On Juneteenth, communities across the country come together to honor and celebrate Black heritage. The occasion is marked by jubilees, festivals, block parties, picnics and parades of all sizes. Juneteenth commemorates the 1865 enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas, where Union Major General Granger and 2,000 federal troops reinforced the freedom of all enslaved people.
The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival
On June 19, 2025, and in the weeks preceding and following this national holiday, neighborhoods and cities plan moments for reflection, cultural pride and collective vision for the future. We’ve gathered 10 Juneteenth celebrations happening across the Commonwealth for you to enjoy:
Western PA Juneteenth & Black Music Celebration
Parade attendees at the WPA Juneteenth and Black Music Celebration
Offiically the largest Juneteenth event in the nation, the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth and Black Music Celebration put on by Stop the Violence PGH is a multi-day affair in three locations full of free live entertainment and connection with local small businesses in downtown Pittsburgh. It all kicks off with an All Black Boat Party on Thursday, June 18th, followed by an opening ceremony on Friday, June 19th at 1 p.m. in Market Square with led by Dr. James T. Johnson and featuring live jazz, dance and drums and more. Juneteenth in the Square goes all weekend long, with music kicking off at noon on June 20th and at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 21st.
A couple of blocks away, the free outdoor Juneteenth lawn festival takes place in Point State Park with headliners Lloyd, Musiq Soulchild and Fabolous for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Each day kicks off at 11 a.m. and goes til 10 p.m. In between the park and Market Square, you’ll find The Dollar Bank Small Business Plaza with over 200 local vendors.
While all of this is going on, a Grand Jubilee Parade marches through downtown on Saturday, kicking off at 11 a.m. with public views at Centre Ave., Fifth Ave. and Liberty Ave. Keep tabs on all of the events on the WPA Juneteenth Facebook and Instagram pages!
Young men at the WPA Juneteenth and Black Music Celebration
Erie & Northwestern PA Juneteenth Celebration
The Erie & Northwestern PA Juneteenth Celebration is a week to remember in downtown Erie. Events include a Black arts exhibit, men’s roundtable discussion, boat cruise and massive block party. Things kick into high gear on Friday night with the annual Juneteenth Mix and Mingle evening cruise. This ticketed event aboard the Victorian Princess features Erie’s Black Wall Street, curated hors d’ourvres by Tasha Cooks and music by DJ Jio Vanni. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. for the two-hour cruise, launching at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, June 20, follow the music to Perry Square, where you’ll find lots of food, vendors live performances. It all starts at 11 a.m. and rolls into the night, wrapping up at 8 p.m.
State College Celebration Weekend
Enjoy back-to-back events in State College the weekend of Juneteenth with the theme “Roots, Rhythm and Resilience: Celebrating Our Legacy.” On Friday, June 19, the Juneteenth Arts and Crafts Exhibition takes place at the Woskob Family Gallery at 6 p.m. The next day, head to the 100 block of S. Fraser Street for an all-day block party event. From noon to 6 p.m., find food trucks, live bands, poetry, dance, crafts for kids and Black vendors from across Pennsylvania. The events are free and open to the public.
City of York’s Juneteenth Celebration
The City of York Parks and Recreation present the Juneteenth Family Day Celebration on Friday, June 19 from 1 – 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome at Campus Park, next to Voni Grimes gym, where there will be vendors, music, historical lessons, resources and a march that kicks off at 5 p.m. down Duke Street to Wellspan park for continued fun at the York Revolution baseball game.
Juneteenth HBG
There’s a lot happening in the state capitol this Juneteenth as part of Young Professionals of Color’s Juneteenth HBG, with a theme of “Built For This Moment” focused on radically reimagining the next chapter. A VIP reception celebrating 10 years gets things underway on Tuesday, June 16 followed by a day of learning, connection and reflection at the Juneteenth Summit on Wednesday, June 17.
On Thursday, June 18, be sure to check out Taste of Black Harrisburg at 19 1/2 N. 4th Street, Harrisburg from 5 – 9 p.m. for a sampling of fare from prolific food businesses in the region.
A Juneteenth Jubilee takes place on Juneteenth at South Riverfront Park from 2 – 8 p.m. with free food and a celebration of freedom, culture and community. On Saturday, June 20, a Juneteenth Parade marches through downtown Harrisburg from 12-2 p.m. with prizes, vendors and special guests. Finally, at 8 p.m. at Capital City Music Hall, Zeddy Will, Honey Bxby and Keith Murray take the stage for a Chains to Champions concert.
