Juneteenth Events & Celebrations in Boston

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 that Union soldiers, led by General Gordon Granger, reached Galveston, Texas. They announced to the state that the Civil War was over and that all enslaved persons had been declared free.

Immerse yourself in Boston's Juneteenth celebrations, vibrant gatherings brimming with soulful cuisine, music, dance, and more!

Boston Juneteenth Events & Celebrations

Juneteenth Celebration at the MFA - Boston

Join us on site at the MFA for a day of free admission, activities and programs to celebrate Juneteenth and honor the contributions of Black artists, scholars, and creative voices to the City of Boston. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally observed commemoration of the ending of slavery in the US. See what's in store all day at this year's Juneteenth Celebration at the MFA.

A Juneteenth Celebration with Landmarks Orchestra - Boston

Celebrating Juneteenth, Landmarks Orchestra starts the summer season with an exciting performance at the Kroc Center! This concert will be a way to kick off our season and celebrate the works of iconic Black composers.  Featuring Castle of Our Skins String Quartet, violinist Maxwell Fairman, and soprano Brianna J. Robinson!

Forever Free Juneteenth Celebration - Newton

Celebrate the historic occasion of Juneteenth at The Allen Center as we come together to honor freedom and equality.  Immerse yourself in a day filled with arts and culture with live performances by award-winning vocalist Donna McElroy & Cherry Street Music Artistic Director Allison Eldredge accompanied by a live rhythm section.

Juneteenth at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Bring family and friends to honor Juneteenth, the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, with a free day of performances, conversations, and activities throughout the Museum that celebrate community and freedom.

A Juneteenth Celebration with Landmarks Orchestra - Boston

Celebrating Juneteenth, Landmarks Orchestra starts the summer season with a debut performance at the Kroc Center! This concert will be a way to kick off our season and celebrate the works of iconic Black composers.

June 15 at 4:00pm
The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Center
650 Dudley Street
Boston, MA 02125

Juneteenth at the Boston Harbor Islands - Boston

Join Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park in commemorating Juneteenth and to learn more about Black history and the fight for freedom in Boston.  Visit Georges Island & the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center for live music, story time, history tours, and an exploration of Black History in Boston.

Juneteenth Open House at the ICA - Boston

The ICA is offering FREE museum admission for all on Juneteenth, on June 19.   This year, the Boston Ujima Project and ICA/Boston have partnered to bring you We Create the World: A Juneteenth Celebration, a day packed with excitement, including films, music, and activities that highlight the Black experience. 

Juneteenth Community Celebration - Milton

Celebrate freedom and community this Juneteenth at the Eustis Estate.

Enjoy live music from the Boston Public Quartet, Branches Steel Pan Orchestra, Brother Dennis and his singers, DJ George, Rhythm Rider Dancers, and Milton High School Gospel & Jazz Choir.  Come together and lift every voice in song and dance throughout the day.

Eustis Estate 
1424 Canton Avenue
Milton, MA
2:00pm - 5:00pm

Juneteenth Family Program at Concord Museum - Concord

Visit the Concord Museum for a celebratory Juneteenth performance with Benkadi Drum & Dance Company.  With vivid costumes and uplifting energy, the multicultural company performs traditional West African rhythm and movements with singing, drumming, and dancing. Participate in the dancing and learn West African traditions. This program is free and open to the public. Please register in advance. 

Concord Museum
200 Lexington Rd.
Concord, MA, 01742
10:00am - 11:00am

Juneteenth Block Party: A Family Reunion - Brookline

Join us for a day of family-friendly fun featuring music, food, activities, and more in the form of a Juneteenth block party. A block party is a great way to get together and get to know your neighbors.

This year’s block party will be held on Wednesday, June 19th, from 12 pm to 6 pm.  There will be so many fun activities for all to enjoy.

Free food will also be on hand to offer tasty treats for everyone, including soul food, Caribbean food, ice cream, and more.  There will also be a dance party with a live DJ.

Find More Juneteenth Events Near You!

Juneteenth is a day to gather with loved ones, celebrate Black lives, and reflect and recognize the struggle for liberation in America.   You can find more Juneteenth celebrations in Boston here.   The city of Boston also has a list of events to explore here. 

Photo credit: Jesse Costa/WBUR

Since 2001, the mission of BostonCentral has always been to help Boston parents & families find fun things to do in an easy and efficient way.  To highlight events that you'd want to share & experience with a friend. 

Summer Events

Find Fun Things to Do on our events calendar as Summer Begins in Boston.   Check our summer month guides for Boston June Events, Boston July Events & Boston August Events. 

Find more ways to cool off during the summer in Boston in our Guide to Boston Spray Parks & Fountains or go big and find an Outdoor Waterpark near you. 

Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.