Juneteenth (June 19) marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned that they were free from slavery, two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth is believed to be the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S.
Here in Miami, there are many events and activities from artistic to educational happening throughout the week. We’ve gathered the best Juneteenth celebrations that you can take part in this year:
1. Hued Songs’ Juneteenth Experience
Hued Songs is preparing for its annual Juneteenth Experience, honoring America’s second Independence Day. It will welcome everyone to two iconic venues over the course of three days to celebrate with music, spoken word and film. The event will begin at the Parker Playhouse on June 14 with soulful melodies and classical arrangements before taking over the Colony Theatre on June 18-19 with short films exploring themes of Black liberation and a performance weaving together music, movement, words and imagery. All shows will start at 7:30 p.m.
Where & When: June 14 at the Parker Playhouse (707 NE 8th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304), June 18 and 19 at the Colony Theatre (1040 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139)
2. Miami Beach OnStage!: Juneteenth – Day of Freedom
The City of Miami Beach and Lincoln Road Business Improvement District are presenting the sixth annual Juneteenth celebration, which will feature “A Journey of Divine Souls: A Celebration of Improvisation and Innovation,” a production by the Peter London Global Dance Company. The evening will kick off at Euclid Oval with a dance performance by Miami’z Finest and a showcase from Florida Memorial University’s ROAR Drumline before culminating at 1100 Lincoln Road with the stunning performance by PLGDC.
Where: Beginning at Euclid Oval and running down to 1100 Lincoln Road
When: Thursday, June 19, at 5:30 p.m.
3. “Still We Rise” exhibit by Addonis Parker
In “Still We Rise: The Art of Addonis Parker,” you can view the bold and striking artwork by the acclaimed muralist and OneUnited Bank’s artist-in-residence whose work has shaped Miami’s cultural landscape. Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou’s poetry, the new exhibit is a testament to the resilience, creativity and enduring spirit of an artist, and will be on view at Ten North Group’s contemporary collection in Opa-locka. The opening ceremony will take place on June 13th, 6 to 9 p.m., at The ARC.
Where: The ARC, 675 Ali Baba Ave, Opa-locka, FL 33054
When: June 13-August 30
4. Celebrate Juneteenth in the great outdoors
June 19th is a “fee-free day” for all Florida National Parks, making it the perfect opportunity to explore the Everglades or Dry Tortugas National Park! Learn about the park’s history while admiring its natural beauty, spotting wildlife and enjoying other outdoor activities.
5. Juneteenth Celebration at Miami Children’s Museum
Join Miami Children’s Museum for a day full of family-friendly creativity and celebration. At 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., the little ones can design celebration crowns, decorated with empowering words that highlight pride and strength. And at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., families can take part in creating freedom quilt squares, an activity where guests can use fabric, color and personal expression to share stories of family and heritage.
Where: Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132
When: Thursday, June 19
6. Juneteenth screenings at Rooftop Cinema Club
Take your next outdoor movie night to new heights — literally! Miami Beach’s iconic rooftop theater is highlighting Black cinema all Juneteenth weekend, from Love Jones to White Chicks and Friday. A portion of proceeds from screenings on Juneteenth will support the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC).
Where: Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach, 1212 Lincoln Rd 6th Level, Miami Beach, FL 33139
When: June 19-21
7. Juneteenth Jazz at The Betsy
The Betsy Hotel is pulling out all the stops to commemorate Juneteenth with a series of live performances at its Piano Bar. For Juneteenth week, now through June 29, Nicole Yarling takes the stage with a tribute to civil rights icon and jazz legend Josephine Baker, as well as a performance by Florence Naprix, a Guadeloupean artist known for blending jazz with Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Guests can enjoy the sounds while sipping on the Freedom Flower cocktail, inspired by West African tradition and made with hibiscus, pineapple, ginger, cinnamon and aged rum. The drink is available through June 22.
Where: 1440 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
8. Special dinner experience at Red Rooster Overtown
Marcus Samuelsson, Derek Fleming and Michael Simkins’s acclaimed Overtown restaurant will be celebrating the holiday with a soulful menu of entrées exclusive to June 19th. They’ll be offering Smoked Half Chicken with Alabama white barbecue sauce, Grilled Rack of Ribs glazed with signature Vibe sauce and house pickles, and Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Brisket with horseradish jus. They’ll also be serving up specialty cocktails like Cognac & Chill and Jubilee Juice. Live music by DJ LS One will set the mood on the patio, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Where: 920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136
When: Thursday, June 19
9. Free Summer of Soul movie night
In celebration of the holiday, the Miami Beach Bandshell will be screening Questlove’s award-winning documentary Summer of Soul, which spotlights the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. The free screening, presented by Rhythm Foundation, is part of the Bandshell’s ongoing North Beach Social series, which happens every third Thursday of the month.
Where: 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
When: Thursday, June 19