Juneteenth Events In California | Celebrating Freedom Across California
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has become a time for reflection, education, and celebration of Black culture and history. In 2025, communities throughout California are hosting events to honor this significant day.
Juneteenth, a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” marks the day in 1865 when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3: the last remaining enslaved African Americans were freed. This date is now widely recognized as the genuine moment of freedom for the entire United States.
What’s on in California – Discover Events!
The Historical Roots of Juneteenth
The Emancipation Proclamation (1863): Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation declared freedom for slaves in the Confederate states, but its immediate impact was restricted by the ongoing Civil War and the absence of Union forces in many locations.
General Order No. 3 (1865): Following Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender in April 1865, federal soldiers deployed throughout the South to implement emancipation. On June 19, Major General Granger issued an order in Galveston that effectively freed the last enslaved African Americans in Texas, one of the most remote slave-holding states.
Post-Emancipation Struggles: Despite Granger’s proclamation, many Black Americans still faced challenges to achieve full freedom. Slave owners rejected the decree, and widespread violence and systematic racism remained into the Reconstruction period and beyond.
Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
Details: Southern California’s premier Juneteenth event features live music, art, dancing, family activities, and food trucks. Admission is free, but tickets are required for entry.
Early Celebrations of Juneteenth
The first Juneteenth celebrations started in Texas in 1866, one year after the declaration. To commemorate the importance of freedom, African American communities held prayer services, picnics, music performances, parades, and readings from the Emancipation Proclamation.
Black groups frequently purchased land to host the celebrations, such as Houston’s Emancipation Park, which was purchased by previously enslaved individuals expressly for Juneteenth events.
As African Americans relocated from Texas to other regions of the country during the twentieth century, they brought Juneteenth traditions with them, transforming it into a nationwide, but largely disregarded, holiday.
Hella Juneteenth Festival – Oakland
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Oakland Museum of California
Details: A vibrant celebration with live music, art, food, and community gatherings, honoring Black freedom and creativity.
The Modern Resurgence
Juneteenth rose to national prominence during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, when activists used the holiday’s symbolism to advocate for social and racial justice.
Juneteenth has gained popularity in recent decades as a celebration of African American ancestry and reflection on ongoing equality issues. In 1980, Texas became the first state to officially establish Juneteenth as a state holiday.
Federal Recognition: On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
Today, Juneteenth is commemorated around the United States with festivals, educational panels, historical reenactments, marches, performances, and calls to action against institutional racism.
Richmond Juneteenth Parade & Festival
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Nicholl Park, Richmond
Details: A lively parade through Richmond followed by a festival featuring live music, dance performances, cultural displays, local vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Common Juneteenth Traditions
Cuisine: Traditional Juneteenth delicacies include barbecued meats, red drinks like hibiscus tea or red soda (which represent resilience), and soul cuisine favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and cornbread.
Music and Dance: Celebrations frequently include gospel music, jazz, blues, and hip-hop performances, as well as African drumming and dancing, to commemorate both African and African American cultural traditions.
Reflection and Education: Many celebrations feature readings from the Emancipation Proclamation, storytelling, and discussions about Black history and accomplishments, making Juneteenth both a celebration and a learning opportunity.
Community Service: Modern Juneteenth festivities frequently emphasize activism, community service, and raising awareness about current racial issues.
Pleasant Hill Juneteenth Celebration
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Pleasant Hill City Hall
Details: An evening event with live music by The Joint Chiefs Band, food trucks offering diverse cuisine, and community activities.
The Deeper Meaning of Juneteenth Today
Beyond joy, Juneteenth serves as a somber reminder of America’s complex history of race and freedom. It emphasizes the strength, perseverance, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
Juneteenth emphasizes the following key themes:
Delaying freedom does not mean denying it.
The significance of historical memory.
The continual pursuit of racial justice and equality.
Santa Barbara Juneteenth Celebration
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Plaza Del Mar Park, Santa Barbara
Details: A community celebration featuring live music, dancing, poetry, artist exhibitions, storytelling, a kids zone, and a Black Artisan Market.
Juneteenth is much more than a historical date; it is a live, breathing symbol of the battle for human rights, dignity, and equality. As Americans grapple with the past and seek a more equal future, Juneteenth provides both a moment of introspection and a call to action. Celebrating Juneteenth ensures that the story of freedom in America is presented fully and truthfully, and that its lessons continue to inspire future generations.
Oceanside Juneteenth Celebration
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Oceanside
Details: Hosted by the North San Diego County NAACP, this multicultural celebration includes a vendor marketplace, food booths, health awareness stations, a Youth Zone with games and crafts, and live entertainment.
Moreno Valley Juneteenth Celebration
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Civic Center Amphitheater, Moreno Valley
Details: An evening celebration featuring live performances, cultural displays, and community engagement activities.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Juneteenth
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Details: A historical celebration co-sponsored by Friends of Allensworth and California State Parks, featuring tours of historic buildings, live entertainment, music, and food.
Mill Valley Freedom Festival
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Mill Valley Downtown Plaza
Details: The 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival includes live music, cultural performances, and community activities celebrating African American Independence Day.
From the bustling streets of Long Beach to the historic grounds of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, California’s Juneteenth celebrations in 2025 offer diverse opportunities to honor Black history, culture, and the ongoing journey toward equality. These events provide spaces for reflection, education, and joyous celebration, inviting communities to come together in unity and remembrance.
