The Philadelphia area will be kicking off its Juneteenth celebrations this week to commemorate the end of slavery in America in 1865.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and while people celebrated the holiday long before it was made a federal one, there are even more events and celebrations now.
Here’s your guide to everything Juneteenth and the events and celebrations happening in the area.
What is Juneteenth?
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Things to do for Juneteenth
Friday, June 17
Free lecture highlighting the experiences of Black soldiers during the American Revolution. Followed by a free outdoor jazz concert at the Washington Crossing Historic Park.
The Museum of the American Revolution in Old City will celebrate Juneteenth all weekend with events daily. There will be exhibits, tours and talks.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is celebrating Juneteenth all weekend long, Friday to Monday, with a community celebration filled with live performances, food and music, and all the events will be pay-what-you-wish admission.
Sunday, June 18
Philadelphia’s Juneteenth Parade and Festival will take place in West Philly and will be a daylong event with parade floats, vendors, activities and a music festival.
The Mack Brewing Co. will also be having its old-school Juneteenth cookout with a secret location that will feature all-you-can-eat food, all-you-can-drink beer (from Black-owned breweries) and games.
Monday, June 19
The African American Museum in Philadelphia will be hosting a Juneteenth block party in partnership with Wawa Welcome to America for a full day of free family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, giveaways and more.
What roads will be closed during the Juneteenth parade and festival?
The parade will start at 11 a.m. at 52nd and Parkside Avenue and proceed to Malcolm X Park where the Juneteenth Festival will be taking place. The festival portion of the event begins at 10 a.m.
Road Closures
The following street will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 18 for the parade starting area:
- South Concourse Drive between Avenue of the Republic and Belmont Avenue
The following streets will be closed beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 18 until the conclusion of the parade:
- Parkside Avenue between 53rd Street and Belmont Avenue
- 52nd Street between Parkside Avenue and Cedar Avenue
The following streets will be closed starting at 10 a.m. until approximately 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 18:
- 5100-5200 Pine Street
- 5100-5200 Larchwood Street
- 200-600 S. 52nd Street
- 400 S. 53rd Street
- 400 S. 51st Street
- 5200 Addison Street
- 5200 Osage Avenue
Parking Restrictions
The above-listed streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, June 18. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated. If you believe your car has been relocated, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.
Public Transportation
SEPTA Bus Routes 40, and 42 will be detoured from their normal routes beginning at 5 a.m. on Sunday, June 18 through approximately 3 p.m.
SEPTA Bus Route 52 will be detoured from its normal route beginning at 5 a.m. on Sunday, June 18 through approximately 9 p.m.
Detours will be posted, and specific route changes are available at septa.org.
