Live music, symbolic eats, educational experiences, and supporting local Black-owned businesses are top of mind as Baltimoreans commemorate Juneteenth—the holiday that dates back to June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people were freed in Galveston, Texas more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Though Juneteenth has been celebrated since the late 1800s, it wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until 2021. Since then, festivities have grown across the country—and Baltimore is no exception.
From food and film screenings to gospel concerts and garden parties, the area offers plenty of ways to make the holiday meaningful this year.
FESTIVALS
6/18: Govans Farmers Market Juneteenth Celebration
A special edition of this Wednesday-afternoon farmers market at Loyola University will welcome kitchen therapist Jaree Cottman for a live cooking demonstration that celebrates the healing power of food. A licensed therapist, Cottman blends culinary tradition with mental wellness, highlighting food as a source of comfort, culture, and connection. Enjoy tunes from DJT5STARR while you learn and sample.
6/19: Freedom to Feel Juneteenth Celebration
Highlandtown’s Harp Vision, a popular wellness shop known for promoting intentional living and community wellness, is hosting an uplifting evening of connection and reflection. Join the team for authentic African cuisine, local vendors, a poetry slam, and an interactive poetry writing workshop to help you tap into your creative side.
6/19: Second-Annual East Baltimore Juneteenth Celebration
Bring the whole family to the East Baltimore Historical Library’s second-annual Juneteenth community day at Eager Park. At the heart of the celebration is cultural storytelling, soul food, and handcrafted goods from Black-owned vendors. There will also be snowballs, pony rides, face painting, and live entertainment. This year’s event is supported in part by the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF).
6/19: Fourth-Annual One Water Partnership Juneteenth-Solstice Celebration
Interfaith Chesapeake will host this faith-based day of reflection at Leakin Park featuring African and Native American drummers, live storytelling, and lessons in fishing and native plant care. The event also includes a special performance by The Arena Players, presenting the one-act play The Clod at the historic Celeste Winans Chapel. Come dressed comfortably—wear walking shoes—and don’t forget to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and plenty of water.
6/19: Garden Art Party: Juneteenth at Whitelock Community Farm
At this beloved urban farm in Reservoir Hill, celebrate with an open mic, art-making, a whole foods potluck, a gardening workshop, dancing, and a weather-permitting screening of the film, Farming While Black.
6/19: Juneteenth at Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum
For a day of live music, historical presentations, local food, a beer and wine garden, and family-fun activities, head to the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum in Catonsville. Named after Benjamin Banneker—an African American astronomer, inventor, and abolitionist—the park offers a rich and engaging setting to celebrate history, community, and culture.
6/19: Celebrate Freedom with the Harbor Bank of Baltimore
If you’re around Northwood Commons near Morgan State University, swing by Harbor Bank to enjoy free food, music, door prizes, and moonbounce fun for kids from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6/19: Rhythm Liberation Fest
Now in its second year, the BLK Ass Flea Market is celebrating with this community day of Black music, culture, and shopping at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Browse handmade wares from more than 50 local Black-owned vendors while enjoying live music, yoga workshops, and a kids’ corner with family-friendly activities. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs to spend the day overlooking the harbor.
6/21-22: AFRAM
Legendary soul singer Patti LaBelle and rapper Juvenile headline this year’s two-day AFRAM festival at Druid Hill Park—one of the largest African-American cultural celebrations on the East Coast, now in its 49th year. An estimated 150,000 to 300,000 people are expected to fill the 745-acre park to enjoy music on the national and local stages, along with food vendors, shopping, and family-friendly activities. This year’s lineup also includes Saweetie, Teedra Moses, Amerie, and Veedo.
6/21: Baltimore County Public Library Juneteenth Jubilee
Line dancing, face painting, and Taharka Bros. ice cream are just a few of the highlights in store for visitors at the Essex branch of the Baltimore County Public Library on Juneteenth. Baltimore’s own Jessica Smith Hebron, better known as “Culture Queen,” will lead an interactive movement activity and Alice Faye Duncan will present her book, Opal Lee and What It Means to be Free.
