How to Celebrate Juneteenth: Ideas for Local Event Planners

Need fresh Juneteenth celebration ideas before you start planning your local Juneteenth event? 

From community barbecues to office conference rooms, we have you covered in this guide packed with ideas for Juneteenth, plus how to make each event shine.

Black people have always found ways to bring joy, celebrate their culture, and honor those who carved the paths before us.

One of the most accessible actions anyone can take is to support black-owned businesses and organizations — and what better way to do it than through a Juneteenth event?

Eventbrite has enabled planners to develop unique Juneteenth events for many years. From our experience, we’ve curated a list of activities to get you started — from learning the origin of the holiday to getting the community involved — to honor the history and culture of diversity.

Let’s dive in!

The history of Juneteenth

Juneteenth has its roots in the complex and painful history of slavery in America. 

The end of slavery finally came on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that more than 250,000 Black slaves in the state were free by executive decree. The date has since been called “Juneteenth.”

The significance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day,” is a time for reflection, celebration, and education, highlighting the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It is an opportunity to recognize the ongoing fight against racial inequality and work towards a more inclusive society.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

How to celebrate Juneteenth

There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth. One way is to support Black businesses by engaging with them and becoming a customer. You can also get involved with charities and activist groups to bring light to the history of Black people in the US. 

Organizing an event is arguably the best way to celebrate and even incorporate some ideas we just mentioned. For example, you can invite Black-owned businesses as your event vendors.

Depending on your audience, you’ll want to consider what event would work best. Here are a few ideas:

• Community Gatherings: Bring people together to commemorate Juneteenth through speeches, music, and cultural performances.

• Parades and Marches: Allow participants to express their pride and solidarity while promoting awareness of Juneteenth.

• Educational Workshops: Conducting workshops on African American history, civil rights, and social justice helps foster learning and understanding.

• Arts and Cultural Festivals: Showcase African American art, music, dance, and literature, providing a platform to celebrate creativity and cultural heritage.

• Community Service Projects: Volunteer activities benefit the local community, help promote unity, and uplift disadvantaged areas.

Virtual Juneteenth events

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events have gained popularity. The great advantage here is that they’re accessible from around the globe, and you can host a bigger event on a smaller budget. 

Here are some ideas for virtual Juneteenth celebrations:

Webinars and panel discussions

Host online discussions, like Hale Education’s Juneteenth at Hale: What Does It Mean To Be Free? A Webinar, featuring prominent speakers and community leaders. Events like these provide opportunities for learning, dialogue, and reflection. 

Virtual exhibits and art shows

Create online galleries showcasing artwork, photography, and historical exhibits allowing participants to explore African American culture and Black history from the comfort of their homes. You can even do an online marketplace, like Chic Events DC organizes for selling arts and crafts. 

Online workshops and educational events

Organize virtual workshops on African American literature, music, dance, and cuisine by facilitating interactive sessions promoting learning and cultural exchange.

Online concerts and performances

Arrange live-streamed musical performances, spoken word poetry, and theatrical productions to entertain and engage your audience virtually.

Traditional Juneteenth events and experiences

While virtual events have advantages, traditional Juneteenth celebrations offer unique experiences to connect and build stronger community relationships.

Here are some ways you can celebrate Juneteenth in a traditional way:

Family-friendly activities

Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere with activities that cater to families:

Children’s programming

Organize storytelling sessions, arts and crafts activities, and interactive games to educate and entertain young participants.

• Storytelling sessions: Invite local storytellers to share African American folktales, historical narratives, or personal stories that educate and entertain participants of all ages. The Journey to Juneteenth event in Salem, Massachusetts, organized by Essex Heritage, features a storytelling presentation for all ages by Valerie Tutson.

• Arts and crafts workshops: Set up stations where families can engage in hands-on activities such as making African-inspired masks, creating freedom quilts, or designing traditional African jewelry. 

• Interactive history lessons: Organize interactive lessons catering to different age groups. You can have historical reenactors dressed in period costumes, providing insights into the experiences of African Americans during significant historical events. For example, Trivia for Us organizes Trivia For Us: Juneteenth Live Game Show Experience in Manhattan, New York, where they celebrate the emancipation of African Americans through an exciting trivia experience with questions about Black history, Black pop culture, music, film, etc.

• History scavenger hunt: Create a scavenger hunt that leads families to various stations or exhibits to learn about key figures, events, and landmarks related to African American history.

Games and outdoor events

Incorporate traditional African American games like double-dutch, horseshoes, tug-of-war, musical chairs, or sack races to foster a sense of nostalgia and fun.

Cultural demonstrations

Highlight African American culture through live demonstrations and exhibitions, such as:

• Fashion shows: Showcase traditional African attire, Afrocentric fashion, or clothing inspired by different periods in African American history. Consider inviting local designers, stylists, or fashion enthusiasts to curate the show.

• Dance performances: Arrange live performances that showcase different styles rooted in African American culture, such as African tribal dances, hip-hop, jazz, or stepping.