Juneteenth Lehigh Valley
Juneteenth Lehigh Valley spans a week, with a great variety of events for those in the Easton, Bethlehem and Allentown areas. The Juneteenth 5K walk/run in Riverside Park kicks things off on Saturday, June 13, followed by flag raising ceremonies on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Easton Center Square and 2 p.m. at Bethlehem City Hall Plaza. Then, at 3 p.m., head to Univest Public Media Center for a Juneteenth Children’s Festival from 3 – 5 p.m.
On Thursday, June 18, shop Black-owned businesses at the West Ward Farmers Market from 5 – 7 p.m., featuring food, artisan goods and fellowship. Friday night, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs pay tribute to the National Negro Baseball League with a special Juneteenth and Black History night that culminates in post-game fireworks. The evening, which goes 7 – 11 p.m., includes interactive exhibits, storytelling, live music, cultural performances and delicious food vendors.
These fantastic events warm you up for the signature Juneteenth Parade and Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 20. The parade takes place in Centre Circle Square and along Northampton Street in Easton from 12-3 p.m. Riverside Park will host the Juneteenth Lehigh Valley Celebration from 1 – 3 p.m. where you can take in live R&B, soul, jazz and reggae while connecting and uniting with the community. There will be 40 Black-owned businesses offering ethnic foods, goods and products including soul food classics and handmade items, so come hungry and ready to shop!
Sherman Theater Juneteenth Freedom Festival
Stroudsburg is “Getting Fired-Up for Freedom” at the 24th4 annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival, held in the Courthouse Square, downtown at 38 N. 7th Street. Network and enjoy live music, food and vendors from 2 – 6:30 p.m. This event, sponsored by the African American Network of the Pocono’s and Sherman Theater is free and open to the community.
Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival
A group of participants in the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival
Among the many wonderful Juneteenth celebrations happening across the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival shines bright. Tap into the power and joy of community on Sunday, June 21 as a parade, marketplace and music festival take place in Fairmount Park and West Philadelphia.
The Juneteenth Marketplace and Art in the Park is free and starts at 11 a.m., running into the evening in Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine St.). Shop hundreds of diverse small business vendors, try community dance lessons, dine at the food trucks and peruse other useful and interesting resources. There’s a youth pavilion with lots of games and fun for the kids, open all day, too.
A woman attending the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival.
The one and a half mile, huge (2,000+ participant) Juneteenth Parade runs from 12:30 – 2 p.m., launching near The Mann Center on S. Concourse Drive and floating down 52nd Streeet to land in Malcolm X Park. Later, get ready to groove at the Juneteenth Music Festival with renowned artists from 5 p.m. and on.
Juneteenth Jubilee Block Party
Also in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, the Juneteenth Jubilee Block Party at the African American Museum in the Historic District (7th St. & Arch) is sure to be a memorable time in 2026. Honoring the 50th anniversary of the museum, the all-day, family friendly festival is led by Philly’s own Patty Jackson (iheart Radio and WDAS-FM) and includes live entertainment, activtations, games, education and free museum access all day (first come, first served).
Wawa Welcome America’s Rhythms of Liberation Juneteenth Block Party Wednesday June 19, 2024, at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. (Welcome America Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek)
The block party takes place behind the museum from 12 – 5 p.m., rain or shine, and includes none other than Philly native DJ Jazzy Jeff along with hip-hop legends Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh. Leah Jenea and other exciting artists will also take the stage and a new jazz tunnel debuts with food trucks, shaded seating and a 15 piece jazz band adding to the wonderful vibes and community building. Rita’s and Wawa will be on hand keeping people cool with water ice and smoothies, and those 21 and up can purchase cocktails.
Norristown Juneteenth Jubilee Street Festival
Enjoy a dynamic mix of music, art and culture at the 5th annual Norristown Juneteenth Jubilee Street Festival, held this year on June 19th from 12 – 6 p.m. and expected to draw over 2,500 attendees. Catch live musical performances, plenty of food and drink, an art show and kids zone. You can head inside Centre Theater for three floors of immersive cultural experiences, art and historical portrayals. Everything is free and found at the intersection of Dekalb and Main Streets.
Juneteenth in Norristown.
Do you have a favorite Juneteenth celebration in Pennsylvania? We’d love to hear about it. Let us know in the comments below, or join the conversation on the PA Eats Facebook and Instagram pages!
- Feature, first and Philadelphia parade photos: Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival
- WPA Juneteenth & Black Music Celebration photos: Stop the Violence Pittsburgh
- Juneteenth in Erie photo: Cook/Media
- Girl with flag photo and Juneteenth LV photos: Juneteenth Lehigh Valley
- Juneteenth HBG: Young Professionals of Color Greater Harrisburg
- Juneteenth Freedom Festival photo: Sherman Theater
- Norristown Juneteenth Jubilee Street Festival photos: Municipality of Norristown
- Juneteenth Jubilee Block Party photos: Wawa Welcome America/ Joseph Kaczmarek
