All the Amazing Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Harlem and Beyond
- Jun 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 19
Juneteenth, which falls on a Friday 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 before and after the actual holiday on Friday.
Here's the full list:
Thursday, June 18 10am-1pm FREE
Central Harlem Northwest lawn & Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park
This free celebration hosted by the Harlem Library, The Children's Storefront, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and Historic Harlem Parks features jumbo games, a puppetmobile, and other children's activities.
Friday, 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 through Central Park and passes by Seneca Village, the 19th century African-American community that once thrived in Central Park.
Friday, June 19 11am-8pm
Central Harlem The Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 W 125th St between Lenox Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
A day of Juneteenth-inspired activities, including artmaking, sound baths, healing movement, curator-led discussions, and more.
Friday, June 19 11am-6pm FREE
Central Harlem W 120th St between Mount Morris Park West and Malcom X Blvd/Lenox Ave
Head to this Open Street on one of Harlem's most beautiful brownstone blocks for a day of activities including poetry readings, double dutch, a live DJ and food.
Friday, June 19 at 1pm 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 performance by Broadway's DeWitt Fleming, Jr. and other artists that will transport you back in time to the thriving Black community of Seneca Village in 1845.
Friday, June 19 2pm-9pm FREE
West Harlem Main stage at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, enter at Riverside Drive and W 145th St
This free, live big band concert is moving to Riverbank State Park for Juneteenth, with a full afternoon of programming including Lindy Hop and Double Dutch workshops, plus an afterparty with a guest DJ.
Friday, June 19 2pm-5pm 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 that includes free snacks and drinks, plus music courtesy of DJ Stormin' Norman.
Friday, June 19 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 features Harlem-inpsired specials, Strawberry Soda cocktails, live music, and merch from local vendors in the parlor room.
Saturday, June 20 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 commemorates Juneteenth with shared recipes, a spotlight on local Black and Brown businesses and organizations, and more.
Saturday, June 20; parade starts at 11am, street fair 11am-6pm
Central Harlem 116th St between Fifth Ave and Malcolm X Blvd
New York's longest-running Juneteenth parade is followed by an all-day street fair with live entertainment and more.
Saturday, June 20 noon-7pm
Various bars around Harlem
Join this Black-owned bar crawl across Harlem.
Saturday, June 20 1pm-8pm
East Harlem CCCADI Firehouse, 120 E 125th St between Lexington and Park Aves
This two-part celebration includes a special guided tour of the exhibition "Jab, J'ouvert, Revelry & Resistance," followed by a walk from the CCCADI firehouse to the Harlem African Burial Ground and then to Ilé Oyin, CCCADI's new cultural hub at 208 E 126th Street in East Harlem.
Saturday, June 20 2pm-5pm FREE
Central Harlem Bandshell at Jackie Robinson Park, Bradhurst Ave and 148th St
This free outdoor celebration has music courtesy of DJ Jon Quick and kids' jumbo games.
Saturday, June 20 6pm-10pm FREE
Central Harlem James Baldwin Lawn in St. Nicholas Park, St. Nicholas Ave and 135th St
Join in the park's interactive presentation of Theatre of the Opressed at 6pm, then stay for a film screening of The Great Debtors (2007) at 8pm.
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