Juneteenth commemorates the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Galveston, Texas in 1865, and the last enslaved people in America were freed. Join the local community in marking the historic occasion at a parade, Black-owned market, or festival.
Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival
The Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival celebrates the heritage of more than 80 historic Black communities in Montgomery County. The multi-day fest is back with more events throughout Maryland. This year, there’s a kick-off concert headlined by gospel artist Hezekiah Walker along with his Love Fellowship Choir at Bethesda Theater (free+ for most events, $60+ for concert).
Juneteenth at Watkins Regional Park
This outdoor holiday jamboree features hand-clapping performances by Rare Essence, Proverbs Reggae Band, Soul in Motion, and more. Families can also enjoy treats from food trucks, shop artisan vendors, and browse history exhibits (free).
Opal’s Walk For Freedom
Go on a 2.5-mile walk in honor of Opal Lee, the activist who advocated for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday. The community race begins at East Washington Heights Baptist Church (free for youth under 18, $39.58 for adults).
Celebrate Juneteenth in Alexandria
Attend a concert by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices at Shiloh Baptist Church in commemoration of African American history in Alexandria. The family-friendly festivities continue at Charles Houston Recreation Center, where there will be line dancing, history tours, and food (free).
Juneteenth for the City
Each year, Bread for the City’s Michelle Obama Southeast Center throws a community block party for neighbors to shop a marketplace of Black-owned businesses, groove to musical performances, savor bites, and participate in educational sessions on Black culture and history (free).
Juneteenth Celebration at the Museum
The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum stays open late this Juneteenth for a full day of fun. Check out local acts on the main stage, including go-go groups Black Alley and Chuck Brown Band, DJ Heat, and the Play Back Theater (free).
Juneteenth Community Day
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is going all out for the holiday to celebrate Opal Lee’s 100th birthday. All ages are invited to participate in a line dancing workshop, cooking class, art-making, and story time for kids (free, but registration required).
Soulversations Juneteenth Block Party
Live bands, music, food, and drinks are highlights of this Union Market block party to mark Black Music Month and Juneteenth. There are art activations, too (free).
Annapolis Juneteenth Parade & Festival
This Juneteenth parade travels from St. John’s College, through downtown Annapolis, to Amos Garret Boulevard. After, festival-goers can catch a battle of the bands showcase at Bates Complex (free).
Juneteenth Literary Jubilee & Black Author Book Fest
Poet and hip-hop educator Tony Keith Jr. returns to Planet Word to discuss his latest book Knucklehead. In addition to the author discussion, readers can browse titles from local writers, get author autographs, and explore museum exhibits during the Black Author Book Fest (free).
Juneteenth at BlackRock Center for the Arts
Germantown’s BlackRock Center for the Arts is throwing an activity-packed Juneteenth celebration with outdoor concerts by local go-go and soul bands Back Alley and Junkyard Band, African dance, poetry, food trucks, and an artisan market (free).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
