Juneteenth — a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of more than 250,000 enslaved people at the close of the Civil War — is this Monday, and nowhere celebrates Juneteenth quite like Brooklyn.
Brooklynites will be paying tribute to the day and celebrating African American culture and heritage through block parties, dance parties, food festivals, exhibits, makers markets and talks all weekend long.
Also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day for African Americans," Juneteenth is now also an official state holiday in New York after then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave it the designation in 2020, amidst nationwide protests calling for racial justice.
"This new public holiday will serve as a day to recognize the achievements of the Black community, while also providing an important opportunity for self-reflection on the systemic injustices that our society still faces today," Cuomo said at the time.
Whether you want to get down with the homies or give your kid an educational, hands-on experience, read below for BK Reader's comprehensive list of favorite events.
Happy Juneteenth!
FRIDAY
Black Creatives and Culture Fest at City Point
Juneteenth Party at Cafe Erzulie Hosted by Topicals
Black Girls Love Vinyl
SATURDAY
Ride Your Bike with the Juneteenth Freedom Ride
Rise in Spirit: A Juneteenth Celebration at Lefferts Historic House
BRIC Juneteenth UNITYFEST 2023 at Prospect Park
Juneteenth Concert: Dwayne Cook Broadnax: George Gray Jazz Coalition at South Oxford Park
Celebrate Juneteenth 2023 with KowTeff at Restoration Plaza
We Outside! A Brooklyn Juneteenth
SUNDAY
Brooklyn Museum Juneteenth Jubilee
Juneteenth Bed-Stuy Block Party
The Lay Out at Fort Greene Park
Juneteenth Food Festival at Weeksville Heritage Center
The Blackest Night: A Juneteenth Eve Affair at Bar Schimanski
Juneteenth + One Love Little Caribbean Day at Lefferts Historic House
MONDAY
Trivia For Us
Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival
Celebrate Pride and Juneteenth with a Social Justice Open Mic at Brooklyn Made Store
Celebrate Juneteenth at Brower Park with Brooklyn Children's Museum
