Best Juneteenth New Jersey Celebrations

Juneteenth New Jersey Celebrations

Juneteenth is an important federal holiday
in which we celebrate the emancipation of slaves following the Civil War

While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared a formal end to slavery in the United States in 1863, it was not until Nearly two and a half years later, on June 19th, 1865, the enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas got the news by way of the Union army troops that freedom had come at last.

The next year, the people of Galveston commemorated June 19th, as a celebration of freedom. Since then the Black community has always celebrated with at-home barbecues and parties.

The Holiday celebration has since been called Juneteenth blending the name with the month and the day --- "June" plus "nineteenth" --- to become Juneteenth. It's also often called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.

In 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey officially made Juneteenth a state holiday.

In 2021, the federal government officially recognized it as a federal holiday.

This year, Juneteenth falls on Monday, June 19, 2023

Note: Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.

Stay tuned --- we will be updating this list as the event sponsors confirm this year's events.

Northern Jersey Juneteenth 2023
New Jersey celebrations

Listed by earliest date:

Bayonne Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 17th, 2023; Noon - 5pm (rain or shine)
16th Street and Avenue A lower level
Bayonne, NJ
Website
This event feaures live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, giveaways and a 50/50 raffle.

Bloomfield Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17, 2023; Noon - 6pm
Glenwood Avenue between Washington Street and Lackawanna Place.
Bloomfield, NJ
Website
This event features music, food, and activities for people of all ages. There will be performances by local artists, as well as speeches by community leaders and historians. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about the history of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans to our country.

The Celebration of Juneteenth & Black Music Appreciation Month
Saturday, June 17, 2023: 11am - 1pm
NJPAC Arts Education Center
24 Rector St
The Black Box
Newark, NJ
Website
Free event
This event will pay homage to Juneteenth while Celebrating Black Music Appreciation Month focusing on the Evolution of Music through its many genres. Dr. Martha Simmons of Atlanta, GA, noted as a veteran ministry leader in America, will present on the importance of maintaining the history of Juneteenth, while also moderating the panel discussion on the history and relevance of intertwining cross-cultural genres of music. In addition, a discussion elaborating on major obstacles of survival in a developing world, primarily in urban communities, including the breakdown of the family, unemployment, disenfranchised, inclusive of the lack of social/support services, and the concerns of canceled culture. Recognizing that a systemic problem exists in the educational and social development of our people, we will address the lack of education among the urban adult population.

Juneteenth Jubilee
June 17, 2023 12pm - 6pm
Hillside School
54 Orange Road
Montclair NJ
Website
Event Cost*: Free
In an effort to raise funds and awareness for the Friends of the Howe House, what better way to kick off our Juneteenth Freedom Celebration than with a pouring of libation and moment of silence at the Howe House followed by African-Drumming and New Orleans First Line inspired community march from the Howe House to the grounds of the Hillside School where everyone will be met with the sounds of DJ Swift. The fun-filled day will include guest speakers, vendor’s village, food trucks, face painters, and story corner for what is sure to be an awesome day of community fellowship.

Summit Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17, 2023; @4:45pm
Village Green
356 Broad Street
Summit, NJ
Website
The events begin with a Prayer and a performance of the black national anthem, and a flag raising for the Juneteenth and Pan-African flags. The event will also feature a black-owned vendor and display fair; a live DJ; spoken word, musical, and dance performances; and a gallery of posters highlighting figures of black excellence in Summit. 

3rd Annual Union Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 17, 2023: 11am - 6pm
1 Swanstrom Place
East Union, NJ
Website
Free Event
This celebration features live Music, performances, vendors, family fun, and more!
Free Parking available

Central Jersey Juneteenth 2023
New Jersey celebrations

Listed by earliest date

Ocean Grove Juneteenth Celebation
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 16, 17, 18, 2023
Jersey Shore Arts Center
66 South Main Street
Ocean Grove, NJ
Tickets
Cost: Tickets are $20 per night and give you access to all performances for that date.
This celebration features a weekend of incredible performances! Friday, June 16: Rod Williams Dr. K's Motown Revue Saturday, June 17: N&D Electric Duo Valerie Adams & Dimension Jackie Venson Sunday, June, 18: Kyle Jason & the Martini Swing.

Freehold Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Day
Saturday, June 17th, 2023; 1pm - 5pm
Court Street Scholl Education Center
140 Court St
Freehold, NJ
Website
908-466-6541
This event features a celebration of Freedom Day with music, good food, games, history lessons, Juneteenth virtual presentation, spoken word and plenty of fun.
Learn the history of Court Street School and other black historical landmarks in and around Monmouth County, The history of Juneteenth, and the history of the Black National Anthem.


