On June 19, 1865 – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed – freedom finally reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas. That moment in history became known as Juneteenth.
Today, Juneteenth not only serves as a day of freedom, but as a celebration of Black resilience and culture. In New York City, that spirit is alive in every corner – from cookouts to live performances and more.
Here are 15 fun and educational events that you can participate in this Juneteenth.
Education & History
New York Public Library Juneteenth Series
The New York Public Library is hosting kid-friendly Juneteenth events through June 26. Activities include storytime sessions, movie screenings, and arts and crafts workshops. These events will take place at several Harlem branches, including Macomb’s Bridge Library, Harlem Library at Marcus Garvey Park, and the Countee Cullen Library. Whether you’re interested in “Freedom Painting” or catching a film from the Juneteenth Film Series, there’s something for everyone. You can find the full list of activities here at nypl.org, but be sure to register in person or by phone prior to the event.
Juneteenth at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
On June 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., families can participate in interactive mural-making,musical jam sessions, and hands-on art projects while learning about how Galveston Island, Texas, celebrates Juneteenth each year. Get tickets at cmom.org to celebrate!
Tenement Museum – “A Union of Hope” Tour
Honor Juneteenth by visiting A Union of Hope: 1869, a powerful guided tour that tells the story of Joseph and Rachel Moore, a free Black couple living in Manhattan during the 60s and 70s. Explore Joseph’s journey from New Jersey to New York, and learn about the life he and Rachel built in a diverse Lower East Side community. Tours last 75 minutes and take place at 97 Orchard St. Tickets are $30 and can be reserved here at tenement.org.
Juneteenth Celebration at The Shabazz Center
Looking to deepen your understanding of Juneteenth? Head to the Juneteenth Celebration at The Shabazz Center on Thursday, June 19, from noon to 7 p.m. The event features fireside chats, educational panels, live performances, and curated exhibits – all designed to honor Black History. Tickets cost $30, with all proceeds supporting The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center Program. Get your tickets on Eventbrite and be a part of the conversation.
Performance, Poetry, and Live Theatre
Oh Sankofa!: A Juneteenth Celebration at Lincoln Center
Experience Juneteenth at the theatre with Oh Sankofa!, a free immersive performance at Lincoln Center on Thursday, June 19. The show blends African American folklore — featuring mythical characters like Anansi and High John the Conqueror—with music, dance, and slave narratives. It begins at 6 p.m at Hearst Plaza and continues at 7:30 p.m. in Damrosch Park. No tickets required – seating is first come, first-served.
Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth in Times Square
Theatre fans, do not miss the 5th annual Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth, presented by the Broadway League’s Black to Broadway initiative. On Thursday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,m this free outdoor concert takes over Duffy Square (Broadway between 46th and 47th streets) with showstopping performances by Black Broadway stars from 15 productions—including The Lion King, Wicked, Six, and more. This year’s event will honor actor and activist André De Shields with the 2025 Juneteenth Legacy Award. No tickets needed—just show up and celebrate Black excellence on Broadway.
REPARATIONS! A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Improv Comedy
Say “yes, and” to REPARATIONS!, a high-energy comedy showcase featuring New York City’s best all-Black improv and sketch teams Hosted by Wild ‘ N Out’s Sydney Dunca, the show takes place at Caveat (21 A Clinton St.) on Thursday, June 19, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. Expect performances from groups like The Blacksmiths, Black Coalition, and more. Tickets start at $15 and are available here. Come for the laughs, stay for the fun!
Late Shift at the Guggenheim
Have you ever wanted to spend a night at the museum? Well now you can. Starting June 19th, the Guggenheim is hosting Late Shift, an after-hours Juneteenth celebration filled with poetry reading and conversation. This event encourages you to explore the galleries, enjoy live performances, and witness Rashid Johnson’s A Poem for Deep Thinkers. From 5:30 to 8 p.m, go to 1071 E. 88 St. to take part in this experience. Click here for tickets!
Grown Folks Business – Juneteenth Celebration
Live jazz, poetry, performances and more! Celebrate this Juneteenth at Grown Folks Business, returning to continue honoring black liberation. Held at the Langston Hughes house in Harlem (20 E. 127th St.) On June 19 from 6 to 9 p.m., this event features a live-band performing classics, poetry readings from Langston Hughes, and live reenactments centering around the Black experience. There are two purchase options – you can either pay $60 and that admits four people or make a donation. Click here to learn more and earn your spot!
Remembering Resilience: A Juneteenth Tribute
Have a meaningful Juneteenth afternoon filled with live music and poetry in the Seneca Village of Central Park. From 12:30 to 3 p.m. enjoy poetry performances by The Rakiem Walker Project and more powerful voices. With Seneca village being home to many Black residents in the 19th-century, this free celebration honors the legacy of Seneca Village and its impact on Black History in New York City. Check out the details here.
Food and Community
Blackout Barbeez Cookout
Heat up your Juneteenth weekend at the 2nd annual Barbeez Cookout in Coney Island. Join on June 19 from noon to 4 p.m. for free food and drinks from various vendors, live music, and games. This community cookout is free to attend and a deliciously inclusive way to honor freedom and inclusivity. Bring your friends and family to soak up the summer vibes by the boardwalk. Get tickets for under $10 here, and make sure to RSVP for details!
4th Annual Juneteenth Food Festival
Taste the flavors of freedom at Weeksville’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Food Festival on June 19! From noon to 5 p.m., enjoy delicious bites from over 25 Black-owned food vendors. Dance while you eat to DJ sets by DJ Spinna, and more. Held at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights (158 Buffalo Ave), this free, family-friendly festival is a tribute to Black entrepreneurship.
Juneteenth Bottomless Brunch & Day Party
Kanü Bar and Grill will be where the party is at on June 19 from 2–8 p.m. Attend this free celebration filled with food, drinks, and music. Located at 3828 Broadway, the boozy brunch will provide many memories to be made. Check it out here!
Film and Fitness
Rooftop Cinema Club is Celebrating Black Cinema
Sit back, relax, and grab some popcorn at Midtown’s Rooftob Cinema club to enjoy iconic Black-centered films on the big screen. Cozy up under the New York City skyline and see Love Jones and Brown Sugar both playing on June 19. It will be a movie night to remember! Tickets range from $23 to $29 depending on where you’re seated and all proceeds go to The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC). Purchase tickets here!
Juneteenth March 4M Run/Walk/Roll
Lace up your sneakers and join the Juneteenth March on June 19 from 9 a.m. to noon in Central Park. This four-mile run/walk/stroll is open to all ages and fitness levels and supports Black-led community organizations. You can register online here, though bib pickup is now closed — do not worry, you are still welcome to participate in the race without one.