• Drum circles: Allow participants to experience the rhythmic beats and communal spirit of African music traditions. Djapo Cultural Arts Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, is a great example of this. They’ve organized a smashing Juneteenth African Dance Drum Festival for many years in now.

• Traditional instrument demonstrations: Organize demonstrations of traditional African instruments like djembe drums, kalimbas, or mbiras.

Musical performances and live entertainment:

What better way to celebrate Juneteenth than engaging all the senses through dance and comedy performances? You can curate a lineup of talented musicians, dancers, and stand-up artists and move your attendees with unique African American performances.

• Gospel choirs: Like Tucson Juneteenth Festival Inc. does with their Tucson Juneteenth Festival Inc. ANNUAL Gospel Jubilee and Music Fest!!, you can invite local gospel choirs to perform uplifting and soul-stirring gospel music deeply rooted in African American culture and spirituality.

• Jazz bands: Arrange live jazz performances featuring talented musicians who can showcase the history and evolution of jazz, a genre with deep African American roots.

• Spoken word poetry: Provide a platform for spoken word artists, like Speak On It Radio does with their open mic session in Indianapolis, IN, to express their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives on themes related to freedom, identity, and social justice.

• Comedy shows: Incorporate comedy shows featuring African American comedians who can entertain attendees with unique perspectives and humor.

What do you eat to celebrate Juneteenth? 

Food is integral to any celebration and is at the heart of culture and history. 

Incorporate traditional African American foods and recipes to provide a delightful culinary experience during your events, or create an event that revolves around African American cuisine.

• Food tastings: Set up food tasting stations or organize a food festival like Weeksville Heritage Center does with their Juneteenth Food Festival featuring a variety of dishes representing different regions and culinary traditions within the African American community.

• Cooking demonstrations: Invite local chefs or community members specializing in African American cuisine to demonstrate how to prepare signature dishes. Beauty’s Community Garden is a great example. This year they’ve organized Healthy Cooking -Juneteenth with H-E-B, inviting Chef John to demonstrate a grilling demo. You can use the opportunity to share historical context, cooking techniques, and personal stories related to the recipes.

• Recipe contests: Encourage participants to submit their favorite African American recipes and hold a contest to determine the best dishes.

Art exhibits and cultural showcases

Host art exhibits that celebrate the creativity and talent of African American artists. These exhibitions can feature a range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media.

Justice Vanguard Non-Profit’s yearly Juneteenth Community Festival in Los Altos, California is a perfect example of a cultural and musical event.

Celebrating Black history and achievements:

Incorporate displays that highlight significant figures and events from African American history, paying tribute to their contributions and accomplishments.

Showcasing local talent and artists:

Provide a platform for local musicians, poets, authors, and performers to showcase their skills and express their creativity.

Getting involved with the Black community

Engage in community projects that promote the betterment of Black communities and support Black-owned businesses.

Supporting Black-owned businesses:

Encourage attendees to support local Black-owned businesses by providing vendor spaces or creating a marketplace during the event.

Salt Lake Juneteenth in Salt Lake City, Utah, organizes a fantastic expo called Salt Lake Juneteenth Celebration & Black Owned Business Expo and it’s totally free!  

Empowering Black communities and activism:

Organize workshops or panel discussions that address social justice issues, community activism, and ways to uplift and empower Black communities.

Volunteering in community-building activities

Organize events around Juneteenth and support diversity in the community. These could be specific to the holiday or general community-building projects. 

SoulfulofNoise does this by organizing a Juneteenth Community Festival in Whittier, California, packed with entertainment, art exhibits, and educational activities.

Juneteenth around the nation

Juneteenth is celebrated in so many ways across the United States. We’ve been looking at how other event creators celebrate throughout this article, and it’s a fantastic way to get some inspiration.

You’ll see that every state has its unique way of celebrating Juneteenth, often featuring parades, concerts, community gatherings, and educational programs. Researching your state’s specific events and traditions can also help you draw inspiration and enable you to collaborate with local organizations.

For example, the “Journey to Juneteenth” event in Salem, Massachusetts, organized by Essex Heritage, features a locally-focused storytelling presentation by Valerie Tutson.

Juneteenth event planning

Once you’ve decided how you want to celebrate Juneteenth, here are some details to consider when organizing your event:

Setting objectives for your Juneteenth event

Define the purpose and goals of your event before you start. Are you aiming to educate, celebrate, or raise awareness? Ask yourself some questions to guide yourself in specifying your objectives:

• Education: Are you aiming to educate attendees about the history and significance of African American culture, achievements, and contributions?

• Commemoration/Celebration: Is the event primarily focused on honoring the struggles and resilience of African Americans throughout history? Are you aiming to create a solemn and reflective atmosphere? Or do you want to create a festive and joyful environment celebrating freedom, culture, and community?
  
• Awareness and Activism: Is your event intended to raise awareness about ongoing social justice issues, promote activism, and empower Black communities?

Answering these questions will soon help you express in a few sentences what you want to achieve with your Juneteenth event.

Creating an event timeline and action plan

Now that you know what you’re aiming for, it’s time to lay out the plan. To help you stay organized, develop a detailed timeline with these elements: 

• Determine the event date and time: Choose a date close to June 19, and consider whether a daytime or evening event would be most suitable.

