Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when freedom for enslaved people in Texas was officially announced by Union troops in Galveston Bay, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a federal holiday and presents an important opportunity to talk with kids about what the day means and the importance of learning our full history.
We’ve rounded up Juneteenth events across New Jersey where you can commemorate the holiday with music, performances, community celebrations, education and more.
June 18
Juneteenth at Night
Morris Museum, Morristown
The after-hours celebration of freedom, art and community includes artistry, guided tours, panelist talks, music and food.
June 18-20
Juneteenth
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
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.
June 19
Juneteenth
Fort Lee Historic Park, Fort Lee
“The Tuskegee Airmen” will be a free movie shown inside the Visitor Center.
PRC Juneteenth Celebration
Wood Park, Cinnaminson
The day features Black-owned vendors, food trucks, commemorative and artistic performances, and music by Ain’t Nothing But A Party Band.
Celebrate Freedom Flag Raising
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Paramus
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.
Free Ice Cream Social Celebrating Juneteenth
Pennington African Cemetery, Pennington
Mr. Softee will be handing out free cones to neighbors in the spirit of fellowship and community.
Evesham Township’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Savich Field, Evesham Twp.
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
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.
Juneteenth Festival
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Philadelphia, PA; and online via Zoom and YouTube
While touring the former prison, check in on Juneteenth-related activities that include an immersive family storytime, a performance by The Black Breath Collective, and a panel discussion on the meaning of Juneteenth today.
June 19-20
Juneteenth NJ Festival
Newark Symphony Hall, Newark
This multi-day series of activations, DJ sets, live performances, food, and vendors spotlight the power of Black creativity, community and economic impact in New Jersey. Festival hosts Moneta-kai & Anayyah join Friday’s headliners Showcase, Flygerian, Unicorn, Anny Warhol, BlackDanielWhite, Carvell, Jhasir Pow, DJ Loki, Blaze, The Rebel, DJ Alley Al, and Kernard Reid. A public marketplace and afterparty will follow. On Saturday, the Newark Canvas Project presents a free, family-friendly arts festival and collaborative mural initiative.
June 20
Say Our Names – African American Families Emerging from Slavery in Upper Freehold & Allentown, 1770s to 1830s
Allentown Methodist Church, Allentown
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
There will be live music, games, arts & crafts, shopping and food trucks to remember those who fought for freedom.
Moorestown Juneteenth Celebration
Wood Park, Cinnaminson
The day features Black-owned vendors, food trucks, commemorative and artistic performances, and music by Ain’t Nothing But A Party Band.
Juneteenth Celebration
South Ward, Newark
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.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
More Like This:
Social Accounts That Help Educate Your Family About Anti-Racism
Books That’ll Guide Conversations About Racism With Your Kids
Talking to Our Kids About Racism: We Must Do Better
Read More:
Here is Our Mega Festival List
Where to Celebrate Pride in New Jersey This June
The Best Free Things to Do With the Family in June
Previous Events
June 4
Juneteenth Virtual Town Hall Discussion
North Brunswick
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.
June 6
Juneteenth Freedom Experience
Job Corps Campus, Edison
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.
June 7
Juneteenth Celebration
Downtown Freehold
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.
June 13
Experience of A Lifetime: A Juneteenth Celebration
Rancocas State Park, Westampton
The Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County presents a 3.5-mile freedom trail and celebratory day of events filled with entertainment, dancing, vending, re-enactments, storytelling and more.
June 14
North Brunswick Juneteenth Celebration
North Brunswick Municipal Complex, North Brunswick
There will be vendors displaying health and wellness, education and entrepreneurship information; food, fitness, music, DJ entertainment, art, and more.
