Although Juneteenth wasn’t designated a federal holiday until 2021, it’s been celebrated by Black communities since 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, discovered they were free — over two months after the end of the Civil War, and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Here in the Bay Area, there are many ways to honor Juneteenth, be it an extravagant parade, an outdoor performance by jazz legends or a Valkyries pregame party. Note: The festivities kick off well before June 19 proper.
Sunday, June 7, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Embarcadero Terminal Ferry Plaza, San Francisco
The sixth annual Juneteenth on the Waterfront celebrates its biggest year yet, with nearly 30 Black vendors selling food, drinks and other goods. Activities include live music, food demos from local Bay Area chefs and craft making.
Friday, June 12, 7:30 p.m.
The Freight, Berkeley
Members of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Chorus (over 300 members strong, with singers ages 5 to 100) bring together community, culture, and music. Attendees are invited to sing along.
Friday, June 12, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Temple Art Lofts, Downtown Vallejo
Vallejo’s art scene takes center stage during the city’s 2nd Friday Artwalk. Expect an exhibition of local artists, music and live poetry performances.
Saturday, June 13, 2 p.m.–8 p.m.
Town Plaza, Healdsburg
A free outdoor jazz concert in the town square with jazz all-stars George Cables, Rufus Reid, Billy Hart, Bobby Watson and Craig Handy; also performing are the Sundra Manning Organ Quartet and Carlitos Medrano & Sabor de mi Cuba. Greg Bridges from KCSM hosts throughout the day, which also includes workshops and art exhibits.
Saturday, June 13, 12 p.m.–7 p.m.
SoFa District, Downtown San Jose
In its 45th year, the African American Community Service Agency hosts San Jose’s Juneteenth celebration with R&B trio SWV headlining the event.
Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fillmore District, San Francisco
A free-to-attend carnival spanning over eight blocks, this year’s theme is “Celebrating Joy, Preserving Our Freedom.” Details are still to be determined, but expect live performances, a fashion show and over 80 retail and food vendors, as well as a classic car show.
Saturday, June 13, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
San Bruno City Park, San Bruno
The cities of San Bruno and Millbrae come together for a Juneteenth festival hosted by educator and award winning author J.R. Rice. Hip-Hop BBQ Shack caters food, live music is provided by Pure Ecstasy and Dj Olga, and storytime takes place with Kirk Waller.
Saturday, June 13
MLK Park, Santa Rosa
One of the Bay Area’s oldest ongoing Juneteenth celebrations celebrates its 56th anniversary this year. Cover group the Konsept Party Band headlines the event. Expect activities for kids, cultural exhibits, and food and merchandise vendors.
Friday, June 19–Sunday, June 21
Various locations, East Palo Alto
A weekend full of events in East Palo Alto. Friday is a jubilee concert and dinner at the East Palo Alto Center, Saturday is a celebration at Bell Street Park and Sunday is a gospel showcase at the community church. Check back for updates.
Friday, June 19, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Bello Haven Community Campus, Menlo Park
This Menlo Park celebration includes fun treats, food available for purchase, performances from Myke tha Kidd, storytelling and Caribbean music by Asheba and the Menlo Park Soul Line Dancers.
Friday, June 19, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose
Ghanaian-born performer, educator and composer Pope Flynn hosts a drumming workshop, with the opportunity to try your hand at traditional African drums. Crafts available to make include friendship bracelets and a percussion instrument.
Friday, June 19, 4 p.m.
Thrive City, San Francisco
Juneteenth and Ballhalla collide in collaboration with the Black Joy Parade for this pregame celebration. Alongside local vendors are performances from majorette dance company, Heatline Dance and the Black Joy choir.
Friday, June 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Oakland Museum of California, Oakland
In collaboration with the Black Freedom Fund, the Oakland Museum of California opens its doors to a day of events. Activities include live music at two different stages, a craft making station and turf and soul line dancing workshops. Also, after a screening of Memories in Motion: Selected Stories of Mildred Howard, Mildred Howard and the director of the documentary appear in discussion.
Friday June 19, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
Williamson Ranch Park, Antioch
The fifth annual city-sponsored Juneteenth celebration in Antioch includes performances by Durti-Ryce featuring Deron and Monique Renee. Expect games and rides, food and retail vendors.
Friday, June 19, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Cloud Park, Downtown Oakland
As Hella Creative’s flagship event of the week, this festival brings together live DJs, food from Black chefs and restaurants, dancing and games.
Saturday June 20, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Barbara Kondylis Waterfront, Vallejo
Vallejo celebrates Juneteenth with both a parade and a day of festivities along the Napa River waterfront. Expect both practical offerings (info on local volunteer opportunities) and celebratory vibes (face painting). Musical acts to be announced.
Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Market Street at 2nd Street to Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco
San Francisco’s fourth annual Juneteenth Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Market and 2nd Streets, running through to Embarcadero Plaza, where the celebration continues. More details posted soon.
Sunday, June 21, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Gilman Park, San Francisco
Presented by the African American Arts and Cultural District, this Bayview Celebration boasts performances from R&B trio Next, funk band Lakeside, and Bay Area hip-hop supergroup 1 Umbrella. Retail and food vendors will also be available.
Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Alcatraz at Adeline, Berkeley
Berkeley’s Juneteenth celebrations are centered on family entertainment. Hence: jumpers, a rock wall, and clowns! (A more adult-geared stage will host up-and-coming performers.)
