New Jersey's Juneteenth: A Guide to Local Celebrations: 2025 Edition
Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of the 1865 emancipation of the last group of enslaved people in the United States—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, delivering the long-awaited news of freedom.
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated across the country, including events throughout New Jersey. Originally marked by family gatherings, barbecues, and parties honoring freedom, the holiday earned its name by blending "June" and "nineteenth." It is also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.
Observed annually on June 19, Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Historical Juneteenth Events to Attend in New Jersey
Best Juneteenth events - Northern Jersey
Bloomfield Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 14, 2025;12pm - 7pm
Bloomfield Center
Washington St &
Glenwood Ave.
Bloomfield,
NJ
Free event
This family celebration features a day of history, culture, and community! Live Entertainment Delicious Food Vendors Family-Friendly Activities Local Artists & Historians This event honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. while celebrating the rich cultural contributions, resilience, and achievements of Black people throughout history.
Union Twp Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 14th, 2025: from 12pm to 6pm
Biretumfpel Park
Union, NJ
This family event features a day of community celebration, great music, food, art, and vendors.
Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration
Friday, June 20, 2025: 6:30?PM 7:30?PM
Flood’s Hill
South Orange, NJ
Features an evening of live music, powerful readings, delicious food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display as they honor freedom, history, and community.
Atarodo Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 21, 2025
1016 Broad St
Newark, NJ
Get ready for a day filled with music, food, and fun as they commemorate Juneteenth together. There will be Afro-Lofi Musi, good food , zobo drinks , soda, and community.
The food will feature
Nigerian dishes - Jollof Rice, Fried Rice , Chicken , Meat pie , Egusi soup , Efo-riro ( Spinach soup) , and fufu.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to come together and honor the history and culture of the Black community.
Best Juneteenth events - Central Jersey
Listed by earliest date:
Freehold Juneteenth Celebration
Sunday, June 8th, 2025; 12 pm - 4pm
Between Court St and Throckmorton St.
Downtown
Freehold, NJ
This event features a celebration with music, food, games, and more. Live entertainment by Valerie Adams and the Dimension Band.
NAACP Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Saturday, June 14th, 2025
Minnie B. Veal Community Center
1070 Grove Avenue
Edison, NJ
Free Event
This family event features
a day filled with joy, reflection, and unity. The event will include:
A lineup of sensational live performances, hosted by WBLS Radio Personality Dr. Bob Lee, showcasing the rich diversity of African American culture. Music by DJ Sequence, Food, Children's Zone, Health & Wellness area, Basketball Tournament, and more with vendor booths, educational exhibits, and interactive experiences.
Juneteenth Family Arts & Cultural Festival
Saturday, June 21, 2025: 12PM
Springwood Avenue Park
Springwood Avenue,
Asbury Park, NJ
Free Event
The family event features a day of joy, connection and celebration.
Its a vibrant gathering for all ages at the Juneteenth Family Arts & Cultural Festival! Discover dozens of Black-owned businesses, connect with over 20 service agencies and enjoy live performances that showcase the heart and soul of our community. A highlight will be performances by the Inspire Life Creators Lab Band, a dynamic group of young musicians (ages 10–15) mentored by Grammy®-nominated artist Akene Dunkley.
PNC Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 21, 2025:2pm to 10pm
PNC Bank Arts Center
Holmdel, NJ
An event with top performers Larry June, MIKE, Honey Bxby, Showcase, Flygerian highlighting a celebration on the rich culture, business and talent that resides in New Jersey.
Best Juneteenth events - South Jersey
Listed by earliest date:
NAACP Willingboro & Vicinity Juneteenth Brunch
Saturday, June 7, 2025: 11am-3pm
O'Connor's American Bar & Grille
1383 Monmouth Road
Eastampton Township, NJ
Cost: Adult $75.
Child (Age 3-10) $50
Connect with community, friends and neighbors while supporting this NAACP fundraiser. Enjoy brunch cocktails and an awesome brunch buffet.
This event will be an opportunity to connect with the community and support a worthy cause. Come hungry and ready to enjoy a wonderful brunch experience with friends and neighbors.
This fundraiser event
benefits the Willingboro & Vicinty NAACP Branch is known for its commitment to youth and their annual Scholarship Fund.
Gloucester Township Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 21, 2025: 1pm-4pm; Rain Date June 22nd.
Veterans’ Park
Gloucester, Twp, NJ
This family celebration features a day of culture and community with local businesses, a cultural marketplace, delicious food, live music, youth activities, and plenty of entertainment for everyone!
Glassboro's
Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 28, 2025, @2 pm - 8 pm
Glassboro Sports Complex
230 Wilmer St
Glassboro, NJ
Cost: Free admission
This event features
a day of community & unity! Guests will be entertained with live entertainment such as music, dance, poetry and more! Kids activities include bounce houses, obstacle course, games, and more. All attendees will have the opportunity to shop from our wide selection of black owned businesses who will be vendors at this annual event. Bring your lawn chairs, bring the family, and bring the love—this celebration is for everyone.
Juneteenth: A celebration of freedom
The Camden County Historical Society .
Saturday, June 21, 2025: 2 PM to 8 PM
1900 Park Blvd.
Camden, New Jersey
Admissions to the museum will be free from 2 to 4 PM for self guided tour.
This event features a marketplace featuring local owned businesses and organizations.
The voices Poets and storytellers will echo throughout the day. Drumming, dance performances, a line dance or two and Art by Terrell Maurice will fill the space.
The highlight of the day will be a ticketed Gathering Dinner, starting at 4 pm. Chefs Larry and Steven Washington are curating a feast showcasing the historic flavors of Juneteenth’s freedom.
