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It's the newest holiday in New York City and a very important one: Juneteenth is here for 2025, so it's time to celebrate! Events across the city will commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Black Americans have been marking the day since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers.
Juneteenth events in NYC this year include festivals, musical performances, comedy shows and family-friendly activities. Many festivities take place on the actual day—Thursday, June 19—but other events will run throughout the weekend, so you can keep the party going. Read on for our top Juneteenth picks and catch our full guide to the holiday here.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Juneteenth in NYC
Parades and festivals
1. Juneteenth Family Festival
Where: Lewis Latimer House | Flushing, Queens
When: Saturday, June 20
How much: Free to attend
The Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Lewis Latimer House features live performances, hands-on activities and powerful tributes to Black innovation, creativity and resilience. Inspired by Latimer's legacy, this immersive event brings history to life through interactive S.T.E.A.M. activities exploring light, sound, flight and invention.
2. Juneteenth Food Festival
Where: Weeksville Heritage Center | Crown Heights, Brooklyn
When: Thursday, June 19
How much: Free to attend
This year's lineup includes 29 local food vendors and artisans that span African American, Caribbean, Latin American and African foodways across the diaspora. The day-long event also includes Black food literature from BEM | Books & more, double-dutch performances from the Jazzy Jumpers and dance performances from the youth drumline and dance group, Brooklyn United. As for tunes, DJ Spinna will be headlining the festivities, providing the vibes all afternoon long
3. Juneteenth NY Festival
Where: Various locations
When: Now through Thursday, June 19
How much: Free to attend
The 16th Annual Juneteenth NY Festival gathers thousands of attendees in Brooklyn for a vibrant celebration of rich culture through family festivals, music, dance, history, vendors, and more through June 19. Events include a Black Kings celebration, a free festival with local vendors, a parade, a fashion show and a virtual summit.
Concerts and performances
4. We Outside: A Brooklyn Juneteenth
Where: The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place | Downtown Brooklyn
When: Saturday, June 21
How much: Free to attend
Taking over The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place in Downtown Brooklyn, the day-long event will feature a series of musical performances, spoken word, dance workshops and other special experiences throughout the day hosted by 651 Arts and The Soapbox Presents. Additionally, there will be a curated Made Black marketplace to shop.
5. Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth
Where: Times Square | Midtown Manhattan
When: Thursday, June 19
How much: Free to attend
The Broadway League's Black to Broadway Initiative will host its annual Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth concert, a free outdoor event centered around Black artistry and community. Head to Times Square to hear an all-Black Broadway cast performing Broadway musical numbers.
6. Juneteenth Jazz Jubilee
Where: Adler Hall | Upper West Side, Manhattan
When: Saturday, June 21
How much: Tickets range from $30-$200
Celebrate Juneteenth with a rousing tribute to musical giants like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson at Adler Hall. Top-tier jazz artists will unite with the MOTI Reentry Dream Band—a talented ensemble of formerly incarcerated musicians, led by guitarist David O’Rourke with Jonathan Finkelman, Jeff and Jennie Angell, Charles Walker, Patrick Morgan and Dawud Rahman—for a soul-stirring show.
Family-friendly activities
7. Still We Rise: Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Brower Park | Crown Heights, Manhattan
When: Thursday, June 19
How much: Free to attend
The Brooklyn Children's Museum's annual celebration at Shirley Chisholm Circle in Brower Park is themed "Still We Rise" in tribute to Maya Angelou. Attendees can enjoy a full slate of free, open-to-the-public programming including live performances by Brooklyn United Marching Band and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, line dance workshops led by STooPS, a bookmobile and storytime session from Brooklyn Public Library, planting activities with Field Meridians, delicious eats provided by The Bergen Food Truck and much more.
8. Juneteenth at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Where: Upper West Side, Manhattan
When: Thursday, June 19
How much: Included with museum admission
Revelers of all ages are welcome to celebrate Juneteenth at the Children's Museum of Manhattan with a full day of interactive art projects in celebration of Black liberation, resilience, and joy. Activities include mural painting, a musical jam session, and zine-making.
Comedy shows
9. Drunk Black History Celebrates Juneteenth
Where: The Bell House | Gowanus, Brooklyn
When: Thursday, June 19
Cost: Tickets cost $32
Join Brandon Collins' critically acclaimed show Drunk Black History to celebrate Juneteenth with booze-filled lesson hosted by Gary Simons, Lea'h Sampson, Tocarra Elise and other surprise guests. The twist: They'll be skunked out of their minds trying to recap the biography of a historical Black figure or event that hasn't gotten the mainstream love they deserved. It will be plenty entertaining, surprisingly educational and, as always, hilariously unpredictable.
10. REPARATIONS! A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Improv Comedy
Where: Caveat | Lower East Side, Manhattan
When: Thursday, June 19
Cost: Tickets cost $20-$25
REPARATIONS!, a Juneteenth celebration of Black improv comedy, is back for its fourth edition, hosted by WildNOut castmate Sydney Duncan as she celebrates the holiday with a "Blackity-Black showcase" of some of NYC's top Black improv talents and sketch teams. Along with a special headlining stand-up set by Eagle Witt, the hilarious evening will see funny folks like The Blacksmiths, Brothered Toast, Black Coalition, PWIx2fifs, North Coast, Pencils of Color, Mommas Biscuits and Branded Silk.