Though only officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, people have been celebrating Juneteenth, the commemoration of the end of slavery and the freedom of Black Americans, since 1865. And with each year, the celebrations are only getting bigger.

From parades to historical reenactments, African-inspired programming, and musical performances, read on for ways to celebrate Juneteenth 2023 in and around Bucks County.

Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration

Friday, June 16th, 11:30 am to 2 pm

457 W. Allen Street, Allentown

Come and join the Lehigh Conference of Churches in celebrating the day of freedom for African Americans. There will be raffle prizes, live entertainment, music and dance, food and drinks, fun games and more!

A Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 17th, 11 am to 5 pm

Memorial Park, 300 E. Main Street, Lansdale

Join The Black Business Association (Serving The North Penn School District Area) as they host their 4th annual Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 17th at Memorial Park in Lansdale. There will be music, food, vending and fun. This event is sponsored by the Black Reserve Bookstore, an independent niche bookstore whose mission it is to give significant access to the community on Black culture.

Juneteenth at The Mercer

Sunday, June 18th, 10:30 am- 4 pm

84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown

Join The Mercer Museum and the African Diaspora Collective of Bucks County for the second annual Juneteenth Celebration on the green. There will be music, educational opportunities, food trucks, a marketplace, and more! Bring a chair or blanket and spend a free and relaxing day with your community. The second Annual Juneteenth at the Mercer Museum is brought to you by the Bucks County Anti-Racism Coalition, the PairUP Society, the NAACP of Bucks County, and the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle.

Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival

Sunday, June 18th, 10 am- 7 pm

52nd Street, Philadelphia

 The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival has grown to be the largest in the nation drawing over 25,000 attendees to experience a culturally festive 1.5 mile long parade with over 2,000 participants and 20+ floats. The parade will commence at 52nd and Jefferson Streets at 11 am.

Juneteenth Celebration at The Bristol Waterfront

Saturday, June 18th, 10 am

100 Basin Park, Bristol

The Lower Bucks Juneteenth Planning Committee welcomes you to the 2023 Lower Bucks Juneteenth Celebration, which will be held Sunday, June 18, 2023 at the Bristol Waterfront. Join your community in celebrating the anniversary of African American emancipation from enslavement. Email info@juneteenthlbc.com if interested in joining as an artist or vendor to showcase your work and sell your products.

Norristown Juneteenth Jubilee Street Festival

Monday, June 19th, 12 to 6 pm

DeKalb and Main Streets, Norristown

The Juneteenth Jubilee Street Festival in Norristown will be a joyful celebration of heritage and community, featuring an eclectic mix of local vendors, entertainment, music, and food.

The festival, which celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans, will include live entertainment, vendors, food, drinks, an art show, kids zone, a Harriet Tubman reenactment at Center Theater and more.

Juneteenth at the Please Touch Museum

Monday, June 19th, 9 am to 4:30 pm

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

Celebrate the Black experience with interactive storytimes by Gail Ramos and Thembi Palmer, special performances by Queen Nur, and more. These activities are included in your general admissions ticket.

Feature Photo Courtesy of the Mercer Museum and Kevin Crawford Imagery