Many Juneteenth events take place on the actual holiday, a Friday, but there are also offerings to enjoy before and after the day.
Attendees at the 2025 Juneteenth event at Weeksville Heritage Center. Photo by Alex Bershaw via Black-Owned Brooklyn
Juneteenth celebrations this year offer something for Brooklynites of all ages, with dance, music, food, and educational events taking place around the borough.
The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the day when news of Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. While Black Brooklynites of the 19th and early 20th century often held celebrations on or near January 1 when the proclamation was officially released, by the late 20th century Juneteenth had evolved into a national, rather than just regional, celebration of African American family, freedom, and achievement.
Texas was the first state to declare it a public holiday in 1980. It was established as a commemorative day in New York State in 2004, became an official public holiday in the state in 2020, and a federal holiday in 2021.
Many of the Juneteenth events take place on the actual holiday, a Friday this year, but there are also offerings to enjoy before and after the day. Check out the online info for each event for full details on the programs and how to RSVP.
Alfreda’s Black Earth Juneteenth Commemoration
Prospect Park Boathouse and Audubon Center
June 18, 4 to 11 p.m.
The Prospect Park Alliance and Alfreda’s Black Earth are hosting the second annual gathering celebrating Black life through music and film. The evening starts with an outdoor DJ set and then showcases two movies that highlight Black communities.
16th Annual Juneteenth NY Festival
Linden Park, East New York
June 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The full festival runs for several days, with an awards ceremony and a virtual summit ahead of the parade and festival day on June 20. The full-day event will include performances, food, vendors, a fashion show, a skating area, and activities for all ages.
Juneteenth at Green-Wood
Green-Wood Cemetery
June 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Planned events for the day include a talk by Talisha Ward, Green-Wood’s 2026 History Fellow, on her research into the Freedom Lots at the historic cemetery.
Celebrate Juenteenth
Brower Park
June 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Friends of Brower Park, the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and Brooklyn Public Library are hosting a day of free performances, workshops, storytelling, and more in Brower Park. The museum will also be open that day, with regular admission required.
Juneteenth Food Festival: A Celebration of Black Food and Culture
Weeksville Heritage Center
June 19, 12 to 8 p.m.
Join Weeksville and Black-Owned Brooklyn for their fifth annual Juneteenth Food Festival with over 31 food vendors as well as artisans in a celebration of Black culture. In addition to the tasty eats and goods from Black-owned businesses, there will be music, double-dutch performances, and more.
Juneteenth: Brooklyn and the Abolitionist Movement
Brooklyn Bridge Park
June 19, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Join the NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers for a free walking tour exploring the history of the abolitionist movement in Brooklyn.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Juneteenth
Lena Horne Bandshell, Prospect Park
June 19, 4 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.)
This year’s edition of the annual music and storytelling event includes the music of Infinity Song, Victory Boyd, Annie and the Caldwells, and DJ Duane Harrlott. Entry is first come, first served.
Juneteenth Community Engagement/Health Fair
June 26, 12 to 5 p.m.
70 Chauncey Street
A number of Bed Stuy organizations have banded together to host a day-long event offering health information, music, food, and more. Seating is limited, so it’s suggested to bring your own folding chair so you can settle in and enjoy the fun.
We Outside! A Brooklyn Juneteenth: Vol. IV
The Plaza at 300 Ashland
June 20, 2 to 8 p.m.
The plaza will be filled with dance, marching bands, storytelling, and a Black maker’s market as 651 ARTS hosts an annual Juneteenth celebration. In collaboration with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and The Soapbox Presents, the day is envisioned as a celebration of the cultural contributions of Black people with fun for all ages. The event is free, but an RSVP is requested.
Just for Kids: Juneteenth Book Event
Dr. John’s Playground, Marine Park
June 20, 1 to 2 p.m.
Children can learn more about the history and celebrations surrounding Juneteenth with this event hosted by the Gerritsen Beach Public Library. Young readers can also stock up on summer reading supplies and books.
More than a Brook: Brooklyn’s Abolitionist Heritage Walk
New York Landmarks Preservation Commission
Self-guided tour
If you want to soak in some history at your own pace, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, in collaboration with Black Gotham Experience, developed an audio tour that explores abolitionist history in the borough. There are 18 stops that wind through Brooklyn Heights, Fulton Ferry, Downtown Brooklyn, and Fort Greene. The multi-part tour can be enjoyed anytime via the LPC website and via Sound Cloud.
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