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 on its 160th anniversary.
Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival at Johnson House
Held in historic Germantown, this festival — now in its 19th 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 14th, noon-7 p.m., Johnson House Historic Site, 6300 Germantown Avenue.
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom at the Penn Museum
Penn Museum hosts a family festival with food, music, dance, storytelling and a community marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses. Hosted by Starfire, and featuring performances by the West Powelton Steppers, line dancing with Kenny J, and the Black Boys Makin’ Noise storytelling group.
Free; June 14th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Penn Museum, 3260 South Street.
Juneteenth celebration at the Penn Museum / Photograph by Eddy Marenco
“1865 Frequencies/Freedom is a Sound” Juneteenth Concert
The Free Library hosts an evening of live music with sonic duo Jupiter Blue and guest percussionist Tom Lowery.
Free; June 16th, 5 p.m., Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, 125 South 52nd 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 the Chocolate Ballerina Company and Project Positive, interactive story times, and more. All activities are included with museum admission.
$22 ($2 for ACCESS cardholders); June 19th, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
This all-ages party features live performances — including DJ Drama, DJ Kid Capri, and Slick Rick — with the theme “Audacious Freedom: Celebrating 160 Years of Emancipation.” The block party also includes food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities, wellness resources, 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.
AAMP’s Juneteenth block party will include activities for all ages / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
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.
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.
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 Ona Judge) sharing their fight for freedom.
Free; June 19th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street.
Juneteenth Family Program at Woodmere Art Museum
The step team of J.S. Jenks Academy of Art and Sciences will give a free, outdoor dance performance that weaves the story of Juneteenth through songs of freedom and movement.
Free, June 19th, 3-4:30 p.m., Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue.
Printmaking by the People: Juneteenth Art’Ventures
Mural Arts Philadelphia hosts a free multimedia screenprinting workshop led by artist Justin Keller. You’ll learn about use of printmaking in political movements, including political posters, then do a hands-on printmaking activity. (No prior printmaking experience is necessary!) This program is part of Mural Arts’ citywide Printmaking by the People project: In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declarationm it poses the question, “If the Declaration were to be written today, what rights would you want it to include?” The event is for ages 16 and older.
Free, noon-2 p.m., Mt. Airy Art Garage, 7054 Germantown Avenue.
Juneteenth Shop & Sip at the Wine Garden
The mother-daughter team behind Wine Garden host a market of Black-owned vendors, including plants, clothing, accessories, jewelry, skincare, and more. Plus, music, line dancing, and cocktails and bites for purchase. For ages 21 and up.
Free to attend; June 19th, 4-8 p.m., Navy Yard, 1413 Langley Avenue.
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; wine tasting is 21+ and requires an extra ticket.
Free to attend, $20-$30 for wine tasting; June 21st, 1-6 p.m., Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Columbus Avenue.
Interna$hional Bounce’s Philly Juneteenth Festival at the Oval
Head to the Oval pop-up park on the Parkway 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., Eakins Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
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 10 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 22nd, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., parade from 12:30-2 p.m. begins at South Concourse Drive, 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 fifth 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 22nd, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard.
