Among American holidays, Juneteenth stands out. June 19th is the anniversary of the day in 1865 when slavery officially ended in the United States, and has been celebrated by members of the African-American community since the late 1800s. Mainstream America has only really become aware of it in recent years. As you may have surmised, the holiday’s name is a portmanteau that combines the month and day of its date — June and 19th — and has also been called “Freedom Day,” and “Emancipation Day.”

A few state governments began recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday in the 1980s, but a majority of states didn’t follow suit until the 2000s. The culture shift for racial justice in the U.S. in recent years has fueled a broader recognition of the holiday. This inspired many local governments and private companies to support the day and bring it even further into the mainstream. And in 2021, Juneteenth was made a Federal holiday.

Traditionally, Juneteenth has been marked with private and family gatherings, but there have also public celebrations throughout its history. And while many larger and publicly organized Juneteenth celebrations are relatively new, there are also plenty of American cities with historic Juneteenth celebrations.

If you’re looking for an educational and festive travel experience, check out these great U.S. cities to help you celebrate the cultural heritage of Juneteenth.

Galveston, Texas

GalvestonJuneteenth61921#3 by 2C2K Photography licensed under CC by 2.0

The coastal city of Galveston, Texas is an essential part of Juneteenth. On June 19th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston with a troop of Union soldiers. He announced that the American Civil War had ended and that all slaves were effectively free. Over the years, the celebration of Granger’s arrival and effective declaration of freedom became an annual tradition and grew increasingly popular. Formerly enslaved Americans would celebrate, and some would even make a pilgrimage to Galveston with their family members to celebrate.

Galveston’s annual Juneteenth celebration usually consists of several days’ worth of events, normally on the weekend closest to June 19th. In recent years, there have been festivals, historical reenactments, live musical performances, exhibits on African American heritage, picnics, and parades. One highlight over the years has been the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in front of Galveston’s Juneteenth Historical Marker.

Houston, Texas

Houston and its surrounding communities have been major areas of support for the Juneteenth holiday from the start. In 1872, a group of African American community leaders bought 10 acres of land and turned it into Emancipation Park. The park was originally meant as a place for Houston’s annual Juneteenth celebration and is now a local community fixture.

The annual revelry at Emancipation Park, which includes live music, food, and family-friendly events, draws thousands of attendees from all over the country. Other parks throughout the Houston area also host concerts and live music events throughout the Juneteenth weekend. Past years have included a parade organized by the mayor’s office. 

San Francisco, California

California’s annual San Francisco Juneteenth Weekend celebration has been held since 1950. The all-day event draws thousands of people every year. If you head to San Francisco, you’ll get to experience the lively parade, carnival games, lots of great food, and a classic car show. Past years saw a traditional African Uhuru village, live music, and dance performances.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee’s first publicly organized Juneteenth celebration was in 1971. It’s continued on to today and is now one of the biggest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. Unlike many other Juneteenth events, Milwaukee’s celebration is always on June 19th. The full-day event normally starts at 9 a.m. and runs until well past sunset. It usually kicks off with a parade down King Drive, followed by a Miss Juneteenth Pageant. African dance and musical performances happen throughout the day, along with exhibits, games, children’s activities, and more.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is widely recognized as one of the best places to celebrate Juneteenth. The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival is a weekend full of education and fun traditionally held at the popular Centennial Olympic Park. The highlight of the weekend is always the Juneteenth Atlanta Black History Parade.

Other entertaining and educational activities in the past have included speakers, flyovers, a magic zone for the young attendees, an artist’s market where you can pick up handmade gifts, and various musical performances. Be sure to bring your appetite as you’ll also find a myriad of multi-cultural cuisine options as well as food trucks. This event is inclusive to everyone, making it a great family outing. Come to Atlanta for a day or visit the festival for all three days of the event.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital is another fabulous place to spend Juneteenth. This event is put on by ONE DC and is also a celebration of the Black Workers & Wellness Center, a community gathering space in Anacostia. The center prides itself on its various education and action initiatives that promote racial and economic justice. The celebration encompasses a number of events in the Washington, D.C. area, including a brunch, musical performances, a cookout, a block party, an art auction, and much more.

Whatever your jam is, you’ll find a way to commemorate Juneteenth at one of the many special events held in D.C. over the weekend. Attending one of the events is a great way to connect with other members of the community in a welcoming and festive environment.

Buffalo, New York

The Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo was started in 1976 by a community-based organization called B.U.I.L.D. (“Build Unity, Independence, Liberty, and Dignity”). It was created to give a culturally relevant alternative to the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial Celebration. The blocked-off section of Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo was used for a weekend celebration with mural painting, booths for food vendors and merchandise, and festive entertainment.

The festival grew each year since and eventually moved to Martin Luther King Jr. Park. It’s now organized by a non-profit group and staffed mostly by volunteers. Its mission is to preserve and promote African American Heritage through educational and cultural activities for the community as a whole.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

With so many historical sights that honor and celebrate the Black community in New Orleans, it’s easy to see why the city is a popular destination for those looking to make the most out of Juneteenth. There’s no shortage of ways to learn about the contributions of the Black community to American society in New Orleans. Stroll through the iconic French Quarter using the New Orleans Slave Trade Marker app to educate yourself about the slave trade. Or, head to the Whitney Plantation to learn more about life through the lens of enslaved Africans working and living in Louisiana. Enjoy the beauty and culture of New Orleans with a visit to Congo Square and its historical markers and stunning sculptures.

FAQs: 

Q: How can I find specific dates and times for Juneteenth events in different cities?
A: You can find specific dates and times for Juneteenth events by visiting the official websites of the events, checking local community calendars, or following event organizers on social media.

Q: Are there any special accommodations for out-of-town visitors at Juneteenth celebrations?
A: Many large Juneteenth celebrations offer travel and accommodation information on their official websites. Additionally, local tourism boards often provide resources for visitors.

Q: What should I wear to a Juneteenth celebration?
A: Attendees typically wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor events. In some places, you may see people wearing traditional African attire to honor the heritage.

Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks to Juneteenth events?
A: Policies vary by event. Some celebrations allow outside food and drinks, while others have designated food vendors. It’s best to check the specific event guidelines.

Q: Are pets allowed at Juneteenth events?
A: This depends on the event and venue. Some outdoor celebrations may allow pets, but indoor or more crowded events may not. Check the event’s pet policy in advance.

Q: How can I participate as a vendor or volunteer at a Juneteenth event?
A: To participate as a vendor or volunteer, visit the event’s official website for application forms and contact information. Early registration is often required.

Q: Are there any virtual Juneteenth events available?
A: Yes, some organizations host virtual Juneteenth events, including webinars, live streams, and online cultural activities. Check the websites of major Juneteenth celebrations for virtual event options.

Do you know of any other American cities with Juneteenth celebrations that we didn’t mention? Tell us about it in the comments below!