Although it only become a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black communities in Seattle for years. It’s a day for the community to get together and enjoy good food, music, and Black culture. Many of these events are free or low-cost, so make sure to get out there this weekend—and, of course, support Seattle’s Black-owned businesses, makers, and restaurants year-round.
Here are six Juneteenth events in Seattle that you can attend this year:
1. The 22nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Rainier Beach
When: Saturday, June 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Rainier Beach Community Center
Cost: Free
You’ll be able to support local Black-owned businesses at this Juneteenth celebration in Rainier Beach. Admission is free and there will be entertainment, food, raffles, and family fun. Get more info here.
2. Freedom Flows: A Juneteenth Event at MoPOP
When: Monday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Museum of Pop Culture
Cost: $10-$15
Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture is hosting a 21+ event on the evening of Juneteenth that will be honoring 50 years of hip-hop history. In addition to being able to explore their current hip-hop exhibit Contact High, you’ll enjoy panels, dancing, a freestyle rap battle, and more. See details on the MoPOP website.
3. Juneteenth 2023 Skate to Freedom Party
When: Monday, June 19 from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Judkins Park
Cost: Free
Swing by Judkins Park for an inclusive day of roller skating, live music, and more. Don’t own skates? No problem: there will be free skate rentals so all can join in the fun.
4. Juneteenth Market & Mixer at Communion
When: Monday, June 19
Where: 24th and Union (Central District)
Cost: Free
Beloved Black-owned restaurant Communion is hosting this Juneteenth mixer in the Central District. Stop by to enjoy food and live music and to support local storefronts and over 30 vendors.
5. Juneteenth “Songs of Black Folk 2023”
When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Paramount Theatre
Cost: $30+
Performers and presenters at this concert at The Paramount will show “how Black musical culture has functioned as both a tool of resistance and as a powerful source of hope for a Black people.” The musical genres will include blues, Gospel, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and more. Get tickets and details on the Seattle Theatre Group website.
6. REVIVAL Juneteenth Market Pop-Up
When: Sunday, June 18 from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Midtown Square Plaza in Capitol Hill
Cost: Free
Support local businesses at this pop-up market that is celebrating Juneteenth with food vendors, makers, and music. It is produced by Capitol Hill EcoDistrict: a “community driven effort that promotes a socially equitable, environmentally resilient and culturally vibrant neighborhood.”
7. Summer of Soul Series: Juneteenth
When: Monday, June 19 from noon to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Jimi Hendrix Park
Cost: Free
Africatown Community Land Trust is continuing their Summer of Soul series with a Juneteenth event in Jimi Hendrix Park. There will be live music and entertainment, shopping, and family fun.
8. Free state parks entrance
When: Monday, June 19
Where: All WA state parks
Cost: Free
In honor of Juneteenth, Washington state parks will waive the entrance fee on Monday, June 19. Not sure which state park to visit? See our guide to the best Washington state parks.