Juneteenth, a combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” is celebrated each year on June 19 and commemorates the day in 1865 when the last of those enslaved in Texas received news of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed two years earlier. Now recognized as a federal holiday, New Jersey was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, the amendment wasn’t fully ratified until December 1865, after the Civil War. That’s when the Union Army rode south to inform those who were enslaved they were free. Here’s how you can explain the holiday to your kids.
We’ve rounded up events where you can commemorate Juneteenth in New Jersey.
2026 Events
Juneteenth Virtual Town Hall Discussion
North Brunswick
June 4
The purpose of the town hall is to share information with residents of all ages about the history of the holiday, the significance of freedom and equality, and the importance of unity and understanding. Anyone watching can reflect and ask questions during this interactive discussion.
Juneteenth Freedom Experience
Job Corps Campus, Edison
June 6
The NAACP Metuchen-Edison-Piscataway Branch will celebrate freedom, culture and community. Activities include a basketball tournament, live performances, a DJ sequence with a house music set, a Kids Zone, a bike giveaway, a car show, a marketplace, food trucks, and a health and wellness zone.
Juneteenth Celebration
Downtown Freehold
June 7
The Monmouth County Diversity Alliance will honor America’s 250th anniversary and commemorate Juneteenth with a block party in Downtown Freehold featuring food, music, vendors and live entertainment.
North Brunswick Juneteenth Celebration
North Brunswick Municipal Complex, North Brunswick
June 14
There will be vendors displaying health and wellness, education and entrepreneurship information; food, fitness, music, DJ entertainment, art, and more.
Juneteenth
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
June 18-20
On Thursday, come to the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center for a commemorative program. The community cookout on Friday is sponsored by Ebenezer Baptist Church. On Saturday, the 10th anniversary parade travels along George Street and Remsen Avenue to Recreation Park, where the Vulcan Pioneers of New Brunswick will put on a festival.
Juneteenth
Fort Lee Historic Park, Fort Lee
June 19
“The Tuskegee Airmen” will be a free movie shown inside the Visitor Center.
Celebrate Freedom Flag Raising
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Paramus
June 19
Come to the gazebo’s flag pole area for a ceremonial flag raising ceremony. If it rains, the flag will be raised inside the auditorium.
Evesham Township’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Savich Field, Evesham Twp.
June 19
There will be performances, a story walk, a mobile video gaming studio, bounce houses, dozens of tables and DJ music. Evesham police officers will barbecue free hamburgers.
Princeton Festival
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
June 19
Great Ladies of Jazz pays tribute to jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Judy Garland during a Princeton Festival concert. Morven’s museum will be open for free from 5-7 pm in recognition of Juneteenth.
Say Our Names – African American Families Emerging from Slavery in Upper Freehold & Allentown, 1770s to 1830s
Allentown Methodist Church, Allentown
June 20
Public historian and Upper Freehold resident Sue Kozel excavated African American names from various original historical documents. She will share details about several free Black families from Allentown and Upper Freehold who were granted their freedom.
Juneteenth Celebration
Overpeck County Park Amphitheater, Ridgefield Park
June 20
There will be live music, games, arts & crafts, shopping and food trucks to remember those who fought for freedom.
Juneteenth Celebration
South Ward, Newark
June 20
During the festival portion, there will be shopping, health and wellness info, amusement rides and live performances. House Music Theme has an opening set by Jam Productions, with music by 400Proof, NKNX, Chill X and Mark Francis. Featured vocal entertainer is Lady Alma, with MC Ras Anthony.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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