How to celebrate Juneteenth in the Bay Area
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The Hella Juneteenth Festival in 2024 at the Oakland Museum of California. Photo: Tamara Pena
This year's Juneteenth gatherings in the Bay Area offer numerous opportunities to learn, experience and celebrate Black history and excellence.
Why it matters: Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery in the state — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The big picture: While this year's commemoration comes as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs face growing scrutiny and rollbacks across the U.S., the holiday remains a symbol of Black freedom, culture and community.
Here's how to celebrate:
✊🏾 Hella Juneteenth Festival: The Oakland Museum of California's annual family-friendly event is back with two stages of live music and the "Cookout Plate," showcasing dishes from East Bay Black chefs. Tickets start at $20.
- When: June 19, 12–5pm
- Where: 1000 Oak St., Oakland
🏃🏿 5K Freedom Run: You can also cheer from the sidelines if running isn't your thing.
- When: June 19, 6:30pm
- Where: Harrison & 19th streets, Lakeside Drive, Oakland
👠 All-Black drag show: Celebrate the Black LGBTQ+ experience with a special performance and "Sinners" screening at Oasis. Tickets start at $23.
- When: June 19, 7–10:30pm
- Where: 298 11th St., San Francisco
💿 R&B at the W: Honoring the soulful tunes of the genre with beats from its most influential artists. Partial proceeds of the event will benefit the Museum of the African Diaspora.
- When: June 19, 6–11pm
- Where: 181 Third St., San Francisco
🎶 Mid-Market's new block party: Featuring bands, DJs, breakdance battles, interactive art and local food from Black-owned restaurants.
- When: June 19, 4–7pm
- Where: Market & 5th Streets, San Francisco
🎬 San Francisco Black Film Festival: Watch films spotlighting the Black diaspora. Ticket prices for individual shows vary.
- When: June 19–22
- Where: Various locations
🎤 "Bronx Revolution and the Birth of Hip Hop": Featuring performances from hip-hop pioneers, including Grandmaster Caz and MC Sha-Rock. Tickets start at $40.
- When: June 20 and 21, 7:30pm
- Where: 701 Mission St., San Francisco
🥁 Juneteenth Parade: A full day packed with block parties, artistic exhibitions and cultural performances.
- When: June 22, 11am–3:30pm
- Where: Begins at Market and Spear streets before heading to Fulton Plaza, San Francisco