On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Simmons will observe Juneteenth, in commemoration of when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom following the Civil War. This day marked the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas and became a symbolic celebration of freedom and equality.
Boston offers a variety of ways to celebrate Juneteenth, involving art, music, dance, food, and a shared remembrance of the history of enslavement and freedom. Here are some key events:
- Juneteenth Joy Celebration at Hyde Park, June 14, 8:30am–3pm. Register to attend the annual celebration in Hyde Park, which features food trucks, vendors, performances, music, and dancing.
- Juneteenth Collaborative Chalk Mural, June 14, 11am–12:30pm at the Boston Public Library, Brighton branch. Join ZNT Arts in a vibrant, hands-on celebration of Juneteenth through a collaborative chalk art mural. Community members of all ages are invited to contribute symbols, words, and imagery that reflect the spirit of joy, freedom, and identity. Together, we’ll create a living artwork that honors the history of Juneteenth — also known as Jubilee Day — and the resilience and beauty of our communities.
- Boston Landmarks Orchestra Juneteenth Concert, June 14, 3pm–4:30pm. The Boston Landmarks Orchestra offers a free concert, featuring DeShaun Gordon-King on flute. While admission is free, registration is required.
- African Wrap Doll Workshop, June 17, 5pm–6:30pm, Boston Public Library, Grove Hall Branch and June 25, 5pm–6:30pm, Egleston Square branch. Representatives from the National Black Doll Museum will show participants how to make an African Wrap Doll using fabric, yarn, recycled bottles, and a variety of fabric trimming. All materials will be provided. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
- Embrace Ideas Festival, June 18–20. This festival’s theme, "A Celebration of Black Ideas, Art, Culture, Joy and Excellence," brings together artists, public scholars, and local and national leaders unified by an anti-racist vision. The Conference on June 20 celebrates the legacy of Black Bostonians. Tickets required.
- Juneteenth at Boston Harbor Islands, June 19, 10:30am–5pm. Visit Georges Island and 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 Museum of Fine Arts, June 19. In honor of Juneteenth, admission to the MFA is free for all Massachusetts residents. Join us for performances, participate in art-making activities, attend a lecture, and view special exhibitions of the work of Vincent van Gogh and Roxbury native John Wilson. Tickets available in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free with a valid Massachusetts zip code.
- Black Voices of the Revolution, June 19, 11am, Museum of African American History (Boston location). Black Voices of the Revolution invites visitors to interact with AI-driven, holographic images of individuals whose stories will highlight the experiences of Black Americans during the Revolutionary War period, from whalers and farmers to Loyalists to Patriots.
- Roxbury International Film Festival, June 19–27. This is the largest film festival in New England that celebrates films by, for, and about people of color. The festival is led by BIPOC women and run by volunteers, screening all genres of films. You can buy a pass for the full festival, or choose select screenings.
- Frederick Douglass – BMOP, June 20, 7:30pm. The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) presents composer Ulysses Kay’s opera, Frederick Douglass. The opera is the second installment of a five opera series, “As Told By: History, Race, and Justice on the Opera Stage,” that depict vital figures of Black liberation and thought across 250 years of history. Register in advance for “pay what you want” tickets.
- The Food Group potluck book club, June 21, 2pm–3pm at the Boston Public Library, Brighton branch. Join the Food Group to discuss and share recipes from Watermelon & Red Birds by Nicole A. Taylor.
For a more comprehensive list of public Juneteenth events in the Boston area, visit the Meet Boston website, which includes lists of walking tours, in addition to local Black-owned shops and restaurants.