Juneteenth Celebrations in Philadelphia

Juneteenth Celebrations in Philadelphia

Juneteenth is a day that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States and Philadelphia is home to one of the largest celebrations in the country.

The holiday — celebrated annually on June 19^th — is an opportunity for Philadelphia to celebrate its rich heritage and diverse communities. Every June, the city is filled with experiences that amplify Philadelphia’s storied Black history. This includes festive block parties, live music performances, and insightful museum programming.

History of Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and an army of federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and emancipate the remaining enslaved people. Although the Emancipation Proclamation — President Lincoln’s 1863 executive order abolishing slavery — was nearly three years old, many enslavers in Texas had continued to hold people in bondage. Standing in Galveston, General Granger announced, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”

That announcement made June 19 a symbolic date representing Black freedom — a day that became known as Juneteenth. The first celebration was held in Texas the following year and gradually gained momentum across the country. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed it into law.

Today in Philadelphia, Juneteenth is celebrated across the city — including at many of the same sites where the nation’s independence was first declared.

The Philadelphia Juneteenth Musicfest & Parade – hosted by the Philadelphia Community of Leaders – is a two day festival that honors enslaved ancestors and celebrates African-American freedom. Photo by A. Ricketts for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Neighborhood Celebrations

Philadelphia commemorates Juneteenth each year with festivals, parades, and community events. One of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country is the annual Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival. Since its inception in 2016, the event has drawn more than 25,000 attendees annually. The celebration kicks off with a mile-and-a-half-long parade featuring over 2,000 participants and 20 floats. After the parade, festivities continue at Malcolm X Park in West Philadelphia with live performances, food trucks, and community vendors.

Juneteenth also marks the start of Philadelphia’s annual Wawa Welcome American festival. The 16-day free festival runs from Juneteenth through July 4^th and celebrates those holidays with free museum days, fireworks, and food fairs. For Juneteenth, Wawa Welcome America hosts free admission days at the African American Museum in Philadelphia and an annual block party.

Wawa Welcome America celebrates Juneteenth at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Welcome America Photo by J. Kaczmarek.

In Germantown, the historic Johnson House — once a stop on the Underground Railroad — hosts its own Juneteenth Festival. The celebration includes historical reenactments, panel discussions, African drumming, food trucks, and more. The Johnson family, who once lived in the home, were Quaker abolitionists whose legacy lives on at the annual event.

Juneteenth Exhibitions

Each June, museums and cultural institutions across Philadelphia offer special programming in honor of Juneteenth. The Museum of the American Revolution observes Juneteenth with a series of events and activities, including guided tours, and a collection of discussions.

The National Constitution Center along Independence Mall commemorates the holiday by offering free admission on Juneteenth and offers tours of the Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality exhibit.

Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.

Another powerful way to explore Philadelphia’s Black history is through the Black Journey: African American Walking Tour. This two-hour guided experience is filled with historical insight, offering an exploration into the contributions and experiences of Black Philadelphians. Visitors will learn about the role of Black Americans in the nation’s founding while exploring some of the city’s most iconic monuments and landmarks.

 Looking to plan to Philadelphia around Juneteenth? Visit our Plan Your Trip page to complete your Philadelphia itinerary.