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.
Juneteenth Freedom Stage at the Penn Museum
Penn Museum will host “Penn & Philly: 250,” a free community day in celebration of community, culture, and freedom. The Juneteenth Freedom Stage offers live music, food, dance, storytelling, and a community marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses. Hosted by Starfire the day includes performances and hands-on demonstrations like a line dancing with Gloria Kincade, a Philly Girls Jump demonstration, and a Karen Smith Drumming workshop.
Free; June 13th, 12 p.m.-6 p.m., Penn Museum, 3260 South Street.
Juneteenth Jubilee at Bartram’s Garden
The West Philly garden’s Juneteenth celebration returns for its sixth year with storytelling, performances, lawn games, vendors and more. The event features live vinyl DJ sets by Vinyl Tap 215, who also co-host.
June 14th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard.
United We Heal Film Festival
The United We Heal Film Festival is marking its fifth consecutive year — timed to coincide with Juneteenth — transforming Underground Arts into a communal hub where films, live music, and in-person conversations come together in one space. The programming is intentionally focused on Black storytelling and social justice, encouraging dialogue about equity, history, healing, and systemic change. The Juneteenth program includes screenings of powerful short films created by emerging and established filmmakers of color, followed by filmmaker conversations and an after-party headlined by DJ Diamond Kuts.
$30-$95; June 18th and 19th, Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street.
Juneteenth celebration at the Penn Museum / Photograph by Eddy Marenco
Free Admission and Activities at National Constitution Center
Along with all-day free admission, the NCC has special programming including themed crafts and a Kids’ Town Hall with historical re-enactors (abolitionist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and Bishop Richard Allen) sharing their fight for freedom.
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 by Dream Big Dream Black, interactive story times, a parade with West Powelton Steppers, and more. All activities are included with museum admission.
$24 ($2 for ACCESS cardholders); June 19th, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
Free Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story Juneteenth Screening
For Juneteenth, the Philadelphia Film Society Center is holding a free screening of a new film exploring the nation’s founding through the lens of Philadelphia’s diverse communities and untold stories The screening will be followed by a Q&A featuring key film members. Pre-register online.
Free; June 19th, 11 a.m., Philadelphia Film Society, 1412 Chestnut Street.
Juneteenth Jubilee at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
This all-ages party features live performances — including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Verse Mega, and Slick Rick — in celebration of Juneteenth and the 50th anniversary of the African American Museum. The block party also includes food trucks, all-day cocktails, kids’ activities, wellness resources, and more. Plus, courtesy of Wawa Welcome America, the museum will offer free admission all day (online registration required).
Free; June 19th, noon-5 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street.
AAMP’s Juneteenth block party will include activities for all ages / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
Juneteenth Celebration at Eastern State Penitentiary
ESP’s all-day, family-friendly Juneteeth festival features storytelling with Thembi Palmer, panel discussion on the history and meaning of Juneteenth, and live musical performances by Black Breath Collective. Some of the day’s programming is also available via livestream if you can’t make it in person.
Free for kids 12 and under, $17 for adults; June 19th, 11 a.m., Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue.
Juneteenth Family Program at Woodmere Art Museum
Woodmere Art Museum hosts “The Joy of Juneteenth,” a family program featuring art, storytelling, and music. An outdoor portion of the celebration will include performances by local students, DC DIAMONDS Step Team, and poetry, music, and dance with Mama Nzinga.
Free, June 19th, 2-4 p.m., Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue.
Juneteenth at the Museum of the American Revolution
Explore exhibits, tours, and historical re-enactors highlighting the diverse contributions and struggles of African Americans during the American Revolution. Plus, kids can engage in special hands-on experiences in the Revolution Place discovery center. For an additional cost, there is the 60-minute Black Voices of the Revolution Highlights Tour on weekends.
Free for museum members and kids under 5; $14-$25 for general admission, June 19th-21st, Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South 3rd Street.
Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival at Johnson House
Held in historic Germantown, this festival — now in its 20th 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 20th, 12 p.m.-7 p.m., Johnson House Historic Site, 6300 Germantown Avenue.
Juneteenth Wellness & Arts Festival at Cherry Street Pier
In partnership with the Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, this event features interactive art, fitness sessions, health screenings, free giveaways, and more. For an extra cost, you can sip on mocktails inspired by classic spirits.
Free to attend, $15-$20 for mocktail tasting; June 20th, 1-6 p.m., Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Columbus Avenue.
Juneteenth Parade and Festival
The parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. across from the Mann Center with bands, dance groups, floats and more. Meanwhile, the daylong festival begins at 11 a.m. in Malcolm X Park and runs through 8 p.m. The festival includes food vendors, a pageant, a youth pavilion with activities, and a marketplace. There will also be a music festival at Malcolm X Park at 5 p.m.
Free; June 21st, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., parade from 12:30 begins at South Concourse Drive, and ends at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine streets) for the festival.
Interna$hional Bounce’s Philly Juneteenth Festival
Head to Spruce Street Harbor Park for a day of live music and performances, live art, a Black marketplace, and more. See the full list of performers here.
Free, June 21st, noon-9 p.m., Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 South Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Additional reporting by Diemmy Dang.
