All the info you need to plan a memorable (and meaningful) holiday
The country’s newest holiday brings some uncomfortable baggage, and begs the question: What’s the ideal way to commemorate Juneteenth? Celebration? Reflection? Service? Other..? Perhaps the point isn’t how we all chose to remember this date, but that we all do. In our own way. The good news is, with so much going on in the city, it’s easy to discover for ourselves how best to appreciate this holiday.
In that spirit, we present this year’s Revive Local Juneteenth Guide, with special events for everyone: families, foodies, shopaholics, history buffs, activists – whoever you are, we hope you’re inspired to make this holiday count!
PRO TIP: Educate yourself on the story of Juneteenth before you head out. May we suggest Dr. Woodson’s lively explanation “Lessons in Liberty” (NW Local, June, 2019), quoted here:
A big part of Juneteenth celebrations is connecting with family. Well we are all brothers and sisters in the human race! We all lose when we let hate and fear win. We need to heal from 400 years of trauma together, starting with telling the truth about the real costs to create this so-called “Land of Opportunity.”
JUNETEENTH 2022
CENTER CITY Juneteenth at the Museum of the American Revolution
Sat, Jun 18 – Mon, Jun 20 / 101 S 3rd St
Three exciting, interactive events to celebrate and explore our country’s continuing struggle for equality for all.
Special Exhibit: Liberty, Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War
Onsite & Online | Daily
Renowned historical artist brings to life compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events of the American Revolution. (Available as a virtual tour)
Revolution Place
Daily, 11AM – 4PM.
Explore lively, diverse Old City circa 1700 through hands-on exploration in four historical recreations: a military encampment, a tavern, a home, and an 18th-century meeting house. Crafts & activities include making your own Rhode Island Regiment cap.
Walking Tour: James Forten’s Philadelphia
Museum Neighborhood | June 18 at 11PM or 3PM | $10
Discover fascinating new insights into Philadelphia’s multi-cultural beginnings in this walking tour highlighting James Forten, a free man of African descent who was a city leader and changemaker in the 1770’s. A sneak preview from the upcoming exhibit, “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia,” (opening February 2023).
CENTER CITY Free Admission to the National Constitution Center
Sun, Jun 19, 10AM – 5PM / National Constitution Center / 525 Arch St
This popular museum is free all day in honor of the holiday. Special tours of the Center’s “Civil War & Reconstruction” exhibit, plus additional programs highlighting freedom fighters Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Frances Allen Watkins Harper and others.
DELAWARE AVE Juneteenth Dance Party at Cavanaugh’s
Fri, Jun 17, 5PM – 8PM / Cavanaugh’s River Deck / 417 N. Columbus Blvd
This riverfront clubbing staple presents its First Annual Juneteenth Dance Party, celebrating Emancipation with an Open Bar and all your favorite dance hits. Dress to impress but ladies, please wear flats! Tix $50 via eventbrite.
OLD CITY Emancipation Celebration at the National Liberty Museum
Sat, Jun 18, 1PM – 5PM / National Liberty Museum / 321 Chestnut St
Commemorate the end of slavery with all-ages, original programming including artist-led tours of Zsudayka Nzinga‘s powerful Afro-Bohemian installation, highlighting symbols and icons of Black history and culture. Resources, Positive Movement drumline, comic book workshop celebrating real-life Black superheros and more. FREE with museum admission ($12 with discounts for kids, students, seniors)
OLD CITY Wawa Welcome America Juneteenth Block Party
Sun, June 19, 11AM – 3PM / African American Museum / 701 Arch St
America’s biggest July 4th celebration begins with Juneteenth, to create 16 jam-packed days of free, family-friendly, liberty-riific events around the city. Day One starts with a daylong Block Party at the African American Museum. Live performances by local & international artists. Community marketplace featuring Black-owned vendors, food trucks, dancing, art-making and more. Includes FREE ADMISSION to the Museum (open 1pm – 5pm). Details at welcomeamerica.com.
