The holiday Juneteenth commemorates and celebrates the day enslaved people in Texas finally received the news that they’d been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. They heard this news on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the proclamation outlawing slavery was issued.
Juneteenth events invite Seattle-area families to learn about and celebrate Juneteenth, a day meant to signify freedom from slavery and to lift up the African American community and its cultural traditions.
Juneteenth events:
Through June 16: Take part in an ongoing Juneteenth scavenger hunt at Tacoma Public Library’s Fern Hill, Kobetich, Main, Moore, Mottet, South Tacoma, Swasey, and Wheelock branches to learn about this new holiday and earn a prize!
Saturday, June 10: Learn about Juneteenth through hands-on activities and artistic performances at the Federal Way Library during this all-ages celebration.
Sunday, June 11: Celebrate Juneteenth with the music of Black composers and performers at a showcase by the Renton City Concert Band.
Sunday, June 11: Bring the whole family to a free annual cookout at Federal Way’s Town Square Park in honor of Juneteenth for a fun-filled afternoon.
Thursday, June 15: Hear the works of young writers, along with members of the African American Writers Alliance, as they reflect on the significance of the Juneteenth holiday at the Washington State History Museum.
Thursday, June 15: Enjoy free entry to the Tacoma Art Museum during this family-friendly Juneteenth Freedom Celebration featuring live music, performances, food and more.
Thursday, June 15: Celebrate local Black artists featured in Crosscut’s Black Arts Legacies project at this free community listening event.
Friday, June 16: Turn up at Issaquah’s Grub and Groove Juneteenth event to grab dinner and enjoy free entertainment.
Friday, June 16: Make a craft, decorate your bike for a parade and learn about the Juneteenth holiday at Loyal Heights Community Center in Seattle.
Saturday–Monday, June 17–19: Join Seattle’s Northwest African American Museum for a three-day Juneteenth celebration with stories, art and soccer for kids on Saturday, an all-day film festival on Sunday, and a family skate party on Monday with food, yoga, vendors and more.
Saturday, June 17: Lunch will be served at this annual Kent event aimed at building community among African Americans in South King County.
Saturday, June 17: Head to Tacoma’s Wright Park and catch a community parade, dog show, car meet-up, drum line entertainment and more at the fourth annual Juneteenth253 celebration.
Saturday, June 17: Support Black-owned small businesses this Juneteenth. Atlantic Street Center’s celebration will feature vendors, community resources, as well as entertainment and food.
Saturday, June 17: The NAACP of Snohomish County invites the community to join a free Juneteenth celebration with food and fun at Willis Tucker Park.
Saturday, June 17: This Eastside celebration features Delbert Richardson and his "Unspoken Truths American History" traveling museum, plus food, music and youth performances at Juanita Beach Park.
Saturday, June 17: The City of Tukwila holds its third annual commemoration of Juneteenth with performances from Northwest Tap Connection and Double Dutch Divas, plus food and music.
Saturday, June 17: Show up for story time, free food and performances at Edmond's "Juneteenth on the Beach" celebration.
Sunday, June 18: Bring the family to downtown Olympia for a Juneteenth Celebration Festival. Support Black-owned businesses while you enjoy live music and arts performances.
Sunday, June 18: Connect with the Lacey community and celebrate Juneteenth at a free barbecue lunch that also features games and entertainment.
Sunday, June 18: Support Black-owned businesses and enjoy live music, food truck fare and inflatables for the kids at Auburn’s Les Gove Park.
Sunday, June 18: Take a cultural journey through music at a concert spanning genres from spirituals to gospel, jazz, R&B and hip hop. Purchase tickets online.
Monday, June 19: Enjoy a fee-free day in one of Washington’s amazing state parks, perhaps considering how freedom is fundamental to our human existence.
Monday, June 19: Gather at Jimi Hendrix Park in Seattle for a day of music, food and education honoring the resilience of the Black community.
Monday, June 19: Get you groove on at this special outdoor Juneteenth concert held at Shoreline City Hall Plaza. It’s part of the City’s inaugural Juneteenth celebration which also includes a guided mural stroll, food vendors and other performances.
Monday, June 19: Bring the fam to Stewart Heights Park in Tacoma to enjoy musical performances, speakers and fun kids’ activities, while supporting the goal of economic growth within the BIPOC community.
Monday, June 19: Join Mercer Island High School’s Black Student Union at its Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration at Mercerdale Park. There will be live music, food trucks and activities for the kids.
Monday, June 19: Take part in a drum circle and enjoy music, games, food truck eats and more at this Lynnwood event commemorating Juneteenth.
Monday, June 19: The community is invited to grab lunch from a food truck while celebrating and supporting Black voices and businesses in Bellevue.
Saturday, June 24: It Takes a Village Juneteenth Festival celebrates the Black community, seeks to share resources and services, and aims to promote the health and power of those with the least access to it. Bring the kids to enjoy the ice cream social and balloon twister.
Through Friday, June 30: Learn what emancipation means with stories of Black struggle, celebration and success during this virtual Juneteenth story time.
