Monday, June 16, 2025
By Caroline Woodward
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. This year, the holiday is observed on Thursday, June 19th. Here are a few ways to celebrate by remembering history, reflecting on culture and giving back to the community.
Juneteenth Day of Service at Mount Zion Female Union Band Society Cemeteries
Details: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m
D.C.’s oldest, intact black cemetery is hosting a day of service, providing community members of all ages a chance to engage with the history and culture of the African American community. Events will include a Libation Ceremony, headstone cleaning and repair, flower planting, rock painting and educational tours. More information can be found here.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Literary Jubilee & Black Author Book Fest at Planet Word Museum
Details: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Planet Word, an immersive language experience and museum focused on inspiring love for words and language, is hosting its third annual Literary Jubilee & Black Author Book Fest. This celebration of black authors, community and language arts is themed around ‘Celebrating Words, Rhythm & Flow,’ and will spotlight local authors who center rhythm in their work. Tickets range from $0 to $25, depending on personal preference. More information can be found here.
Fannie Lou Hamer: Until I’m Free at The Kennedy Center
Details: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 6:00? p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Children’s Legacy Theatre Inc., a group dedicated to the creation of educational and challenging theatre experiences for young people, and the Kennedy Center come together to showcase a new play, written by Wali Jamal Abdullah, “Frannie Lou Hammer…Until I’m Free.” This play will focus on the life and legacy of the civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. Free, pre-reserved tickets are required. More information can be found here.
Juneteenth Family Day at the Library of Congress
Details: Saturday, June 21, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The first Library of Congress Summertime Family Days of the year will begin with a Juneteenth program. The event is centered on themes of home and family and will feature quilt square making, a talk by local artist Sandra Smith, a talk by bestselling and award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes, and opportunities to learn about the Library’s Abraham Lincoln Papers. Free, pre-reserved tickets are required. More information can be found here.
Juneteenth Celebration at Anacostia Community Museum
Details: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This free, day-long celebration will focus on providing a tribute to resilience, creativity, and heritage for the D.C. and Anacostia community. Activities include a morning yoga session, urban gardening, main stage performances by Black Alley Band and others, and cultural art activities. More information can be found here.
Juneteenth for the City at The Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City
Details: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Juneteenth for the City is a family friendly block part and celebration rooted in Black culture and history. Activities and featured events include a black-owned business marketplace, food, live performances, and educational sessions focused on Black liberation. More information can be found here.