EDUCATION
6/18: Juneteenth Breakfast: “Rooted in Freedom, Rising Through Education”
Celebrate Juneteenth at the AFRO’s third-annual holiday breakfast, which will honor Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)—as well as the University of Baltimore, this year.
6/19: Jubilee: A Celebration of 20 Years of The Lewis
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture is throwing an indoor-outdoor block party in honor of Juneteenth, as well as the institution’s 20th anniversary. Highlights will include live performances, film screenings, poetry readings, and more opportunities for community connection. This free celebration is open to the public, but advance registration is encouraged.
6/20: “Still We Rise,” a BFSA Annual Juneteenth Celebration
The Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA) at Johns Hopkins University will host a day of reflection, celebration, and unity on the Homewood campus. The annual observance features an author’s talk and book signing, a ceremony for the latest Indispensable Role of Blacks (IRB) inductees, and a celebration dinner.
6/21: Justice and Reconciliation Film Screening
The Wheeler Auditorium at Enoch Pratt’s Central Library will host a screening of Justice and Reconciliation: Henry Highland Garnet to Harvey Johnson, a documentary by local filmmaker and scholar Xavier Frink. The film explores the lives and legacies of two Maryland leaders who championed civil and human rights while proudly embracing their African heritage.
PERFORMANCES
6/19: Blaxploitation: A Juneteenth Burlesque Revue
B’More Naughty, an inclusive performing arts community, is turning up the heat with a tribute to the bold, unapologetic spirit of era of Blaxploitation cinema (think: Pam Grier and Richard Roundtree, as well as cult classics like Foxy Brown, Shaft, Dolemite and Cleopatra Jones) all brought to life with fierce fashion, silver-tongued heroes, and alluring leading ladies. Organizers promise: “Big hair. Bigger attitude. And the baddest burlesque this side of the silver screen.”
6/19: EXALTED Juneteenth Jazz & Gospel Festival
Celebrate the holiday in style with a jazz and gospel experience at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. The night will highlight neo-soul artist Bilal, local jazz by Xpansion Band, and the powerful voices of West Baltimore Mass Choir. Guests will also enjoy food, cocktails, a reading lounge, and live portraits.
6/19: Juneteenth Rooftop Party
Experience the city from the top level of the historic Lord Baltimore Hotel, where you can dance to a curated soundtrack of Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, house, and energetic summer anthems spun by DJ Smooth. Plus, sip signature cocktails from LB Skybar and take in the stunning skyline.
6/21: AfroFutro: A Journey to the Golden Cloud Nebula
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Walters Art Museum with performances by Afro House’s Astronaut Symphony, led by artistic director Scott Patterson. His compositions are described as a blend of classical, soul, and rock—both futuristic and retro—offering a unique audience experience.
ACTIVITIES
6/17: Juneteenth Crafts
Learn the history and craft your own Juneteenth flag at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Hampden. Created in 1997 by a community activist in Texas, the Juneteenth flag symbolizes freedom and a new beginning for African Americans. This hands-on activity invites participants of all ages to explore the meaning behind the flag’s design.
6/18: Buttons of Freedom
Design your own Juneteenth-themed buttons at the Walbrook branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, while learning the history and significance of the celebration. All are welcome to this family affair.
6/18: Juneteenth Jewelry-Making for Teens
Design your own meaningful jewelry using wooden beads and charms that reflect your pride and connection to history. The event, held at the Pratt’s Orleans Street branch in Oldtown, encourages participants to wear their creations year-round, or gift them to someone special. All materials provided.
6/17: Juneteenth Trivia Night
Put your historical knowledge to the test at the Pratt’s Central Library with this evening of trivia focused on the significance of Juneteenth, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and other topics. Enjoy music, refreshments, and chances to win prizes. Teams will be limited to three people, so come with friends, make a team on the spot, or play solo. All are welcome.