Juneteenth, the June 19 federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, falls on a Friday this year, making it an ideal day for celebration. Across Baltimore and Maryland, organizations are marking the occasion with festivals, concerts, educational programs, family activities, and community celebrations.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The holiday became a federal holiday in 2021 and has since become one of the nation’s most important annual celebrations of Black history, culture, resilience, and achievement.
Here are some ways to commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth in and around Baltimore.
Black Musical Expression & Memory: A Juneteenth Celebration at the Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum will celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music Month with an afternoon of live music, storytelling, and cultural reflection hosted by Baltimore vocalist and singer-songwriter Black Assets. The program will feature performances by Jabari Exum, who worked as a movement coach and choreographer on Marvel’s Black Panther, and internationally acclaimed kora player Amadou Kouyate, whose family has carried on the West African griot tradition for generations. Following the program, guests are invited to gather at the museum café. Visitors can also view Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture, an exhibition showcasing the jewelry artist behind designs featured in Black Panther and Coming 2 America. Learn more here.
When: Saturday, June 13, 2 p.m to 4 p.m.
Where: Graham Auditorium, Walters Art Museum
Admission: Free, but registration is required.
The Walters will also host a block party on June 19.
Run-Up-to Juneteenth 5K and 1-Mile Walk
Lace up your sneakers and celebrate AFRAM’s 50th anniversary at the Run Up to Juneteenth 5K and 1-Mile Walk. Held the weekend before the festival, this year’s race returns to Druid Hill Park, retracing routes used during AFRAM’s early years and honoring a longtime community tradition. Participants are encouraged to embrace the event’s 1976 theme with retro running gear, from tube socks and headbands to short shorts and disco-inspired attire, with a prize awarded for the best throwback outfit. Proceeds benefit The SEED School of Maryland’s College Transition & Success Program, which supports students as they prepare for and complete college. Learn more here.
When: Sunday, June 14, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Historic Mansion House Lawn, Druid Hill Park
Distance: 5K run or 1-mile walk
Admission: $49.70 registration fee
AFRAM
Baltimore’s signature Juneteenth celebration returns to Druid Hill Park for its 50th anniversary.
One of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast, AFRAM will feature live music, cultural performances, food vendors, family activities, African drumming, arts and crafts, and community organizations. This year’s performers include Charlie Wilson, Mario, SWV, The Lox, Tamia, PJ Morton, Chloe Bailey, Lil Mo, Ultra Naté, and Baltimore jazz trumpeter Brandon Woody. Learn more here.
When: June 19-21, Friday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon – 9 p.m.
Where: Druid Hill Park
Admission: Free
Juneteenth at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum will host a day of free programming exploring the meaning of freedom through history, dialogue, artmaking workshops, panel discussions, and cultural presentations.
The event is inspired by the museum’s upcoming exhibition, The Lines We Cross, and invites visitors to reflect on the continuing pursuit of equity and justice in America. Learn more here.
When: Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St.
Admission: Free
Rhythm Liberation Fest
Rhythm Liberation Fest, hosted by the Waterfront Partnership, combines music, culture, and community programming centered on Black history, liberation, and creativity. The festival will feature live music, DJs, local art vendors, food and more. With the Inner Harbor as a backdrop, the event offers an opportunity to celebrate along the waterfront. Learn more here.
When: Friday, June 19, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Baltimore Museum of Industry
Admission: Tickets are $5. Kids under 13 are free.
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum Celebration
Baltimore County’s Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum will celebrate Juneteenth with live music, living-history presentations, vendors, exhibitors, and educational programming honoring the life and legacy of Benjamin Banneker. Learn more here.
When: Friday, June 19, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Catonsville
Admission: Free
Juneteenth Celebration at AVAM
The American Visionary Art Museum will celebrate Juneteenth with a day of family-friendly programming honoring the contributions and legacy of Black artists and culture. Highlights include a pop-up shop featuring the work of local artist and entrepreneur Sean Ramon Montague of Ethnicitees, whose apparel and mugs showcase iconic Black historical figures, and a docent-led tour highlighting Black visionary artists represented in AVAM’s collection. Organizers say the event is designed to connect the community through art, history, and storytelling. Learn more here.
When: Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy.
Admission: Activities are free with museum admission.
Our Stories, Our Truth: African American and Black Veterans Share Their Experiences
The Baltimore chapter of the nonprofit organization StoryCorps will host Our Stories, Our Truth, an evening featuring African American and Black veterans sharing personal stories of military service, resilience, identity, and community. The program will be emceed by Emmy Award-winning producer and Army veteran KeSean Johnson and feature speakers including Dr. Diandra Poe, an Army veteran and advocate for survivors of military sexual trauma; actor and Marine veteran Daniel Shannon; labor leader and combat veteran Keturah Johnson; and Army veteran and advocate Stephanie Merlo. Organizers say the event aims to explore the intersection of military service, Black history, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and recognition. Learn more here.
When: Saturday, June 20, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Baltimore War Memorial, 101 North Gay Street, Baltimore
Admission: The event is open to the public. Donations accepted.
Beyond Baltimore
Looking to head out-of-town? Several large regional celebrations are also planned across Maryland, including:
- The Juneteenth Celebration Parade and Festival in Annapolis
- National Harbor’s Freedom Day Celebration
- The Upper Bay Juneteenth Festival
- The Eastern Shore Juneteenth Parade and Festival in Salisbury
- Juneteenth in Carroll County
Know of another Juneteenth event in Baltimore? Add it in the comments, and we’ll add it to the list, or email us at editor@baltimorefishbowl.com.
