6 Amazing Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Harlem and Beyond
- The Curious Uptowner
- Jun 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Juneteenth, which falls on a Wednesday this year, is almost here.
Also known as Freedom Day, the federal holiday commemorates the day when the last enslaved Black people were liberated in Texas on June 19, 1865.
Naturally, there are loads of ways to celebrate in Harlem and beyond. Some events will also take place over the weekend (note: a few, like Harlem's annual Juneteenth parade, were held last weekend).
Here's the full list:
Wednesday, June 19 at 1pm
Upper East Side/Central Park Engineers Gate, 90th St and Fifth Ave
Run, walk or roll at this Juneteenth-inspired 5K that starts on 90th Street and Fifth Avenue and ends with tours of Seneca Village, the 19th century African-American community that once lived in Central Park.
Wednesday, June 19 1pm-9pm
Central Harlem 310 Lenox Ave between W 125th and W 126th Sts
Food and drink specials at the famed restaurant include the Strawberry Soda cocktail, the No Meat for You Chopped Cheese, braised short ribs with black eyed peas and okra stew, and a blueberry lemon tart. DJ Vaun supplies the beats from 1pm-5pm, with Harmony Bartz performing live from 6:30pm-9pm.
Wednesday, June 19 starting at 6pm FREE
Central Harlem Morningside Park Ballfields, Morningside Ave and 112th St
Enjoy a free screening of the 1978 classic "The Wiz" under the stars, starting around 8:30pm. Pre-show events include free walk-up Lindy Hop, African dance, yoga and guided meditation classes.
Wednesday, June 19 at 8pm FREE
Central Harlem 119th St between Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
In partnership with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, this unique live concert held on a brownstone stoop is marking Juneteenth with 14 Black musicians playing Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, and more. Four Lindy Hop couples will be swinging on the checkerboard linoleum and inviting you to join in.
Saturday, June 22 4pm-8pm FREE
Central Harlem Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park, enter at Fifth Ave and E 124th St
Hosted by the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, this outdoor music and dance festival celebrating sounds from the Black diaspora includes performances by Will Calhoun’s Mali Project, Michelle Gibson’s Second Line Offering, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem House Band.
Saturday, June 22 1pm-8pm FREE
Central Harlem James Baldwin Lawn in St. Nicholas Park, St. Nicholas Ave and 135th St
A special Juneteenth edition of Good Vibes in the Park, including movement meditation, live music, guest speakers, DJs and dancers.
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