Wednesday, June 19 is Juneteenth. There’s plenty to do in Boston, including the Embrace Ideas Festival + Open House events at the MFA and ICA. If you’re interested in commemorating the holiday earlier, here are eight events around the city this weekend and early next week.
Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 15 | 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. | Franklin Park, Shattuck Picnic Area | Free | Join the City of Boston for a celebration featuring picnics, barbecues, music, and dancing.
Juneteenth Joy: Focus on Freedom | Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Martini Hatch Shell, Hyde Park | Free | Register to join the celebration featuring performances, vendors, exhibits, and speakers. If it rains, the event will be moved to New Mission High School.
Eggun Ancestor Procession | Saturday, June 15 | 2 p.m. | Copp’s Hill Burying Ground | Free | Local artist Ifé Franklin + Old North Illuminated invite the public to honor the lives of enslaved people’s burial sites through song and dance. Participants are encouraged to wear white clothing.
Juneteenth with Benkadi Drum and Dance | Saturday, June 15 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point | Free | The performance showcasing traditional West African rhythms and movements features vivid costumes, interpretive dance, and audience participation appropriate for families with children five and up.
2024 Juneteenth Panel | Thursday, June 13 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute | Free | Listen to a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Régine Jean-Charles to discuss “Understanding the Reparations Movement.” Followed by a celebration filled with music, food, and community.
Juneteenth Remembrance Guided Tour | Tuesday, June 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Museum of African American History | Free | Join a private guided tour to learn about the history of the Black community during the 18th and 19th centuries.
“Freedom to Excel” A Juneteenth Personal Development Workshop | Wednesday, June 19 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport | $20 | Hear from Empowerment Coach Cass Cruz at this workshop to rediscover and embrace the fullness of who you are.
Celebrate Juneteenth with MathWorks | Wednesday, June 19 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Museum of Science | Free | Join the National Society of Black Engineers Jr. Chapter to engage in captivating workshops + be inspired by panel discussions with accomplished STEM professionals.
