Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, it was not until June 19, 1865, that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the law and ensure freedom for enslaved people. In California, Juneteenth has been recognized as a state holiday since 2003.
Communities across California will mark Juneteenth in 2025 with festivals and events celebrating African American history and culture. Sacramento will host a two-day festival at William Land Regional Park from June 20–21, beginning with a “Gospel Under the Stars” concert and continuing with live music, speakers, and a community talent show. A golf tournament is also scheduled at William Land Golf Course.
Santa Rosa’s Sonoma County Juneteenth will coincide with the city’s 55th Annual MLK Festival of Diversity and Inclusion on June 14. The event features gospel, jazz, R&B performances, educational talks, an arts-and-crafts fair, domino games, and a basketball tournament. Participants will march from Julliard Park to Martin Luther King Jr. Square.
San Francisco’s celebration at Gilman Playground on June 15 is organized by SF Black Wallstreet. This year’s theme centers on fathers and families—coinciding with Father’s Day—and includes amusement rides, live performances, and shopping at the Black Millionaire Marketplace.
Oakland will hold several events: the Juneteenth Family Festival at Oakland Cemetery on June 14; Hella Juneteenth Festival at the Oakland Museum of California on June 19; and a street festival in West Oakland on Brockhurst Street on June 21 under the theme “We Are Tapping Into The Ancestors’ Wisdom and Having the Freedom to Express Ourselves!”
In San Jose, more than 6,000 attendees are expected for its official Juneteenth jubilee on June 14 presented by the African American Community Service Agency. The event features rodeo demonstrations and musical performances by artists such as Tiera Kennedy, Kim Burrell, and Mario.
Santa Barbara’s annual event takes place at Plaza Del Mar/Band Shell Park under this year’s theme “Hope for the People.” Activities include live music, dancing, poetry readings, artist exhibitions, storytelling sessions for children, food trucks—and returns with its Black Artisan Market.
Los Angeles hosts Back on the Block’s fourth annual festival downtown at L.A. Center Studios on June 15 from 1–8 p.m., headlined by Mario alongside THEY. and Reason. Attendees can visit over 150 Black-owned businesses or enjoy food vendors as well as family activities.
The California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles presents an exhibition titled Repossessions & Reparations exploring reparations through art during their Juneteenth observance.
Long Beach celebrates at Rainbow Lagoon Park on June 14 featuring step shows; spoken word poetry; inspirational speakers; plus music and food offerings along waterfront walkways.
Palm Springs marks Juneteenth Freedom Weekend from June 19–21 starting with Village Fest downtown followed by a pageant event—a Kool & The Gang tribute concert—and concluding with a film screening at Palm Springs Art Museum before a picnic downtown.
San Diego offers two major events: Cooper Family Foundation hosts its long-running festival at Memorial Park in Logan Hills on Saturday June 21 including food trucks; educational talks; local vendors; kids’ bicycle rodeo—while Kinfolk Fest takes place at Waterfront Park (1600 Pacific Hwy) also on June 14 featuring R&B/hip-hop/Afrobeats music along with over fifty Black-owned vending stalls in an adults-only atmosphere.