• Establish deadlines: Set deadlines for securing a venue, confirming performers or speakers, marketing, and promotion, and obtaining necessary permits or licenses.

• Assign responsibilities: Delegate responsibilities and establish clear lines of communication with individuals or teams to ensure smooth coordination.

• Coordination logistics: Consider aspects such as venue selection, permits, insurance, equipment rentals, seating arrangements, security, and parking.

• Plan the program: Outline the order of events, including speeches, performances, workshops, and other activities. Allow sufficient time for each segment and consider incorporating breaks if needed.

• Organize rehearsals: If you have performers or speakers, schedule rehearsals to ensure smooth transitions and polished presentations.

• Create a backup plan: Anticipate any potential challenges or contingencies and develop a backup plan to address them.

Budgeting and funding

Proper budgeting covers expenses like venue rental, performers, equipment, and marketing materials. Determine your budget and explore potential funding sources, such as sponsorships, grants, or community partnerships. 

Some things to consider are:

• Identify income sources: Determine your funding sources, such as ticket sales, sponsorships, grants, or partnerships with local organizations.

• Calculate expenses: Consider all potential costs, including venue rental, permits, performers’ fees, equipment rentals, marketing materials, staff or volunteer expenses, and other relevant expenses.

• Prioritize spending: Allocate your budget based on the most critical aspects of your event. Ensure essential elements, such as performers or historical reenactors, receive adequate funding.

• Seek partnerships and sponsorships: Approach local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies to explore potential partnerships or sponsorships. They may provide financial support, in-kind contributions, or assistance with marketing and promotion. This is also an excellent avenue for volunteer participation!

• Consider fundraising activities: Organize fundraising initiatives such as crowdfunding campaigns, benefit concerts, or community drives to generate additional funds for your event.

You can use software platforms such as Eventbrite, specialized in event planning and marketing, to create your event, sell tickets, market you event and much more. The Eventbrite Organizer App allows you to manga and monitor online and on-site sales as your event takes place. You can even collect donations from your fundraiser through the Eventbrite platform.

Collaborating with local organizations and community partners

Forging partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders can enhance and amplify your event’s impact. Collaboration can bring additional resources and expertise as well as financial support. 

Some strategies to consider include:

• Research local organizations: Identify community organizations, historical societies, cultural centers, or non-profits interested in Juneteenth or advocate for African American rights and culture.

• Establish connections: Reach out to these organizations to discuss potential collaboration. Share your event objectives and explore opportunities for partnership, shared resources, or cross-promotion.

• Coordinate programming: Collaborate with organizations to develop joint programming or activities that align with the themes and goals of your Juneteenth event. This may include panel discussions, workshops, or cultural showcases.

• Engage community leaders: Connect with influential community leaders, religious leaders, or elected officials who can support and endorse your event. Their involvement can lend credibility and attract a broader audience.

• Seek volunteers: Reach out to community members passionate about Juneteenth and ask them to volunteer at your event. Their support can contribute to a sense of community ownership and engagement.

Marketing and promoting your Juneteenth event

Effective marketing and promotion are crucial for attracting attendees to your Juneteenth event. Utilize social media, local media outlets, community bulletin boards, and partnerships to generate buzz and attract attendees.

Create a marketing plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines your target audience, key messages, and promotional channels. Determine which platforms, such as social media, email newsletters, local newspapers, radio stations, or community bulletin boards, will most effectively reach your desired audience. 

Eventbrite’s Marketing Platform offers handy features such as email automations and social media tailoring, which enable you to effortlessly reach out to your audience.

Eventbrite’s Marketing Platform: 63% more tickets were sold per event by event creators using Eventbrite’s specialized event marketing tool. Check out some of the things you can do:

• Quickly send emails to your community with no contact limits and up to 10,000 daily sends when you subscribe.
• Launch ads on Facebook & Instagram to reach new event-goers. 
• Reach your ideal audience with targeting recommendations and insights generated from Eventbrite’s exclusive events data to get you better results
• Save time and promote your entire calendar of events with a single automated campaign on Facebook and Instagram.

Engage influencers: Identify and collaborate with local influencers, community leaders, or activists with a strong presence and following on social media. Network with local media outlets, community newsletters, and relevant online platforms to feature your event in articles, interviews, or event listings. Submit press releases and media kits to increase coverage and visibility.

Leverage social media: Utilize platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to create event pages, share updates, and engage with your audience. Use hashtags related to Juneteenth and your event to increase visibility.

Engage the community: Encourage members to share information about your event within their social circles. 

Expanding Juneteenth in communities nationwide

Juneteenth celebrations raise awareness, foster unity, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Black American community. 

Whether through traditional events, virtual experiences, or community initiatives, Juneteenth offers a chance to honor the past, inspire the present, and shape a more inclusive future for all. 

Remember, Juneteenth is not just a celebration but a time for education, empowerment, and action. Make your Juneteenth event a memorable and impactful occasion and join one of our anti-racism virtual series events for more inspiration.