The U.S. will observe Juneteenth on Thursday.
Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth dates back to 1865, when a Union general informed enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War was over and that they were free.
This was two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
WTOP has curated a list of D.C.-area events organized in celebration of Juneteenth 2025.
DC
Anacostia Community Museum — Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
1901 Fort Place SE
On June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will have a daylong celebration featuring morning yoga, performances from poets and musicians, and community art and cultural activities as well as local food trucks. This event was previously scheduled for June 19.
Bread for the City — Juneteenth for the City 2025
1700 Marion Barry Ave. SE
On Thursday at 1 p.m., Bread for the City’s Michelle Obama Southeast Center will feature a block party with a local Black-owned business marketplace, food, live performances and educational sessions on Black culture and history. Admission is free.
Juneteenth Community Festival
2500 MLK Jr. Ave SE
Kicking off at 11 a.m. at the ONE DC Black Workers Center and Lot, there will be a celebration of freedom with live music, local vendors, food, and live art, “all the while centering our organizing work in D.C.” There will be a chorus, a GoGo band, fire dancers and more.
Juneteenth in the District at Bryant Street
670 Rhode Island Ave. NE
Starting at 10 a.m., the event will host a yoga and meditation session, followed by a fitness boot camp and a vendor market featuring black owned businesses.
Juneteenth Family Tour at President Lincoln’s Cottage
140 Rock Creek Church Road NW
Visit the cottage where President Abraham Lincoln drafted the Emancipation Proclamation in the Cottage at the Soldiers’ home on Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. Find more information about tickets here.
Juneteenth Jubilee and Freedom Walk
355 Water Street SE (Navy Yard)
The Freedom Walk begins at 11 a.m. on Thursday and travels across the 11th Street Bridge along business corridor to Sweet Tooth Cafe. Shortly before the walk, attendees are expected to gather at 10:30 a.m. Find more information here.
Juneteenth Literary Jubilee and Black Author Book Fest
925 13th St. NW, entrance on K Street
The third annual Juneteenth Literary Jubilee and Black Author Book Fest celebrates community authors and language arts experts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. Award-winning poet, author, and Hip-Hop educator, Tony Keith Jr. is the special guest master of ceremonies and will also discuss his latest book, “Knucklehead.”
National Museum of African American History & Culture — Juneteenth Community Day
1400 Constitution Ave. NW
On Saturday, June 21, starting at 10:30 a.m., the museum will celebrate Juneteenth with programs such as instrument making, a guided drum circle, dance performances, and music. All events are free, but online registration is required.
National Archives — See the original Emancipation Proclamation
700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
The Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 will be on display at the National Archives from June 19 through Sunday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Maryland
Annapolis Juneteenth Parade and Festival
Downtown Annapolis
On Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m. there will be a parade starting at St. John’s College and winding its way through Downtown Annapolis to Amos Garrett Boulevard. After the parade, head over to the Anne Arundel County Fair for more festivities.
Pushing Back: The Fight for Freedom is Not Over
BlackRock Center for the Arts
12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown
BlackRock is offering a free “vibrant” Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21, featuring live concerts and performances, handmade goods, and local food. No tickets are needed. The event starts at noon.
Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival
8225 Bells Mills Road, Potomac
The day kicks off with a 5K run at 8 a.m. in the historic Black neighborhood of Scotland then continues with a “Wellness and Social Action Pavilion” at Cabin John Village from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. At 11 a.m., there is a carnival at Cabin John Park and a Juneteenth Parade at 2 p.m. Find more information on tickets here.
National Harbor’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration
National Harbor
To celebrate Juneteenth, National Harbor is hosting a Freedom Day Black-Owned Marketplace in the Capital Canopy from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Virginia
Alexandria celebrates Juneteenth 2025
Alexandria
On Juneteenth, Alexandria’s Market Square at 301 King Street will host a lively concert by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices, featuring traditional music, dance and spoken word. On Saturday, June 21, there will be activities, including music, performances and a moon bounce at the Charles Houston Recreation Center parking lot from noon to 6 p.m.
Mount Vernon — “Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteenth”
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
The historic home of George Washington plans to host multiple events discussing the history of the enslaved people who lived there. From June 19 to June 21, the estate will host multiple specialty performances and demonstrations.
Juneteenth Parade and Freedom Celebration
Raflo Park, 345 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg
Live music, Juneteenth history, local vendors, food, and a community.
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