Juneteenth
The 2025 Juneteenth theme is centered around "Black Joy," which explores a powerful celebration of resilience, culture, and the enduring spirit of freedom that honors the past while embracing the brilliance of the present and future.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in America. After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, owners in many isolated areas kept word from the people they had enslaved so that they would not flee. On June 19, 1865, some of the last enslaved people in America were freed when the news, at last, reached Confederate Galveston, Texas. Since that day, Juneteenth has been celebrated to honor the African Americans who built this nation. Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2021.
Friday, June 20
Comedian Preacher Lawson
Longwood Gardens (Open Air Theatre)
7:00pm | Concert
The comedy performance and interview with Preacher Lawson will take place on Friday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at the Open Air Theatre at Longwood Gardens.
The Creamery
1:00-6:00pm | Festival
Saturday, June 21
Juneteenth @ The Creamery
On Saturday, June 21, from 1-6 p.m. at The Creamery, enjoy a variety of activities including a mixology workshop by The Creamery's own Michael Depaolo and guest mixologist. The workshop is inspired by African American pre-prohibition era bartender Tom Bullock. DJ Aub'derves will add to the celebration with a playlist to keep everyone engaged. A highlight of the day, and in keeping with our Black Joy theme, is a 5pm comedy set by (Arvin Mitchell) of the family comedy series, Studio C. In addition to family friendly games, there will be Black-owned food trucks, a bouncy house, and more.
Sunday, June 22
Lincoln University
10:00am - Multi-faith Service | Noon - Festival
@ Lincoln University
On Sunday, June 22, at Lincoln University from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be an exciting day of events, including continental breakfast leading into a Multi-faith church service, showcasing an uplifting message, song, dance, and spoken word. The day unfolds with an all-day festival for the entire community, including a DJ Aub'derves, Black-owned food trucks, games, live music, local nonprofit and merchant vendors, as well as jumbo lawn games like basketball, Tetris, Connect Four, and Jenga. The day will also feature a bouncy obstacle course for kids, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for all ages.
