Juneteenth 2023 Bay Area events
Juneteenth celebrates June 19 as the anniversary of the 1865 emancipation of slaves in the United States.
Need a refresher on Juneteenth? Freedom Day, as the June 19 holiday is also known, marks the anniversary of the emancipation of slaves in the United States. It was first celebrated in Galveston, Texas in 1965, two months after the Civil War ended.
From art exhibitions to educational spaces to street parties, here are some of the Bay Area’s biggest events celebrating the holiday.
Juneteenth events in the Bay Area
Hayward’s Juneteenth Street Party
Thursday, June 15
B & Main Street
From a car show to a beer-and-wine garden to music, you won’t want to miss this street event in downtown Hayward. Details here.
San Francisco Black Film Festival
Thursday, June 15 — Sunday, June 18
Buriel Clay Theater
This festival celebrates African American cinema and culture by showcasing a diversity of films. Screening details here.
Bayview Opera House & Zaccho Dance Theatre Present ‘Flying to Freedom’
Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17
Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre
Directed by Joanna Haigood, this free, special production celebrates Juneteenth through dance, theater, and music. Reserve your free spot here.
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Juneteenth Concert Series
Friday, June 16 (Berkeley)
Friday, June 23 (Livermore)
Sunday, June 25 (San Francisco)
This choir’s upcoming concert series explores gospel music and how it intertwines with African American history. The harmonious group will perform at three locations: Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on June 16, Bankhead Theater in Livermore on June 23, and Great American Music Hall in SF on June 25. Tickets start at $22.
Afrocentric Oakland’s 14th Annual Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 17
Lake Merritt Amphitheater in Oakland
Headlined by rapper LaRussell, this annual traditional festival features concerts, art, vendors, and various activities. Tickets start at $25.
Millbrae Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17
Millbrae Recreation Center / Central Park
Featuring various food and special live performances, this free event marks the city’s first annual Juneteenth celebration. Details here.
Golden Gate Park Band Juneteenth Concert
Sunday, June 18
Golden Gate Park
Featuring music from Kevin Day to Katahj Copley, this free 1 p.m. concert will feature music of both historical and modern Black composers. Details here.
Berkeley Juneteenth Festival
Sunday, June 18
Adeline Street and Alcatraz Avenue
This festival joyfully returns in its 36th year, featuring performances from Sonny Fairley, Junior Toots, Nkan Music, and several other local artists. Details here, along with other Juneteenth week events.
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose’s Juneteenth Community Celebration
Monday, June 19
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Partnering with the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, this San Jose museum features film screenings and a drumming workshop led by Pope Flyne, a Ghanian-born musician and educator. Details here.
Marin City Juneteenth Festival
Monday, June 19
Rocky Graham Park
This festival marks the largest annual festival of Black African arts and culture in the North Bay Area, spotlighting local vendors and small businesses from food to fashion to books.