All the Amazing Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Harlem and Beyond
- The Curious Uptowner
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 20
Juneteenth, which falls on a Thursday 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. Note that many events are taking place this weekend and the next.
Here's the full list:
Saturday, June 14; parade starts at 11am, street fair noon-6pm
Central Harlem 116th St between Malcolm X Blvd and Fifth Ave
New York's longest-running Juneteenth parade is followed by an all-day street fair with live entertainment and more.
Saturday, June 14 11am-7pm FREE
Central Harlem Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd and W 135th St
This day-long celebration of authors of African descent—both indoors and along 135th Street between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevards—features an opening procession by the Brooklyn United Marching Band, readings, book talks and workshops, a marketplace, plus the Very Black Cosplay Showcase. The Block Party starts at 4:30pm, featuring D-Nice, Slick Rick and the Soapbox Presents.
Saturday, June 14 noon-7pm
Various bars around Harlem
Join this Black-owned bar crawl across Harlem.
Wednesday, June 18 8pm-1am
Central Harlem Ginny's Supper Club, 310 Lenox Ave between W 125th and W 126th Sts
Head to the space under Red Rooster restaurant for a party that includes an open bar tasting from 8pm-9pm and sounds by NYLA and the BLK ID TWINS.
Thursday, June 19 at 10am
Central Park Start: Terrace Drive right by the Naumburg Bandshell and across from the Bethesda Fountain
Run, walk or roll at this Juneteenth-inspired 4M that loops inside of Central Park and passes through Seneca Village, the 19th century African-American community that once existed in Central Park.
Thursday, June 19 at 12:30pm-3pm FREE
Upper West Side Seneca Village site in Central Park, Enter at Central Park West and W 85th St
Head to Seneca Village, once home to the largest community of African-American landowners, for a day of music and poetry by the Rakiem Walker Project, Youth Poet Laureate Kai Diata Giovanni and others.
Thursday, June 19 at 4pm FREE
Central Harlem W 119th St between Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd
This free, live big band concert returns to the block for Juneteenth.
Thursday, June 19 4pm-7pm FREE
Central Harlem Marcus Garvey Park, Richard Rodgers Amphitheater
This free, live celebration of Black music and culture includes performances by Calvin Sexton and Friends, the J-Music Ensemble, and Tammy McCann.
Thursday, June 19 starting at dusk FREE
Central Harlem Morningside Park, Morningside Drive and W 114th St
Enjoy a free screening of "Harriet," starring Cynthia Erivo, under the stars.
Saturday, June 21 10am-3pm FREE
Central Harlem 134th Street Farm, 116 W 134th St between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvds
This family-friendly event at Harlem Grown's 134th Street Farm is commemorating Juneteenth with shared recipes, local Black and Brown businesses and organizations, plus more.
Saturday, June 21 11am-3pm FREE
Morningside Heights The grounds of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave at 112th St
Bring a blanket to this family-friendly outdoor celebration, featuring lawn games, food and drinks and the sounds of DJ Stormin' Norman.
Saturday, June 21 noon-4pm FREE
Central Harlem Bandshell at Jackie Robinson Park, Bradhurst Ave and 148th St
This free outdoor celebration features music courtesy of Jazzmobile, kids' jumbo games, a line dancing class, and more.
Saturday, June 21 2pm-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 meditation, live music, DJs, plus a live painting visual artist.
Saturday, June 21 2pm-6pm
East Harlem CCCADI Firehouse, 120 E 125th St between Lexington and Park Aves
Join the walk from the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) firehouse to the Harlem African Burial Ground to Ilé Oyin, CCCADI's new cultural hub at 208 E 126th Street in East Harlem.
Comments