Juneteenth offers a time to remember the history that Black Americans endured, honor and center Black culture and achievements, and fight for justice and against systematic inequalities that still exist today.
It is an official holiday in New York State, and has been considered a federal holiday since Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021. (You can learn more about its history here.).
So, without further ado, here are some Juneteenth celebrations in NYC that you can take part in this year!
1. Juneteenth NY Festival
The East New York and Brownsville Community have been a huge support in building the Juneteenth NY Festival into a community staple over the last 15 years, and they’re not stopping anytime soon! The week-long Juneteenth celebration kicks off with a free virtual summit and leads into an award ceremony honoring 28 distinguished men from NY for their impact in our community, various vendors and activities, and a free Grand Finale Concert featuring a parade, fashion show, food trucks, field day, and more! Learn more about the celebration here.
When: June 13 – 19
2. Juneteenth at Lincoln Center
NYC’s Lincoln Center is hosting Some Sing: A Juneteenth Celebration by Carl Hancock Rux, a special performance fusing blues, jazz, rock, country, zydeco, and more by notable purveyors of Black sound—including influential free jazz experimentalist Cooper-Moore, Brooklyn singer-songwriter Tamar-kali, Bronx-born soul musician Stephanie McKay, and many more. Plus, there will be a final concert set by Toshi Reagon and her full band as well. Learn more here!
When: June 19
3. Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth
The Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth concert will return to Times Square for their fourth annual outdoor concert, free and open to the public. Songs, dances, and spoken word performances are on the calendar, featuring Black performers from Broadway. There will also be appearances from special guest speakers. Learn more here.
When: June 19, starting at 11 am
Where: Duffy Square in Times Square (46th and 47th Streets between Broadway and Seventh Avenue)
4. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! 2024 Juneteenth UNITYFEST
Join BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! for Juneteenth UNITYFEST, their annual concert which brings together diverse voices in honor of Juneteenth and its impact on Black and American culture. This year’s lineup features the legendary DJ Spinna as headliner, as well as other diverse sets fromPeven Everett, Merlin Bobb, Monique Bingham, Voices of a People’s History, and others. Learn more here.
When: June 19
5. Celebrate Juneteenth 2024 at Museum of the Moving Image
Join the Museum of the Moving Image for performances, film screenings, media-making activities, and a gallery talk to celebrate Juneteenth. Film screenings include Juke Joint and The Blood of Jesus, as well as a special Museum tour at noon focused on Black cinema and television! Learn more about their events and see the full itinerary here!
When: June 19, starting at noon
6. Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s Juneteenth Celebration
Join the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music for an afternoon of music, including BKCM Faculty Member Tahira Clayton who will headline a performance at 2 pm! All are welcome to this free event, with no tickets required. Though they do suggest you RSVP to show your interest and receive the most up-to-date information about the event, which you can do so here.
When: June 19, 11 am – 3 pm
7. Juneteenth Yoga at Bryant Park
As a part of Bryant Park’s summer yoga series, they’ll be hosting a special Juneteenth edition this Wednesday, June 19 from 6 – 7 pm. In an effort to “promote unity, healing and liberation through live music and meditation,” New Yorkers can join accomplished yoga, barre, dance, and meditation instructor, health coach, artist, and model Pilin Anice as she hosts the class! The outdoor yoga class is completely free!
When: June 19, 6 – 7 pm
8. Black & Queer: A Juneteenth Concert
In collaboration with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (NYCGMC) and Christ Church NYC, the business improvement district East Midtown Partnership (EMP) is hosting Black & Queer: A Juneteenth Concert to highlight and celebrate the intersectionality of being Black and queer for the members of the NYCGMC. During the concert, a group of NYCGMC’s Black singers will share what Juneteenth means to them through their own stories, solos, and favorite songs. The event is free but they ask you submit for complimentary tickets here.
When: June 19, 7 pm
9. Juneteenth in Queens
The annual Juneteenth in Queens festival will return to Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans to celebrate black culture and creation on Juneteenth. The free-to-attend festival will feature interactive fun, local black-owned businesses available for shopping, workshops, live performances, and a whole lot more! Check out the full schedule and learn more about the event here.
When: June 19, 12 – 8 pm
10. Juneteenth in Brower Park
Join Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Brower Park this Juneteenth, where they’ll be hosting their a special Juneteenth commemoration featuring live music, dance, workshops, performances, and art projects.This year’s theme celebrates books of freedom, which means there will be performances by Brooklyn United Marching Band, a presentation by author Alliah Agostini, a storytime led by Laleña Garcia, and a musical performance by Tahira Clayton. It’s free to attend you can learn more here!
When: June 19, 11 am – 3 pm
11. Juneteenth: In Our Words
As a part of Queens Rising, the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning is hosting a Juneteenth celebration showcasing Queens-based talent highlighting African American history through music, spoken word poetry, and visual art. Performers include BRIC Brooklyn Grand Slam winner Jasmine “JRose” Rosario, Divine Wordsmith, Keys Will, and more. The show is free to attend and it starts at 7:30 pm with a reception followed by an 8 pm show! Learn more about the event here.
12. A Union of Hope: 1869 at Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum opened an exhibit earlier this year which is actually the only permanent exhibit in New York City focused on Black history during and after the Civil War. It’s a recreation of Lower Manhattan’s tenements in the 1860s and 1870s…specically black New Yorkers Joseph and Rachel Moore. The exhibit, which was created in large part by a team of Black researchers and historians, is a moving an inspirational one that you should definitely check out this Juneteenth.
Plus, the museum is also hosting “Reclaiming Black Spaces” walking tours, which explore the stories of Black New Yorkers and their resonant impact on local communities. Learn more about the exhibit and the walking tours here.