While Juneteenth is a time of reflection and education, it’s also a time of celebration, with countless events talking place across the country to honor the 157th anniversary of the end of slavery. It’s been two years since President Biden signed legislation making June 19 a federal holiday, and with this year falling on a Monday, events will kick off throughout the weekend.
Here’s a sampling of some great music events you can catch from Los Angeles to Chicago to New York, with artists ranging from hip-hop icons Grandmaster Flash and DJ Premier to R&B heavyweights Miguel and Jazmine Sullivan to local artists representing their communities.
LOS ANGELES, CA
Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom
WHEN: Monday, June 19
WHERE: Greek Theatre
Building on last year's celebration at the Hollywood Bowl, this year's event moves to the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park with a lineup of performers including Miguel, Charlie Wilson, Kirk Franklin, Nelly, SWV, Davido, Coi Leray, Jodeci, Muni Long, and Mike Phillips. Additionally, Chlöe Bailey will pay tribute to the late Tina Turner. Adam Blackstone and The Roots' Questlove will return as musical directors, along with remarks by Vice President Kamala Harris. The event will be broadcast live on CNN, beginning at 4 p.m. PT.
Black on the Block Juneteenth 2023
WHEN: Sunday, June 18
WHERE: LA Center Studios
This local festival returns for their second year with an expanded footprint, including over 150 Black-owned businesses, 30 food vendors, and performances by TiaCorine and Phabo. The event will be hosted by singer O'Ryan along with DJ sets by Jae Murphy and more.
Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival
WHEN: Monday, June 19
WHERE: Leimert Park Village
This year’s annual music, art, and culture festival in Leimert Park Village in South Central Los Angeles will feature sets from Jazmine Sullivan, Wale, Too Short, BLK ODYSSY, Alex Vaughn, Kalan.FrFr, and radio personality DJ Hed. If you can't make it out, the performances will also be live-streamed on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch beginning at 4 p.m. PT.
Santa Monica's 31st Annual Juneteenth Celebration 2023
WHEN: Saturday, June 17
WHERE: Virginia Avenue Park
The City of Santa Monica is hosting their annual event under the theme of "coming together in appreciation, reconciliation, and commemoration," with music, food, and craft vendors, as well as local resources. The 31st annual event will be hosted by KJLH’s Arron "Bobo" Arnel and DJ Sucafree with performances from KLYMAXX, Sonny Green, Chazz Ross, Victory Boyd, and Arise Roots.
Pasadena Juneteenth Celebration
WHEN: Monday, June 19
WHERE: Robinson Park
The City of Pasadena's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is hosting a free, family-friendly event with an art exhibit from the Alkebulan Cultural Center, live music by Luv From Abuv, a Juneteenth history presentation by Octavia’s Bookshelf, arts & crafts with Armory Center for the Arts, community resources, and a headlining performance from rapper/producer Hit-Boy.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Juneteenth SF Freedom Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, June 17
WHERE: Fillmore St. at Geary to Fulton
Over 10,000 guests are anticipated to commemorate Juneteenth in San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District. The celebration will span eight city blocks with dozens of retail and food vendors, free carnival rides and games, and music performances by Mary Mary, Ray J, Pleasure P., Bobby Valentino, and Mary Jane Girls.
CHICAGO, IL
Juneteenth Village Fest
WHEN: Sunday, June 18
WHERE: Douglass Park
This expansive event at Douglass Park will include local performers, food vendors, community-based organizations and resources, a Ferris wheel and other carnival rides, and a stellar music lineup featuring Angie Stone, Talib Kweli, Marsha Ambrosius, Kindred and the Family Soul, and BJ the Chicago Kid.
NEW YORK
Park Jams: A Juneteenth Celebration of Hip-Hop
WHEN: Monday, June 19
WHERE: SummerStage in Central Park
The first-ever Park Jams will honor Juneteenth and Hip-Hop 50 with an elite lineup of hip-hop pioneers and contemporary voices, including DJ Premier, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Capri, DJ Spinking, Statik Selektah, DJ Diamond Kuts, and Nyla Simone.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Juneteenth UNITYFEST
WHEN: Saturday, June 17
WHERE: Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
R&B singer JOE headlines the special Juneteenth UNITYFEST concert, along with Stokley, the lead singer and drummer in Mint Condition. Voices of a People's History will also perform excerpts of speeches and other relevant literary works, and actors Aldis Hodge and Gbenga Akinnagbe and director/actor Megalyn Echikunwoke are set to make appearances.
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Juneteenth Philly
WHEN: Sunday, June 18
WHERE: Malcolm X Park
The Juneteenth Philly festival and parade bills itself as the largest Juneteenth celebration in the US, drawing crowds of more than 25,000 to the event held annually in West Philadelphia. The celebration includes a parade as well as a marketplace and art festival at the city's Malcolm X Park, with hundreds of vendors and a concert featuring hip-hop artists Lil Mo, DJ Cupid, and Fatman Scoop.
