If you are celebrating Juneteenth, the good news is a lot going on around the Bay that includes a variety of activities for the family. Events are taking place both this weekend and next.

Juneteenth History
Juneteenth (or Juneteenth National Independence Day) is a federal holiday

celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.

The day was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. The holiday is considered the longest-running African-American holiday and has been called America’s second Independence Day.

Here are a few of our favorite picks for events.

Vallejo Juneteenth Celebration
June 15th from 11 AM to 5 PM
Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green, 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo.
Vallejo’s 34th Annual Juneteenth Festival and Parade celebrates freedom and unity with live music, delicious food, arts and crafts vendors, and a vibrant parade showcasing the rich culture and history of Juneteenth. Free.

Juneteenth Decades Festival
June 15th from 11 AM to 6 PM
1330 Fillmore St., San Francisco.
More than 10,000 people will attend to commemorate Juneteenth in San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District. The Freedom Celebration will span six city blocks featuring dozens of retail and food vendors, carnival rides and games, block party activities, and live music.

Juneteenth in the Streets Festival
June 15th from 12 to 7 PM
Downtown San Jose, South First St.
Come out for the 43rd Annual Juneteenth in the Streets Festival, promised to be as epic as ever. For over 40 years, this festival has averaged over 6,000 attendees with an enticing array of festivities including live entertainment, food vendors, unique artistry, local retailers, and community services. Free.

Juneteenth with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
June 15th at 8 PM at the Freight & Salvage
And June 21st at Livermore’s Bankhead Theater.
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir will celebrate Juneteenth with two soul-stirring performances. Led by Founding Artistic Director Terrance Kelly, OIGC invites attendees to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the promise of a more equitable future through the power of Black gospel music. $25 to $35.

Berkeley Juneteenth Festival
June 16th from 11 AM to 7 PM
Adeline Street at Alcatraz Avenue, Berkeley.
The 37th Annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival will commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans with family-friendly entertainment including live music on the main stage, kids activities, and tons of local food and drink vendors. Free.

Juneteenth at Golden Gate Bandshell
June 16th from 4:30 to 7:30 PM
Golden Gate Bandshell, Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco.
Come outside to the iconic Golden Gate Bandshell for a Juneteenth and Father’s Day mashup concert featuring music of African American composers and artists. Free.

Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars’ Juneteenth Celebration
June 22nd from 3 to 5 PM
Grown Women Dance Collective, 9th St. between Broadway & Washington, Oakland.
Enjoy a celebration of dance, music, and U.S. history for the entire family. Grown Women Dance Colective’s all-star cast will honor musical greats and civic leaders with electrifying tributes. Free.

Juneteenth Foodie Fest
June 23rd from 12 to 6 PM
Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
Bring friends and family to soak up all the good vibes at a gathering some of the Bay’s hottest chefs, artists, crafters and black-owned businesses for a day of unity, community, and empowerment. Free.