UNIVERSITY CITY Black Music City: Juneteenth Celebration
Sun, Jun 19, 1PM – 5PM / World Cafe Live / 3025 Walnut St
Celebrate artistic expansion inspired by Philadelphia’s rich Black music history with a full day of art, music & culture. Philly public radio joins forces with talent incubators to support local Black musicians, songwriters, journalists, visual artists and more. Come see the unveiling of exciting projects by 46 local grant awardees. Hosted by The Bul Bey. FREE (Register at unation.com)
UNIVERSITY CITY Philly Black Women in STEM Picnic Meet-Up
Sun, Jun 19, 4PM – 7 PM / Cira Green Sunset Social / 129 S 30th St
Celebrate Juneteenth with local Black women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math! With only 2% of STEM jobs held by Black women nationwide, we’re excited to connect and enjoy each other’s company. TIX $35 (includes food). Register on Eventbrite.com
FAIRMOUNT Parks on Tap: Juneteenth Fundraiser
Sun, Jun 19, 12PM – 11PM / Fairmount Water Works / 640 Waterworks Drive
Raise a glass for freedom and equality! Philly’s favorite pop-up beer garden honors Juneteenth by donating 100% of sale proceeds to racial justice nonprofit organizations. In addition, special hours Monday June 20 from 5PM – 10PM in observance of the holiday.
FAIRMOUNT Mentors, Music & Munchies: Juneteenth Edition
Sat, Jun 18, 1PM – 4PM / Coffee Cream & Dreams / 1500 Fairmount Ave
Come celebrate Juneteenth and Black female founders who are thriving despite many challenges affecting access to capital, markets and networks. @MomYourBusiness has gathered an inspiring group of women for this special event featuring business coaching, expert networking, and pop-up pitch contest with up to $2000 in cash & prizes! FREE Register via eventbrite.
FAIRMOUNT PARK Kidchella 2022 for Juneteenth at Smith Memorial Playground
Fri, Jun 17, 4PM – 7:30PM / Smith Memorial Playground / 3500 Reservoir Drive
Kids Music festival at this historic indoor/outdoor wonderland for young children & their families. Juneteenth-themed games, activities, food trucks, live music featuring performances by Troupe Da Da along with Ms. Niki’s Music Class. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Tix $12pp/$6 for Smith members & Access cardholders
FAIRMOUNT PARK Juneteenth at the Please Touch Museum
Sun, Jun 19, 11AM – 4:30PM / Please Touch Museum / 4231 Ave of the Republic
Free admission for fathers (and father figures) all day for this interactive museum focused on learning through play. Holiday programming includes special music, dance, and marching bands; Storytime with Gail Ramos, author of Hooray! It’s Juneteenth Day. Please reserve through their portal at pleasetouchmuseum.org.
WEST PHILLY Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival
Sun, Jun 19, 10AM – 8PM / One Art Community Center / 1431-39 N 52nd St
The city’s biggest, best Juneteenth fest begins at 52nd & Parkside with a parade of local youth groups, dance troupes, floats, bands and other community leaders, officials, local celebs, and more marching for freedom won. Festival at Malcolm X Park includes more local merchants, food vendors and a children’s village with carnival, games, face painting, photo booths and more. Broadcast live on 6abc! Juneteenthphilly.org
WEST PHILLY Juneteenth Marketplace Vendors
Sat, Jun 18, 10AM – 8PM / Malcolm X Park / 5100 Pine St
Hundreds of Black-owned businesses and nonprofits, stimulating millions in revenue for the region! Come enjoy a variety of jewelry, clothing, art from a broad spectrum of local creatives and trendsetters. Food, music, more.