Metuchen Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17, 2023: 5 - 8pm
Downtown Metuchen Town Plaza
33 Pearl Street
Metuchen, NJ
Website
This event features musicians, artists, writers, philosophers, fashion icons, filmmakers, costume and set designers, actors, activists and academics who have believed in a better future for Black people — and for all people. The event will include live music and presenters.

SSAAM Juneteenth Celebration - Freedom Forward
Saturday, June 17, 2023: 12 noon - 4pm (rain or shine)
Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum
189 Hollow Road
Skillman. NJ
Tickets
908-334-0551
Cost: $15-$25
This Juneteenth celebration, "Freedom Forward," is a family-friendly event that aims to educate, celebrate, and promote unity and cohesion within our culturally diverse community.
The event will feature music by the Jon Ware Quintet featuring Gina Ware, a youth rock band from the Allegra School of Music and Arts, opera singer, Dr. Sonya Headlam, an original play written by Ryan Kilpatrick and performed by youth actors from the Allegra School of Music and Arts, original poetry by Olivia Altiidor, a youth poet from Hillsborough High School, a stone mosaic workshop from Emmy award-winning educator and artist, Dr. Ronah Harris and a family tree heritage workshop led by the Morven Museum. The event will feature classic African American barbecue from The Big Easy of Trenton and vegan food options from Mukolee Food Truck. The day will also feature activities in our Heritage Garden and tours of the grounds. This family-friendly event will have fun games and activities for all to enjoy.

Red Bank Juneteenth Celebration
Sunday, June 18, 2023: 1 pm - 4 pm
Johnny Jazz Park
270 Shrewsbury Avenue
Red Bank, NJ
Website
732-530-2782
Cost: Free admission
This event will feature food trucks, live music, speakers, and more.

Mercer County Juneteenth Black Business Expo
Saturday, June 24, 2023; 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Conference Center Inside the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness
3100 Quakerbridge Road
Hamilton, NJ
Website
Cost: Free and open to the public
This family friendly event provides diverse people from all backgrounds the opportunity to experience and learn about Black-owned businesses in the Mercer County area, as well as discover the hidden jewels in the community.
There will be Shopping Food (while supplies last) Live DJ, Prizes and Giveaways

Southern Jersey Juneteenth 2023
New Jersey celebrations

Listed by earliest date

Burlington Freedom Day: A Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday & Sunday, June 17th, 18th, 2023:from 2pm to 7 pm
Burlington Riverfront Promenade
Riverfront and High Street
Burlington, NJ
Website
609.336.6202.
Cost: Free admission
The kick-off event will be held on Saturday with great music, food, vendors, and our Kid's Zone that includes FREE lunch as well as FREE crafts, games, and activities for all of the children.
"Praise on the Promenade: A Gospel Music Celebration" will be held on Sunday to close out the events for 2023. Varied performances, special guests, great food, and music will be the focus of the day. Feel free to bring your blankets and chairs so that you can lounge on the lawn and enjoy all that the day has to offer.

Camden Juneteenth Weekend Celebration
Saturday, Sunday, June 17, 18, 2023; 2pm-7pm
Two locations Wiggins Park
2 Riverside Drive
& Farnham Park
Camden, NJ
Website
856-757-7201
Weekend Celebration. Featuring live entertainment, vendors, food, fun and much more! The June 17th date will take place at Wiggins Waterfront Park and the June 18th date will take place at Farnham Park.Sunday

Glassboro Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17 2023, @1:00 pm – 7:30 pm (rain date June 25th)
Glassboro Sports Complex
230 Wilmer St
Glassboro, NJ
Website
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.

Mount Laurel Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17, 2023: 12 PM – 3 PM
Laurel Acres Park
1045 S. Church Street
Mount Laurel, NJ
Website
Cost: Free admission
This celebration features an afternoon with historical exhibits, educational information, local vendors, live music, food trucks and more. Attendees can look forward to special educational sessions like the Timbuctoo Historical Society, which will present information on the settlement of Timbuctoo, which was formed by formerly enslaved and free African Americans. Jacob's Chapel will also perform "If These Stones Could Talk", a historical reenactment play based on the life and family of William Still. Activities will include henna, bounce houses, jewelry making, rock painting, and Games on the Go- Video Game Truck.

Willingboro Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 17, 2023: Noon-4 p.m. (Rain or Shine)
Millcreek Park
Beverly Rancocas Road and Pageant Lane
Willingboro, NJ
Website
This celebration features an educational and entertaining experience with music, food trucks, vendors, African dance, spoken word performances, freedom trail walk, and selections by the Willingboro Community Choir.

Buena Vista Juneteenth Celebration
Sunday, June 18th, 2023: 2:30pm - 5pm
At Martin Luther King, Jr. Center
661 Jackson Road
Newtonville, NJ
Website
609-350-6662