Bring your family out to Sacramento’s longest-running Juneteenth Celebration this weekend in Land Park, which includes food, vendors and live music in a celebration of Black culture and history.
The name Juneteenth comes from the combination of June and nineteenth.
It was on that day in 1865 that Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, the emancipation of slaves in Texas, which was one of the last states to free the slaves. President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing enslaved individuals on Jan. 1, 1863, yet most Southern states did not immediately abide by the law, as the Civil War was still raging. When Union soldiers eventually defeated the Confederacy in 1865, the proclamation was ratified as the 13th Amendment, which abolished chattel slavery nationwide.
The observation of Juneteenth originated in Galveston and dates back to 1866. It has been primarily celebrated since then by African Americans throughout the country who have called it their Independence Day. The day or weekend featured a gathering of the Black community for food, fellowship, and reflection.
Today, Juneteenth National Independence Day is a federally recognized holiday, with various celebrations taking place in communities throughout the country. This weekend, Sacramento will be holding multiple Juneteenth events.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary is the longest-running event, Sacramento Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, at William Land Park, June 16 and 17. Under the theme, “Continuing the Push for Social Justice,” the event will feature speakers, music, a talent show, and vendors. The event kicks off on Saturday at 11 a.m. with a parade around the park.
Listen to "Celebrate Juneteenth in Sacramento" on Spreaker.
Sacramento Juneteenth Events
Friday, June 16
Inaugural Natomas Juneteenth Celebration, 5-8 p.m.
North Natomas Regional Park
Free admission
Friday and Saturday, June 16-17
Sacramento Juneteenth – 20th Annual Celebration
William Land Park
Friday, June 16 – Gospel Under the Stars, 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, June 17 – Juneteenth Festival, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Free admission
Saturday, June 17
St. Hope Celebrates Juneteenth Block Party at 40 Acres, 4-9 p.m.
Third Avenue and 35th Streets
Free admission
Celebrate Freedom Juneteenth Black Miners Bar, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Black Miners Bar, 9698 Greenback Lane, Folsom
Free admission
Juneteenth Family Event, 1-4 p.m.
North Sacramento Family Resource Center
Free admission
Monday, June 19
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, 5-7:30 p.m.
(Presented by Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
Mix Downtown
$10 members, $25 non-members