WEST PHILLY Everybody Eats Philly
Sun, Jun 19, 12PM – 4PM / Malcolm X Park / 5100 Pine St
Creating a safe space for the black community to gather & be celebrated. This block party-style event nourishes attendees while connecting socially and sparking meaningful conversation. All welcome for free food, fun, resources and more. everybodyeatsphilly.org
WEST PHILLY Black Soul Summer Juneteenth Fest
Sat, Jun 18, 12PM – 9PM / Sunflower Philly / 1725 N. 5th St
A celebration of the African diaspora featuring live DJ sets, Black-owned vendors, great food and good fun. Free with rsvp via blacksoulsummer.com
SOUTHWEST PHILLY Millennial Juneteenth & Fathers Day Festival
Sun, Jun 19, 12PM – 6PM / Kingsessing Rec Center / 4901 Kingsessing Ave
The third annual Juneteenth Festival is a true celebration of culture! Black-owned vendors, resources, live musical artists, movies, moon bounce and a candle light vigil for the Black Family. Food from local restaurants plus popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. Come out for an amazing day in history! @MillennialJuneteenth
SOUTHWEST PHILLY Juneteenth at Bartram’s Garden
Sun, Jun 19, 12PM – 5PM / Bartram’s Garden / 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard
Commemorate Juneteenth at the oldest botanic garden in North America! Day features live DJ, storytelling, poetry, percussion, vendors, resources and an exciting live multi-media art installation by Melannie Taylor of Spiral Q. This FREE event is rain or shine (in the event of inclement weather, it will be held in the Eastwick Pavilion).
SOUTH PHILLY History Social: Juneteenth
Thu, Jun 16, 6PM – 7:30PM / Second District Brewing / 1939 S Bancroft St
What’s the history of Juneteenth, and why does it resonate today? Explore this holiday’s legacy with Black History Maven and guests. Play games, win prizes! Free Admission – beer & bites available for purchase. Spots are limited, register at eventbrite.
SOUTH PHILLY @BrunchSoFunny Juneteenth – Father’s Day Comedy Party
Sun, Jun 19, 12PM / Xclusively Yours Events / 1614 S 26 St
Enjoy an incredible brunch menu as Philly comedy legends keep you laughing. Featuring Mike Bonner, Rashaun Reese and Coby Jackk. Hosted by Turae, with live music by the Urban Guerilla Orchestra. Tix $50 – $300, via eventbrite or brunchsofunny.com
SOUTH PHILLY Juneteenth Guided Talks at Magic Gardens
Sun, Jun 19, 1:45PM, 2:45PM & 4:15PM / Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens / 1020 South St
This beautiful landmark is anchored on one end by an African Methodist Episcopal church with roots going back to 1793! At the opposite end sits a historic firehouse where Philly’s first black firemen served the city as Defenders of the Seventh Ward. For generations, this neighborhood boasted the largest black community in any northern city. Learn more in Magic Garden’s free, short and accessible tours. No registration required, just show up in the Alder Street alley at one of the three designated times.
SOUTH PHILLY Almost Famous Summer ‘22 Pop-up Shop
Sat – Sun, Jun 18 & 19, 12PM – 7PM / Counter Culture / 514 South St
One-of-a-kind marketplace, celebrating expression and adornment with an emphasis on Black art and items Philadelphia’s creative community. Discover new fashion brands: streetwear, second-hand vintage, avant-garde and bespoke masterpieces. Art in all forms: photography, digital and graphic design, screen-printing, makeup and beauty, multimedia and so much more. With curated music, food and drink, and extremely talented designers at this unforgettable event. $10 entry via eventbrite, good for both days. @Almostfamous.phl on IG.
NORTH PHILLY Summer Solstice: Celebration of Life
Sat, Jun 18, 5:30PM – 10PM / Urban Creators / 2316-50 N 11th St
Celebrate the Summer Solstice, Juneteenth, and Life with people who look, think, & sound like you. Take this opportunity on the longest day of the year to appreciate all you have accomplished with good food, great company, live music, shopping and fun of all kinds. Bring the kids and show them what it truly means to be Black and to be loved. Tix $0 – $35 via eventbrite.
NORTH PHILLY Juneteenth Celebration in Stenton Park
Sat, Jun 18, 1PM – 4PM / Stenton Park / 4601 North 18th St
Bring your chairs & blankets, pack a picnic lunch, and come out to Stenton Park for an afternoon of music & poetry, with performances from DJ Clean Cuts, The Philly Cypher, Kormassa Bobo (Liberian Cultural Dance), Malidelphia and more. FREE, includes free admission to the historic Stenton House museum, a former “plantation house” where visitors can learn about the diverse community of servants and enslaved people who served the Logan family here. Register via eventbrite.
