Let Freedom Ring! Celebrate Black Culture at These Bay Area Juneteenth Events

From festivals to concerts to fashion shows, let these Juneteenth celebrations remind us the importance of freedom while commemorating the ending of slavery

By TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton June 9, 2022

Juneteenth is not only a time for celebration but of remembrance and reflection of a historical milestone for African-Americans. While freedom is certainly worthy of a good party, let us never forget what the holiday is truly about: the final ending of slavery in the United States and the hope for a better future. Read on for our Bay Area roundup of events to help you celebrate freedom and teach little ones the importance of Juneteenth.

A band plays at a Juneteenth celebration — Derek Lamar via Unsplash

San Francisco Citywide Black Student Union
The youth-led San Francisco Citywide Black Student Union will host its first Juneteenth event this year at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in John McLaren Park. The festival is meant to celebrate youth, promote local entrepreneurs, creators and artists is free to the community. Jun 18

SF Black Wallstreet Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Food, live music and amusement park rides will headline this celebration of black history and culture so gather the family and head over to Gilman Park in San Francisco for the annual Juneteenth Celebration. Jun. 19

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Afrocentric Oakland’s Juneteenth Weekend
Afrocentric Oakland’s Juneteenth Weekend will be packed with fun for the whole family and kicks off with its 10th annual Pan-African Wellness Fest which centers on holistic health followed by a full-day celebration promoting family, community, culture and love. Jun. 18 & 19

Juneteenth in the Streets
Families are in for a treat this year at the African-American Community Service Agency’s 41st Annual Juneteenth Celebration in San Jose. Headlined by singer/songwriter Tamar Braxton, the community event is in the SoFA district and will celebrate African American heritage, community and so much more. Check out their website for the event schedule. Jun. 12-18

35th Annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival
Unity is the cornerstone for many Juneteenth events and Berkeley’s annual festival is no different. A true celebration of family and black culture, there will be something for all ages in attendance. Bonus: There will be a special “Dad Hat” for sale in honor of Father’s Day. Jun. 19 More details.

a pair of hands plays the African drums — Luz Mendoza via Unsplash

Juneteenth at the Purple Museum
It’s always a good day for a visit to the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. They’ve partnered with Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) to celebrate Juneteenth through a host of special events. Families can watch a variety of animated short films, channel their rhythm during a drumming workshop with Ghanaian-born performer and Master Drummer Pope Flyne, and even make their very own drum to practice at home. Jun. 19

Juneteenth Food and Music Festival
Nothing rings louder than the call of freedom. The Juneteenth Food and Music Festival will include more than 60 vendors ranging from food to handmade crafts along with a sip and paint area and a fashion show. Jun. 17 More info.

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Virtual Juneteenth Celebration

Crayola Read Along, Draw Along
Did you know that Opal Lee is known as the “grandmother” of the Juneteenth holiday? Join Crayola Education for a virtual celebration of Lee’s inspiring message of hope, unity and strength via a Read A Long/Draw Along on June 16. During the virtual event, author Alice Faye Duncan will read the true story of Opal Lee, sharing the history behind the holiday. Then participants will have the chance to create artwork with illustrator Keturah A. Bobo. Get your crayons and colored pencils ready!