Juneteenth, the federal holiday marking the official end of slavery in the U.S., is now a nationwide celebration spotlighting unity, freedom and creativity. And Brooklyn’s got its own slate of festivities planned.
As the nation reflects on the significance of Juneteenth, community celebrations across Brooklyn offer plenty of ways to honor the ongoing fight for freedom, equality and justice.
Here are some ways Brooklynites can celebrate Juneteenth on or around June 19.
Juneteenth NY celebration
Various times and locations
Juneteenth NY, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring the holiday, is returning to the borough host its annual weekend festival with the theme, “Unveiled: Understanding the Journey From Our Roots.”
The commemoration begins on June 13 with a Black Kings Award Ceremony, highlighting 28 men who serve as leaders and pioneers in their communities. The party continues on June 15 with a free festival featuring over 60 vendors, activities for neighbors of all ages, a concert, a parade and a fashion showcase. On June 19, the hosts will wrap up the event with a virtual summit.
Throughout the week, families are invited to dine at one of 20 locally-owned eateries participating in a restaurant crawl.
Head over to the event website to find more details and ticket information.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum celebration
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave.
June 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
It’s never too early to join in on a Juneteenth celebration. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum and Crown Heights community organizations are inviting the entire nabe to a special commemoration at Brower Park on June 19.
Bring the whole family out for a vibrant Juneteenth celebration featuring live music, dance, workshops, performances, and art projects. Explore creativity through these interactive workshops and art projects, and be mesmerized by special performances featuring local artists, musicians, and poets.
This celebration is free and open to all.
Juneteenth Jubilee
Nautilus Playground, from West 29th Street to West 32nd Street
June 19, noon. Free.
If you’ll be in Coney Island for Juneteenth, head over to the Nautilus Playground between W. 29th Street and W. 32nd Street. Community partners, small businesses, and performers are offering a fun day in the sun.
Enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, giveaways and camaraderie.
We outside! A Brooklyn Juneteenth
The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place
June 15, 2-8 p.m. Free.
651 ARTS, Brooklyn’s premier institution for the African Diasporic performing arts, is partnering with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and The Soapbox to host their fourth annual Juneteenth celebration.
Come out for a full day of programs and activities for the entire family held at the infamous Brooklyn venue, The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place on June 15.
Some highlights to look forward to include Young, Gifted and Black, a workshop honoring the culture found in educational institutions made for African Americans by African Americans, discussion on music within the Black community starting as early as ancestral songs of protest, and a marketplace with some of Brooklyn’s finest creatives.
“The term ‘We Outside’ represents a terminology not only coined by community but one that represents the very spirit of freedom and exuberance! And in that spirit, this year we wanted to delve deeper into how that manifests itself through Black creativity and individual expression. With that in mind, I think we designed a really special program,” Toya A. Lillard, executive director of 651 ARTS said. “As this is our fourth year commemorating Juneteenth, it is fast becoming a tradition in Brooklyn — one which our patrons are now looking forward to every year.”
Brooklynites can RSVP online.
Get a taste of Brooklyn
Shell’s Loft, 120 Hamilton Ave.
June 20-23, various times. Tickets start at $81.
Try some of the best spirits and liquors in the borough during the 10th edition of Taste of Black Spirits running from June 20 until June 22.
Day one starts with Spirited Women in Supply Chain, a panel discussion where female business leaders will reflect on their professional journeys and provide expert insight into the spirit industry. The event continues with The Liquid Forum Brooklyn, a retail and distribution event unpacking the spirit industry’s investment, money and capital.
Wrap up the weekend with a sampling expo where tons of Black-owned spirit brands will be offering exclusive tastes of their goods.
“Underrepresentation and a lack of diversity has long been an issue in the spirits industry ‘The Taste of Black Spirits,’ continues to build on the remarkable legacy of African American master distillers and industry leaders to generate equity for Black entrepreneurs,” LAZAR Favors, chief executive curator of Black Spirits Legacy, said in a statement.
Juneteenth food festival
Weeksville Heritage Center, 158 Buffalo Ave.
June 15, 11 a.m. Free.
Weeksville Heritage Center and Black-Owned Brooklyn are presenting a Juneteenth Food Festival on June 15.
This delicious celebration will offer Brooklyn bites, culture and community from over 40 different vendors and artisans. Barbecue, seafood dishes, homemade ice cream and desserts are just a few tasty treats attendees can expect.
Come hungry and ready to be entertained with live DJ sets, various performances, art-making projects, wellness activities and more. Reserve your spot here.