NORTH PHILLY Millennial Advisory Committee (MAC) Junteenth Festival
Sun, Jun 18, 2PM – 5PM / Martin Luther King Recreation Center / 2101 Cecil B. Moore Ave
A celebration of Black stories and community! Featuring a Black Millennial Business Stroll, speeches/remarks from local Millennial leaders & activists, plus music and refreshments. FREE. All welcome.
NORTH PHILLY Juneteenth Celebration at Historic Hatfield House
Sun, Jun 18, 2PM – 6PM / Hatfield House / 3201 West Girard Ave
Come out for Father’s Day and a FREE Juneteenth celebration at the big white house at 33rd and Girard! Bring the whole family, spread out with your lawn chairs and blankets for a full day of kid-friendly fun. Live DJ, games, activities, face painting and prize giveaways. Local marketplace, live performances plus pretzels & water ice for all. Hosted by the Strawberry Mansion Civic Association and friends.
TIOGA-NICETOWN City Athletics Juneteenth BBQ
Sat, Jun 18, 10AM – 5PM / City Athletics / 1901 W. Tioga St
Locally-owned gym & community non-profit hosts its second Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Food & fun for up to 400 neighbors — DJ, free food, water ice and entertainment for the kids. Vendors welcome! Spaces $50 (first come, first served); proceeds help fund events & children’s athletics.
GERMANTOWN Juneteenth at the historic Johnson House & Block Party
Sat, Jun 18, 12PM– 6 PM / Johnson House Historic Site / 6300 block of Germantown Ave
The 16th Annual celebration features historic re-enactments, a panel discussion, food trucks, cultural marketplace, live performances, special exhibitions and activities for all ages. FREE and Family Friendly. (See video from 2019 at the top of this post)
GERMANTOWN Germantown Art + SOUND Juneteenth Edition
Sat, Jun 18, 12PM – 6 PM / Our House Culture Center / 6380 Germantown Ave
What’s your vibe…? This is the ONLY art experience in Philadelphia where YOU select the songs and create the playlist for this Open Door gallery featuring beautiful art of all kinds. Free event features numerous food vendors. BYOB. Register at eventbrite.com.
EAST FALLS Juneteenth at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Fri, Jun 17, 8:30PM – 10:30 PM & Sun, Jun 19, 1PM – 3PM / Laurel Hill Cemetery / 3822 Ridge Ave
This historic National Landmark and certified arboretum hosts two FREE Juneteenth events this year. First, an al fresco Friday screening of Glory, the timeless 1989 movie about the Union Army’s earliest African American regiments (starring Denzel Washington & Morgan Freeman). Come back Sunday for special tours of local abolitionists (rsvp here).
MT. AIRY Juneteenth Family Pride Picnic at Lovett Library Park
Sat, Jun 18, 11AM – 2PM / Lovett Library Park/ 6945 Germantown Ave
Family-friendly and tobacco-free event centers and celebrates LGBTQ+ Black families with art, history, vendors, resources plus FREE FOOD and entertainment. PhiladelphiaFamilyPride.org
CHESTNUT HILL Saturday Night Jazz for Juneteenth
Sat, Jun 18, 2PM – 5PM / Woodmere Art Museum/ 9201 Germantown Ave
Exciting themed roster of events! The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble tells the story of Juneteenth with classic songs plus excerpts from the jazz opera Never Back Down. With poetry, drumming, and African dance. Free & open to the public, register at woodmereartmuseum.org.
ROXBOROUGH Saxe Speaks Presents Juneteenth Celebration
Sat, Jun 18, 12PM – 3PM / HighPointe Performance Café / 6182 Ridge Ave
Music, guest speakers, live art & performances, delicious food, networking, plus merchandise and raffle tickets for sale. Admission $25 via eventbrite.
