Juneteenth, recognized as a state holiday in California since 2003, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The day marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862.
Communities across California are preparing for Juneteenth celebrations in 2025 with events that include concerts, festivals, and educational activities. Sacramento will host a two-day festival from June 20–21 at William Land Regional Park featuring a “Gospel Under the Stars” concert, live music on two stages, keynote speakers, and a community talent show. A golf tournament is also scheduled at William Land Golf Course.
Santa Rosa’s annual MLK Festival of Diversity and Inclusion on June 14 will offer gospel, jazz, and R&B performances along with educational talks and sports tournaments. Attendees can join a march from Julliard Park to Martin Luther King Jr. Square.
San Francisco’s Juneteenth celebration at Gilman Playground on June 15 will focus on families and fathers. Organized by SF Black Wallstreet—founded during the George Floyd protests—the event includes amusement rides and shopping opportunities at the Black Millionaire Marketplace.
Oakland will hold several events: the Juneteenth Family Festival at Oakland Cemetery on June 14; Hella Juneteenth Festival at the Oakland Museum of California on June 19; and a street festival in West Oakland on June 21 themed “We Are Tapping Into The Ancestors’ Wisdom and Having the Freedom to Express Ourselves!”
In San Jose, more than 6,000 people are expected for the city’s official Juneteenth jubilee on June 14. The event features performances by artists such as Tiera Kennedy, Kim Burrell, and Mario.
Santa Barbara’s celebration at Plaza Del Mar/Band Shell Park will include music performances, dancing, poetry readings, artist exhibitions, food trucks, and a return of the Black Artisan Market under this year’s theme “Hope for the People.”
Los Angeles will see Back on the Block’s fourth annual festival downtown on June 15 with musical acts including Mario and THEY., over 150 Black-owned businesses participating as vendors alongside family-friendly activities.
The California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles plans an exhibition titled Repossessions & Reparations exploring reparations through art.
Long Beach hosts its celebration at Rainbow Lagoon Park on June 14 with step shows, spoken word poetry sessions, speakers and live entertainment along waterfront walkways.
Palm Springs’ Freedom Weekend runs from June 19–21 featuring Village Fest downtown followed by concerts—including a Kool & The Gang tribute—and concludes with a film screening at Palm Springs Art Museum.
San Diego offers two major events: Cooper Family Foundation’s Freedom Festival returns to Memorial Park in Logan Hills on June 21 after more than five decades as a local tradition; Kinfolk Fest takes place at Waterfront Park on June 14 highlighting R&B music styles along with food stalls run by Black-owned businesses.
