country are finding meaningful, creative, and powerful ways to honor the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. From parades and concerts to historical tours and art exhibits, each celebration reflects a unique piece of the Black American experience. Here’s how communities from coast to coast are coming together this year to celebrate Juneteenth.
Houston, Texas – A Celebration Where It All Began
In Houston, the birthplace of Juneteenth celebrations, Emancipation Park will once again be the heart of the festivities. This historic park, purchased by freedmen in 1872, hosts one of the most vibrant events in the country. This year’s schedule includes the annual Freedom Run and Walk, followed by live music performances that showcase everything from gospel to R&B. Food vendors and family-friendly activities will round out the day, offering a joyful and reflective space for all generations.
Atlanta, Georgia – A Parade of Pride and Power
Atlanta is putting on a multi-day celebration starting with a Juneteenth Rodeo and Agricultural Expo on June 19. But the biggest highlight comes over the weekend with the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival at Piedmont Park. The parade on June 22 brings together floats, marching bands, dancers, and community leaders. Festival-goers can also enjoy live music, children’s activities, and a vibrant marketplace of local Black-owned businesses.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Honoring a Deep-Rooted Tradition
Milwaukee’s Juneteenth celebration dates back to 1971 and remains one of the oldest in the nation. The city kicks off events with the Freedom Ball on June 14, followed by the iconic Jubilee Parade on June 19. Throughout the week, community members can enjoy art, music, and educational panels at America’s Black Holocaust Museum. The festivities end on a high note with a powerful gospel concert that brings the community together in song and spirit.
Baltimore, Maryland – Music, Museums, and Meaning
Baltimore is known for its rich Black history, and Juneteenth here is a full cultural experience. The 47th annual AFRAM festival on June 22 will bring Druid Hill Park to life with performances, food trucks, and family fun. Museums around the city are also joining in. The B&O Railroad Museum will offer special tours about the Underground Railroad, while the Reginald F. Lewis Museum will feature dance, poetry, and art from local Black creators.
Stafford, Texas – A New but Growing Tradition
Stafford may be newer to Juneteenth celebrations, but the community has embraced it with heart. On June 15, the Stafford Center will be filled with local performers, storytellers, and historians sharing the significance of the holiday. The event is focused on unity, education, and honoring ancestors — all in a family-friendly environment filled with music, food, and celebration.
Washington, D.C. – A Capital Celebration
In the nation’s capital, Juneteenth is marked with a blend of culture, activism, and art. National Harbor will host a marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses, along with cultural showcases and a paint-and-sip experience. Around the city, you’ll also find dance parties, film screenings, and community events that honor the past while looking toward the future.
Cincinnati, Ohio – Opera with a Message
One of the most unique celebrations this year comes from Cincinnati, where the Cincinnati Opera is premiering “Lalovavi,” an Afrofuturist opera that explores themes of identity, liberation, and love. The work is part of a larger initiative to bring more Black voices into the world of classical music and tells a futuristic story grounded in the spirit of Juneteenth.
Los Angeles, California – Big Names and Big Energy
In L.A., the music will be loud, and the crowds will be huge. The Hollywood Bowl is hosting a Juneteenth concert headlined by T-Pain, and Kendrick Lamar is throwing a one-night-only “Ken & Friends” show at the Kia Forum. Both events celebrate Black music as a powerful form of cultural expression and resistance.
Charleston, South Carolina – Remembering the Roots
Charleston, one of the oldest cities in America with deep historical ties to slavery, is marking Juneteenth with a series of thoughtful events. Middleton Place, once a plantation, will host reflections and educational exhibits. The Gullah Juneteenth Freedom Celebration will highlight the unique Gullah culture of the Lowcountry, while the city’s first Juneteenth Freedom Fest promises a lively celebration of freedom and resilience.
Tulsa, Oklahoma – Honoring Black Wall Street
In Tulsa, the Greenwood District—once known as Black Wall Street—comes alive for Juneteenth. From June 15 to 17, the city will host a massive block party with live performances, art, and historical tours. Visitors can also stop by the Greenwood Rising museum to learn more about the Tulsa Race Massacre and the enduring strength of the Black community.