NORTHEAST Black Greek Edition Golf Outing
Mon, Jun 20, 11:30AM – 8PM / The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale / 3801 Grant Ave
VisitPhilly.com’s inaugural Juneteenth event closes out the holiday weekend with an afternoon of golfing and networking including lunch and dinner receptions in the company of the area’s prominent leaders, officials and influencers. Guests will learn the significance of Black golfers in the region, while raising funds for locally-based institutions including Cheyney University and the Community College of Philadelphia. Tix start at $100 via eventbrite.
FARTHER AFIELD….
GLENSIDE Juneteenth’s: Black Tasting Event!
Sun, Jun 19, 2PM – 6PM / DSQ Studio & Kitty’s Social Space / 2544 Fairhill Avenue
Celebrating Juneteenth & Fathers Day at once with this exciting event that’s an ideal outing for Dad. Sample wines, beers, spirits and signature cocktails from Black artisans around the world while a live DJ spins our favorite hits. Seating available on first-come, first-served basis. Tix $40 – $75 via eventbrite.
LANSDALE Juneteenth Celebration with the Black Business Association
Sat, Jun 18, 11AM – 5PM / Memorial Park / 300 E. Main St
All welcome to our 3rd annual Juneteenth event. Celebrate the holiday with Lansdale’s Black Business Association. Food, vendors, music and fun!
LANSDOWNE Forum Philly’s Community Juneteenth & Fathers Day Festival
Sat, Jun 18, 1PM – 4 PM / Penn Wood High School – Green Avenue Campus / 100 Green Avenue
A community gathering to commemorate Juneteenth and honor the positive legacies of fathers. Sponsored by Forum Philly, an African-American civic non-profit and faith-based organization. Tix $0 – $75 via eventbrite.
KENNET SQUARE Freedom Fountains at Longwood Gardens
Fri – Sun, Jun 17 – 19, 8:15PM – 10PM / Longwood Gardens / 1001 Longwood Road
Longwood Gardens illuminates their spectacular fountains for three Juneteenth-themed nighttime shows featuring songs of freedom, hope and strength by African American greats such as Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Beyoncé, The Staple Singers, and more. Timed admission required, see longwoodgardens.org for pricing & availability.
RADNOR Community Juneteenth at Cabrini
Sun, Jun 19, 12PM – 4 PM / Cabrini University / 610 King of Prussia Road
Cabrini hosts its first ever Juneteenth celebration, welcoming students & alumni, staff & faculty, family & friends to honor freedom and fatherhood with traditional music, food and activities. Re-enactment of Frederick Douglass’s famous speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” plus African drumming & dance, poetry, skits, games, raffles, great food and so much more. FREE (VIP options here)
MEDIA Dell-P and the Children of Adam Band
Sun, Jun 19, 1PM – 5 PM / Rose Tree Park / 1671 N. Providence Road
Delco’s first Juneteenth Celebration features live music, vendors, food and other local showcases. Headliners Dell P and the Children of Adam Band’s explosion of sound, culture and positive vibes. All welcome, rain or shine.
VIRTUAL (SPRING ARTS) Rise Up for Reparations, a Multi-Faith Revival
Mon, Jun 20, 2PM – 4 PM / Friends Center / 1501 Cherry Street
Join WHYY’s Christopher Norris and WDAS’s Patty Jackson for this special event proclaiming the urgent and sacred call for reparations for Black Philadelphians in song, word & testimony. Watch on Facebook Live @EngagingPHL or @TheTruthTellingProject. To attend in person, register here (facemasks required for entry).
BONUS: June 5 – 12 is ODUNDE
The largest African American street festival in the country! The concept originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria in West Africa to celebrate the coming of another year for African people around the world. The occasion is marked by a colorful procession from 23rd and South Street to the Schuylkill River, where an offering of fruit and flowers is made to Oshun, the Yoruba river goddess.
ODUNDE features an authentic African marketplace, featuring global vendors offering food and merch from Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil. ODUNDE happens every year, providing the perfect launch into Juneteenth!
Did you miss out this year? Subscribe to Revive_POC on youtube to catch the best in-the-streets footage from 2022.
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