What is Juneteenth and how does Pittsburgh celebrate? See 2026 events

Juneteenth marks the day the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom.
Pittsburgh is hosting numerous Juneteenth celebrations, including a parade, music festivals and food vendors.
The Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Celebration will take place in Downtown Pittsburgh with free events at Market Square and Point State Park.

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, and Pittsburgh is going all-out with music, food and a parade.

Most of the festivities are part of the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Celebration, which is scheduled to take place in Downtown Pittsburgh and will feature a parade, live musical performances, food and business vendors and more.

There are also several other events scheduled throughout the city honoring Juneteenth.

Here’s what to know about the holiday and how Pittsburgh celebrates it.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, marks the day the last group of enslaved African Americans were informed they were free. The final group of Black slaves were ordered free upon the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas, according to USA TODAY.

While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas didn’t learn they had been freed until two years later when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger informed the community of Lincoln’s proclamation.

The holiday has been celebrated by Black Americans and others for a long time, but it gained national prominence in 2020 amid protests against racial inequities following the police killings of Black Americans George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. In 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday by President Joe Biden.

While President Donald Trump removed Juneteenth from the National Park Service’s list of free days along with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is still a federal holiday.

Juneteenth all black (clothing) boat party

When: Thursday, June 18, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Where: Gateway Clipper Fleet
What’s happening? Guests are encouraged to wear black clothing on this boat party, which will feature DJ performances and refreshments.
Price: $60 per person on Eventbrite; event is for ages 21 and up.

WPA Juneteenth in the Square

When: Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Where: Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh
What’s happening? There will be performances from both local and out-of-state bands and artists at this outdoor festival, including Final Draft, Keith Washington, Evelyn Champagne King, Flow Band, Franchise Band, Big Jus & Steel City Horns, Bill Henry Band, Soul Raydio, House of Soul Band, Jacques Mae Band and many more.
Price: Free entry

WPA Juneteenth and Black music celebration

When: Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Where: Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh
What’s happening? Over the weekend, festival visitors can enjoy performances from Lloyd, Leela James, Musiq Soulchild, Ill-Harmonic Orchestra and more.
Price: Free entry

Juneteenth Grand Jubilee Parade

When: Saturday, June 20, starting at 11 a.m.
Where: Begins at Freedom Corner and heads through Downtown Pittsburgh to Point State Park
What’s happening? With steppers, dancers, horses, community groups and music, this parade will travel along Centre Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Liberty Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh, according to Visit Pittsburgh.
Price: Free entry

WPA small business economic impact zone

When: Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Where: Liberty Avenue in front of Point State Park
What’s happening? More than 200 minority-owned small businesses and companies will gather near Point State Park, where visitors can shop for goods and food, according to Visit Pittsburgh.
Price: Free entry

Pittsburgh celebrates Juneteenth throughout the month at these events

Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: From June 15 through June 20, parks around Pittsburgh will be showing “The Wiz” and “Creed.” Visit the City of Pittsburgh’s website for a schedule with locations.
Juneteenth family roller skating: On June 18, families can visit Schenley Park’s roller rink from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and learn to skate. The event is free, though pre-registration is required at the City of Pittsburgh’s website. Skaters are encouraged to bring their own skates.
Vashon historic marker dedication: On June 26, a marker honoring Black abolitionist George B. Vashon will be unveiled at the corner of Third Avenue and Market Street across from PPG Plaza. Paul Thornell, Vashon’s great, great grandson, and other community leaders will be present to showcase the contributions of Vashon in Pittsburgh and the nation during his time as an abolitionist, educator, lawyer and writer, according to the City of Pittsburgh.
WAMO Day: Pittsburgh will celebrate WAMO Day on June 27, paying homage to WAMO 107.3, which made history as the first organized celebration of Juneteenth in Pittsburgh. The celebration will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Highland Park and will feature food, art, a talent showcase, kids’ activities and more.

Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at [email protected]. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.