Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in Philadelphia
Celebrate freedom with block parties, free museum days, kids’ programming, live music and more.
The historic Johnson House hosts one of the oldest Juneteenth celebrations in Philly / Photograph by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
On June 19th, 1865, nearly two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free the country’s remaining slaves. These days, we know the date as Juneteenth. Often referred to as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” the holiday is marked by celebrations, games, music, and a chance to learn about African American history.
In 2020, Pennsylvania finally added official statewide observance of Juneteenth, but Philly has been celebrating long before then. Philly institutions from the historic Johnson House to the African American Museum in Philadelphia are celebrating, and the parade is coming back to West Philly. Here’s how to honor the holiday around town.
Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival at Johnson House
Held in historic Germantown, this festival — now in its 18th year — is one of Philly’s oldest Juneteenth celebrations. The Johnson House Historic Site, which also served as a vital stop on the Underground Railroad, hosts a day of events that includes tours, re-enactments, performances, kids’ activities, food trucks, a marketplace and more. The event is free and offers attendees the chance to learn about Philadelphia’s important role in African American history during the 1800s.
Free; June 15th, noon-7 p.m., Johnson House Historic Site, 6300 Germantown Avenue.
Juneteenth Celebration at the Penn Museum
The day includes live performances, DJ music, storytelling, and interactive activities for all ages. Plus, shop at a community marketplace of Black-owned businesses and food trucks. Even better: Museum admission is free for the occasion. Pre-register online.
Free; June 15th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Penn Museum, 3260 South Street.
Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival at Cherry Street Pier
In partnership with the Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, this event features art exhibits, live music, craft vendors, and wine tastings from local Black-owned wineries. The festival is free to attend and family-friendly; wine tasting is 21+ and requires an extra ticket, available online.
Free to attend, $20-$75 for wine tasting; June 15th, 1-6 p.m., Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Columbus Avenue.
Juneteenth Family Festival at Woodmere Art Museum
The free event for kids and their grownups includes storytelling, a Freedom Flag art activity, and a musical performance by TAHIRA.
Free, June 15th, 2-4 p.m., Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue.
Saturday Night Jazz at Woodmere Art Museum
Vocalist Elle Gyandoh and the John Doe Band perform “songs of struggle, resilience, hope, and freedom,” including “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free,” “What’s Going On?,” “Respect,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” and more.
$15-$25; June 15th, 6-7:30 p.m., Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue.
Juneteenth Parade and Festival
The parade kicks off at noon at 52nd and Parkside with bands, dance groups, floats and more. Meanwhile, the daylong festival begins at 10 a.m. in Malcolm X Park and runs through 8 p.m. The festival includes food vendors and a marketplace. The youth zone is open from 2 to 7 p.m. There will also be a music festival at 52nd and Larchwood from 3 to 7 p.m.
Free; June 16th, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., parade from noon-2 p.m. begins at 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, and ends at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine streets) for the festival.
Juneteenth Jubilee at Bartram’s Garden
The West Philly garden’s Juneteenth celebration returns for its fourth year with storytelling, performances, lawn games, vendors and more. The event features live vinyl DJ sets by Vinyl Tap 215, who also co-host.
Free; June 16th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard.
“A String, Sing, Story & Musical Thing for Juneteenth”
The Free Library hosts an evening of live music, storytelling, drum circles and more with the Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collective. The event is free but online registration is requested.
Free; June 17th, 5:30 p.m., Shakespeare Park across from Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street.
AAMP’s Juneteenth block party will include art-making activities for all ages / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
This all-ages party features live performances — including Kid ‘n Play — with the theme “Rhythms of Liberation: Celebrating Juneteenth Through Music.” The block party also includes food trucks, kids’ activities and more. Plus, since this is also the kickoff to Wawa Welcome America, the museum will offer free admission all day (online registration required).
Free; June 19th, noon-7 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street.
Free Admission and Activities at National Constitution Center
Along with all-day free admission, the NCC has a day of programming including crafts, a Kids’ Town Hall with historical re-enactors, and a DJ set by DeeJay Howard exploring the history of Black American music.
Free; June 19th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street.
Juneteenth at the Please Touch Museum
PTM has planned a complete day of programming that’s both educational and engaging. Children can enjoy themed crafts, performances, interactive story times, games and more. All activities are included with museum admission; online reservations required.
$22 ($2 for ACCESS cardholders); June 19th, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
Juneteenth at the Museum of the American Revolution
Explore special exhibits and tours highlighting the diverse contributions and struggles of African Americans during the American Revolution. Learning about notable figures like Phillis Wheatley and Harry Washington through gallery talks, tours and more. Plus, kids can engage in special hands-on experiences in the Revolution Place discovery center.
Free for museum members and kids under 5; $13-$22 for general admission, June 19th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South 3rd Street.
JUNE-teenth: A June Jordan Inspired Family Reunion
Harriett’s Bookshop hosts a day dedicated to poet and activist June Jordan with poets, musicians, scholars and artists. “Think an old school family reunion with cousins you perhaps have yet to meet,” the event description says. The event is free to attend, but for a $20 ticket, you’ll also get a meal from chef Tonia Renee’s fish fry and barbecue.
Free ($20 for food); June 19th, noon-4 p.m., Harriett’s Bookshop, 258 East Girard Avenue.
Juneteenth Dream Space
Head to the Sculpture Garden in Northern Liberties for a free day of wellness sessions, followed by a barbecue cookout and celebration.
Pay-what-you-wish (suggested donation $20); June 19th, 2-8 p.m., 1717 Hancock Street.
Juneteenth Dinner at Awbury Arboretum
Chef Gail Jones-Hinson shares a meal inspired by cooks of the Reconstruction era. The evening also includes a panel discussion and jazz performance.
$55, June 19th, 6-9 p.m., Francis Cope House, 1 Awbury Road.
Friday Lounge at the Art Museum
The Art Museum’s Friday Night Lounge features live performances from Rashaan Rich & The JuneB All Stars honoring the spirit of Juneteenth. The museum offers pay-as-you-wish admission during this event.
Pay-what-you-wish; June 21st, 5-8:45 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
