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14 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Harlem


11 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Harlem

It's official: Juneteenth is now a federal holiday.


Also known as Freedom Day, the holiday commemorates the day the last enslaved Black people were liberated in Texas on June 19, 1865.


Naturally, there are loads of ways to celebrate in Harlem, including a city-sponsored kickoff in St. Nicholas Park on Friday evening.


Here's the full list:


Schomburg Literary Festival

Monday, June 14-Saturday June 19

515 Malcolm X Blvd and W 135th St

A week-long virtual celebration highlighting author talks, readings and more exploring concepts of freedom. The last day of the festival falls on Juneteenth and includes a full day of featured authors and books.



Juneteenth Ramen Experience: Roots & Ramen

Reservations: Monday, June 14-Friday, June 18; pickup date: Saturday, June 19 noon-2pm; $60

Pickup location: 2048 Madison Ave between E 129th and E 130th Sts

For her latest dine-at-home ramen experience, Harlem chef Rasheeda Purdie is creating a Juneteenth-inspired menu complete with black-eyed pea salad, watermelon ramen and red velvet cake roll.


Shop & Sip: Juneteenth Edition

Friday, June 18-Sunday, June 20

Various locations

Shop at one of six participating Black-owned businesses in Harlem—including Make My Cake's new 125th Street location—and receive a ticket for a complimentary cocktail at one of eight local restaurants (67 Orange Street, Melba's and more).



Juneteenth Free Block Party

Friday, June 18 at 6pm

St. Nicholas Park, James Baldwin Lawn, St. Nicholas Ave and 135th St

The city is kicking off Juneteenth with a block party—think performances, music and more—in Harlem's very own St. Nicholas Park.


Juneteenth Celebrations in Morningside Park

Saturday, June 19 11am-3pm

Morningside Park, lawn between W 113th and W 114th Sts

Juneteenth storytelling, spirit drumming, concerts, and more.


Juneteenth Celebrations in Marcus Garvey Park

Saturday, June 19 11am-3pm

Marcus Garvey Park, East Lawn

Dancing, music, and lots more on the East Lawn,


Harlem's 28th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 19; parade at 11am, street fair at noon

116th St between Malcolm X Blvd and Fifth Ave

Harlem's 28th annual Juneteenth celebration includes a parade and an all-day street fair.


Harlem Dance Club

Saturday, June 19 at 11am, 12:30pm, and 2pm

The Bandshell at Jackie Robinson Park, Bradhurst Ave between 147th and 148th Sts

Choose from three free outdoor dance classes—West African Dance, Vogue Fundamentals, Afro'Dance—at the Jackie Robinson Bandshell.



Faces of Harlem Pop-Up Photo Booth

Saturday, June 19

• Morningside Park between W 113th and W 114th Sts: 11am-2pm

• Marcus Garvey Park, East Lawn: noon-3pm

Sit for a portait for the Faces of Harlem photo series, coming to Harlem's four historical parks this summer.


Juneteenth Block Party

Saturday, June 19 11am-7pm

E 111th St between Lexington and Third Aves

Head to this East Harlem block party for free food, music and family activities.


Juneteenth 5K Run Walk BBQ

Saturday, June 19 at noon

Start location: Highbridge Park, Edgecombe Ave and 168th St

Run or walk this Juneteenth-inspired 5K that starts in Highbridge Park in Washington Heights and makes its way through Harlem, ending with a barbecue and a concert.


Juneteenth in the Park

Saturday, June 19 noon-7pm

St. Nicholas Park, St. Nicholas Ave and 135th St

A special Juneteenth edition of Good Vibes in the Park including guided meditation, live music, guest speakers, and DJ sets.



Taco Africana Juneteenth Weekend Pop-Up

Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 6pm to sell-out

Super Nice Coffee & Bakery, 156 E 117th and Lexington Ave

Stop by and try this African taqueria's Juneteenth-inspired red, green and black taco.


“Pity These Ashes: TULSA 1921-2021”

Saturday, June 19 at 7pm; register for FREE here

Streaming live at The Greene Space

Hear mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and the Harlem Chamber Players perform Adolphus Hailstork's new work memorializing the Tulsa Massacre. The concert also features dancers from the Harlem School of the Arts.


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