The word “freedom” might feel extra special to Americans in 2026 — the year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. But for nearly the first century of this country’s existence — and even the decades preceding its founding — not everyone enjoyed those freedoms.
Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free — a day now commemorated as Juneteenth. “It’s a day that symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice,” the Metropolitan King County Council wrote in a statement proclaiming the holiday in the Seattle area. “Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on African Americans’ progress and contributions, and to look forward to achieving full economic and social equity.”
This weekend, many local organizations are celebrating our diverse Black communities and heritage in the Seattle area. Plus, several Juneteenth celebrations will also double as watch parties for the FIFA Men’s World Cup match between the U.S. and Australia, set to begin at noon Friday at Seattle Stadium, the name of Lumen Field during the tournament.
Here are a few events to check out in the Seattle area. Please note this list is not comprehensive.
Juneteenth World Cup watch parties
Juneteenth: The Sound of Connection — June 19
Catch the game and celebrate Juneteenth at the Northwest African American Museum and nearby Judkins Park in Seattle. Activities include the popular Skate to Freedom Party, performances by Living Voices, food vendors and more.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 2300 S. Massachusetts St. Seattle; free; naamnw.org/juneteenth-2026
ARTE NOIR: Freedom + Futbol — June 19
Nonprofit arts organization ARTE NOIR will host a Juneteenth celebration at its Midtown Square location. Settle in for an outdoor World Cup watch party, food, music and special activities for soccer-loving youth.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.; 2301 E. Union St., Suite H, Seattle; free with RSVP; st.news/freedom-futbol
GardnerGlobal Juneteenth Celebration Watch Party — June 19
For those seeking a luxury, box-suite watch party experience, Black-owned Seattle real estate development firm GardnerGlobal is throwing a bash at its location near Seattle Stadium. Food and drinks are included with each ticket.
11 a.m.; 1409 Post Alley, Seattle; $250 per person; st.news/gardnerglobal
Other community events
2026 Juneteenth Commemoration — June 18
Join the Washington State Historical Society as it celebrates Juneteenth with a program curated by Eva Abram of Rainwater Storytelling. Singer and musician Jason Turner, Guinean musician Naby Camara, African dancer and drummer Baba Kauna Mujamal, and Kamau Ron Taplin will also perform.
4-6 p.m.; 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma; free; washingtonhistory.org/event/juneteenth-2026
Juneteenth Celebration: A Road to Economic Freedom — June 19
Home of “the largest Juneteenth celebration in WA state,” this festival at Tacoma’s Haub Family Field is produced by WayOut Kids & Co. and hosted by Jermane Easterlin of Shift the Momentum. Watch performances by Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, Lyfe Jennings, Crystal Aikin, a community choir and more. Tickets for a prayer breakfast at America’s Car Museum’s Banquet Room at 8 a.m. are available separately for $100 per person.
Noon-6 p.m.; 2702 E. D St., Tacoma; free; juneteenthwa.com
Juneteenth Freedom Festival — June 19
Set in the heart of Seattle’s Central District, this long-standing full-day celebration, organized by Africatown Community Land Trust and King County Equity Now, returns to Jimi Hendrix Park. Grammy-nominated artist Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry headlines a lineup of cultural performances, along with more than 75 Black-owned vendors, a food village, family-friendly activities and civic education exhibits.
Noon-8 p.m.; 2400 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle; free; st.news/juneteenth-freedom-fest
Juneteenth on the Waterfront Freedom Celebration — June 19
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19 and A. Philip Randolph Institute Seattle will lead its seventh annual Juneteenth march from Seattle Stadium to the union hall on the waterfront. After the approximately 2-mile march, hear from guest speakers and enjoy food and music at the union hall.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.; 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle; free; st.news/juneteenth-waterfront
PSARA Juneteenth Celebration — June 20
Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action invites community members to a Juneteenth celebration at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Organizers will honor community scholar Delbert Richardson and his “Unspoken Truths” traveling history museum. Various displays and artifacts will present African American history through an Afrocentric lens, and Richardson will be on hand to explain why he developed the exhibit, which has won national awards.
1 p.m. 124 21st Ave., Seattle; free; psara.org/meeting-events-calendar
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