Celebrating Juneteenth in Boston

Learn more about how the City of Boston is honoring the anniversary of the day in 1865 when all enslaved people had been informed that they were free.

Page Sections

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.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation had become official over two years prior, the institution of slavery remained untouched in areas beyond Union control. In taking control over the state, the Union effectively liberated the remaining slaves in Texas. They also ended this specific form of slavery in America.

The City of Boston officially observed Juneteenth as a state holiday for the first time on June 21, 2021, as allowed by the Commonwealth’s order issued in 2020. Juneteenth is a day to gather with loved ones, celebrate Black lives, and reflect and recognize the struggle for liberation in America.

Learn more about the history of Juneteenth

Juneteenth events in Boston

Juneteenth Flag Raising

June 17th | City Hall Plaza

Join us for a special Juneteenth celebration as the City of Boston officially observes this important holiday.

Echoes of Freedom

June 18th | The Strand Theatre, Dorchester

Join us for Echoes of Freedom, an evening of music, history, and celebration featuring the Howard University Gospel Choir, in honor of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth Celebration

June 21st | Shattuck Picnic Area in Franklin Park

Join us for a Juneteenth Celebration at Franklin Park! Enjoy picnics, barbecues, music, dancing and more at the Shattuck Picnic Grove and all over the park.

Embrace Ideas Festival 2025

The festival takes place from June 18 - 21, 2025.

African Wrap Doll Workshop

June 17 | Grove Hall

In celebration of Juneteenth, Debra and Tam from the National Black Doll Museum will show participants how to make an African Wrap Doll using fabric, yarn, recycled bottles, and a variety of fabric trimming. All materials will be provided.

Friday Films: I Am Not Your Negro

June 20th | Parker Hill

Join us for a screening of I Am Not Your Negro, in which writer James Baldwin tells the story of race in modern America with his unfinished novel, Remember This House. Run time: 1 hr 35 minutes; Rated PG-13; Closed captioning available.

Juneteenth Open Mic and Arts Day

June 20th | Roxbury

Enjoy Juneteenth crafts, games, trivia, and live performances for everyone. Attendees are encourage to perform their own poetry, read excerpts from their favorite writings, or sing a song! Sign up for a slot at the Roxbury Branch Library.

Pieces of Me A Juneteenth Sewing Program

June 21st | Jamaica Plain

Join Zahirah Nur Truth for this great hand-sewing program for kids and their guardians! We will learn the importance of sewing, quilting, and patch work throughout the African diaspora.

The Food Group

June 21st | Brighton

Join The Food Group in June to discuss and share recipes from Watermelon & Red Birds by Nicole A. Taylor. Prepare a dish or a NON-ALCOHOLIC beverage from the cookbook and bring it in to share with your Brighton friends and neighbors.

The March to Freedom for All Americans, 1860-1920 – A Panel Discussion Featuring Authors Bennett Parten and Manisha Sinha

June 23rd | Online event

Join us online over Zoom Webinar for this unique panel where our guest speakers will focus on the defining years of 1860-1920 and bring to life the experiences of a great variety of Americans, from the enslaved-then-free peoples and soldiers who ...

African Wrap Doll Workshop

June 25th | Egleston Square

Join the National Black Doll Museum for an African Wrap Doll-Making Workshop for all ages. This adaptation of doll-making is based on the techniques of the traditional art form rooted in 18th century African American culture.

The 54th Regiment: A Lecture with Shawn Quigley

June 27th | Parker Hill

Join Shawn Quigley of the National Park Service for a riveting lecture on the 54th Regiment!