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Juneteenth Events & Celebrations in Boston

Celebrating Juneteenth in and around BostonJuneteenth Events in Boston

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 that Union soldiers, led by General Gordon Granger, reached Galveston, Texas. They announced to the state that the Civil War was over and that all enslaved persons had been declared free.

For the first time, the City of Boston will officially observe Juneteenth as a state holiday on June 21, 2021.  Below are some events that you can attend to learn more about the history of Juneteenth and to celebrate the day.

Boston Juneteenth Events & Celebrations

Juneteenth Celebration at the MFA - Boston

Join us on site at the MFA for a day of free admission, activities and programs to celebrate Juneteenth and honor the contributions of Black artists, scholars, and creative voices to the City of Boston. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally observed commemoration of the ending of slavery in the US. See what's in store all day at this year's Juneteenth Celebration at the MFA.

June 19, 2023 from 10am - 5pm
MFA Boston
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA

 

A Juneteenth Celebration with Landmarks Orchestra - Boston

Celebrating Juneteenth, Landmarks Orchestra starts the summer season with a debut performance at the Kroc Center! This concert will be a way to kick off our season and celebrate the works of iconic Black composers.  

Landmarks Orchestra's debut performance at the Kroc Center will feature pieces from from Scott Joplin, William Grant Still, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson and more.

Be Inclusive Juneteenth Celebration - Walpole

Be Inclusive's Juneteenth celebration is a major community event that takes place annually on the Walpole town common. This family-friendly event includes performances, music, food, vendors, and a children's area for the youngest celebrants. We will also have some special guests from the New England Revolution! Come celebrate with us!

Monday, June 19, 2023 from 2pm - 5pm
Walpole Town Common
Walpole, MA

 

Juneteenth at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Bring family and friends to honor Juneteenth, the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, with a free day of performances, conversations, and activities throughout the Museum that celebrate community and freedom.

A Juneteenth Celebration with Landmarks Orchestra - Boston

Celebrating Juneteenth, Landmarks Orchestra starts the summer season with a debut performance at the Kroc Center! This concert will be a way to kick off our season and celebrate the works of iconic Black composers.

Saturday, June 17 at 4:00pm
The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Center
650 Dudley Street
Boston, MA 02125

Juneteenth at the Boston Harbor Islands - Boston

Join Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park in commemorating Juneteenth and to learn more about Black history and the fight for freedom in Boston.  Visit Georges Island & the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center for live music, story time, history tours, and an exploration of Black History in Boston.

Saturday June 17 & Sunday June 18 from 9am - 5pm
Georges Island, Boston

Juneteenth Open House at the ICA - Boston

The ICA is offering FREE museum admission for all on Juneteenth, Monday, June 19.   This year, the Boston Ujima Project and ICA/Boston have partnered to bring you We Create the World: A Juneteenth Celebration, a day packed with excitement, including films, music, and activities that highlight the Black experience. 

Monday, June 19, 2023
10:00am - 5:00pm
ICA Boston

Juneteenth Community Celebration - Milton

Celebrate freedom and community this Juneteenth at the Eustis Estate.

Enjoy live music from the Boston Public Quartet, Branches Steel Pan Orchestra, Brother Dennis and his singers, DJ George, Rhythm Rider Dancers, and Milton High School Gospel/Jazz Choir.

Come together and lift every voice in song and dance throughout the day.

Eustis Estate 
1424 Canton Avenue
Milton, MA
2:00pm - 5:00pm

 

Juneteenth Family Program at Concord Museum - Concord

Visit the Concord Museum for a celebratory Juneteenth performance with Illstyle & Peace Productions dance group.  The group creates work rooted in West African Dance, contemporary and old school hip hop blended with an eclectic mix of dance and performance disciplines including tap, ballet, DJing, and beatboxing. This program is free and open to the public.

Concord Museum
200 Lexington Rd.
Concord, MA, 01742
10:00am - 11:00am

Juneteenth is a day to gather with loved ones, celebrate Black lives, and reflect and recognize the struggle for liberation in America.  You can find more Juneteenth celebrations in Boston here.

Find Fun Things to Do on our events calendar as Summer Begins in Boston

Find more ways to cool off during the summer in Boston in our Guide to Boston Spray Parks & FountainsStacey Sao

Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for almost 20 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.