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What does Juneteenth mean to you? Does it mean honoring the lives of the enslaved? Celebrating the achievements of the BIPOC community? A big, smoking barbeque with your neighbors and friends? Perhaps you’re looking for a mix of all three. If that’s the case, then you’re in luck! Here’s a list of 6 Juenteenth events around the country featuring history, heroism, and the perfect amount of honor to give you an unforgettable experience.
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Walk for Freedom in Galveston, Texas
On June 19th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger announced the freedom of formerly enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, leading to a national celebration treasured by all. Today, the citizens of Galveston proudly remember this momentous occasion by spreading aspects of BIPOC culture annually. The most notable way they honor this event is through participating in their yearly Freedom Walk. This famous march gives everyone a chance to view five monuments significant to Juneteenth: Pier 21 and the Middle Passage, the site of the Union headquarters, the U.S. Customs House, Reedy Chapel AME Church, and the Ashton Villa. Taking this walk to value the history and culture of African Americans is the perfect way to honor this occasion.
As the birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston has several activities (aside from its famous Freedom Walk) to rejoice in the holiday. From banquets to galas, festivals to picnics, religious gatherings to storytellings, and everything in between, Galveston prides itself on the freedom it offers BIPOC Americans. This Juneteenth, trace back the origins of the holiday and travel to America’s birthplace of freedom.
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Discover Your Roots at Bend, Oregon
For their 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration, Bend, Oregon will be hosting something truly spectacular: an opportunity for African American individuals to reunite with their cultural roots. Through the “Discovering Our Roots” festival, partygoers and tourists alike can explore the beauty of African culture.
“Discovering Our Roots” focuses on the vast individuality and liveliness of African culture, giving attendants of all kinds a chance to enjoy the festivities. Children can celebrate through face painting, teenagers can dance to the live drum performances, and adults can cruise through the historical and art exhibits scattered throughout the festival. No matter what your interests are, there is something for you to adore at this festival.
And what would a cultural festival be without a vibrant marketplace? Not a complete one, that’s for sure! Black retailers and service providers will set up shop throughout the park, bringing a piece of their culture to share with you. Vendors stocked with jewelry, coffee, baskets, candles, and more will be ready to accommodate your shopping needs. Whether you’re searching for history, looking to dance, or pleading for a chance to shop, “Discovering Our Roots” at Bend, Oregon has a place for you.
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Witness the History of Juneteenth in Alexandria, Virginia
With various live celebrations and tributes to the past, Alexandria, Virginia, is a fantastic place to observe Juneteenth. The vast museums of Alexandria will be celebrating Juneteenth with diverse special events. The Black History Museum will host a special encore storytime and crafts session, and the Freedom House Museum will extend its hours for the occasion. There’s no debate about it – these museums are a must-stop destination in your Juneteenth travels.
While museums are a fun way to learn more about a city’s history, they are far from the only thing Alexandria can offer. On the morning of June 17th, the entire city, tourists and locals alike, will unite to honor the occasion. Want to join them? An assortment of live events and entertainment wait just for you. Lift your voice to the traditional African American folk songs at the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert, tidy up the Douglass Memorial and Penny-Hill Cemeteries, and visit the arrangement of historical monuments. If rich history and spirited celebration speak to your soul, then Alexandria, Virginia is the city for you to explore.
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Join the Blavity Juneteenth Celebration in Chicago, Illinois
Partnered with RNB Houseparty, the Blavity Juneteenth Celebration takes this holiday to the next level. On June 15th, the citizens of Chicago and the tourists that journey there will join in the streets for a unique and vibrant Juneteenth experience.
A marketplace is this festival’s main focus, where countless black-owned businesses in Chicago will showcase their creations. Support these entrepreneurs and the local black economy by visiting the market and cruising through their vibrant products.
The shopping center is far from Blavity’s only strength, as this event features thrilling performances, unforgettable speeches, and a chance to connect with assorted communities. Singers and DJs will mesmerize you with their music, and speakers will empower you with the message of Juneteenth’s impact. With so much to see, purchase, and savor, the Blavity Juneteenth Celebration is an excellent way to enjoy the holiday.
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Wade-In to Tybee Island for the City’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival
No city in Georgia celebrates Juneteenth quite like Tybee Island. Featuring a gorgeous beach, lively music, and a prominent wade-in, the festivities from this city are endless.
As a two-day event, the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival offers its visitors a wide variety of things to do. The most notable ceremony this island hosts is the Wade-In Ceremony, held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on June 19th. This ceremony honors the lives of enslaved African Americans by cleaning the beaches, engaging in cultural drumming and dances, sharing stories of the past, and more. Tybee Island Wade-In Ceremony is the perfect opportunity to celebrate freedom for all.
Finished with the Wade-In Ceremony? Don’t leave yet – a Juneteenth festival like no other awaits you in the city. Vendors selling delicious food and unique crafts will be spread throughout the island, giving tourists and citizens the perfect opportunity to support the local black economy. Numerous speakers, including storytellers and poets, will come to the island to share their wisdom and words. And what is Juneteenth without soulful music? Drummers, dancers, and live performers of all kinds will be found parading the streets on this momentous occasion. If honoring the past while enjoying the present is how you want to celebrate Juneteenth, then Tybee Island is the spot for you.
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Rejoice for Juneteenth in New York City, New York
There is no better way to enjoy the music, art, fashion, and creations of BIPOC individuals than attending one of the many Juneteenth celebrations in New York City. From a booming block party, an alternative black concert, and a cultural market square, this city has something for everyone.
On Saturday, June 17th, you will find the spirit of black culture thriving through the streets of Brooklyn at the Afrobeats and Trap Block Party. The best afrobeat, trap, hip hop, r&b, reggae, and more will be performed live for your entertainment. Along with the dynamic beats, you will find plenty of food vendors, raffles, dances, and drinks readily available at the celebration. The Afrobeats and Trap Block Party is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for an easygoing and exciting event.
Want to celebrate Juneteenth in style? Consider attending this year’s AFROPUNK celebration hosted in Brooklyn, New York. Known for sharing alternative black culture, AFROPUNK is an annual festival where BIPOC travelers can rejoice in their culture. Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, SZA, J Cole, and more famous black artists are expected to appear at the concert. Along with these performers, you will find food and drink stations, black-owned vendors, plenty of souvenirs, and more. Be sure to bring some cash to support these local businesses.
If you’re looking for a more casual Juneteenth experience, consider attending one of the many markets held throughout New York City. The Black Creatives and Culture Market, hosted in downtown Brooklyn, will feature over 50 BIPOC brands and services. Feeling hungry? The Juneteenth Food Festival will host over 30 black-owned food businesses, each bringing their own unique culinary experiences to the table. After you’re done shopping and eating, you can stroll through Prospect Park, where family-friendly entertainers will await you. Enjoy the local musicians, games, and dances they’ll perform just for you.
With so many wonderful events to choose from, New York will certainly flourish with freedom for the Juneteenth celebration. Whether you’re into vibrant parties, cultural concerts, or open market squares, this city has something special for you.
So what’s on your agenda for Juneteenth this year? No matter what plans you have, whether you want to cruise through a museum, support your local black-owned businesses, or party it up with the BIPOC community, we at Dynamite Travel would love to assist you in reaching your Juneteenth celebration destination. Contact a travel advisor here to plan the Juneteenth celebration of a lifetime!
