2022 marks the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth, which is the federal holiday commemorating the freedom of enslaved African Africans in Galveston, Texas on the 19th of June in 1865, two years after it should have been in effect with President Lincoln’s enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
President Biden then solidified this joyous day as a federal holiday in 2021, and this year the Bay Area is ready to celebrate more than ever through community events, live music, movie screenings and much more. See our list below to plan your perfect weekend festivities!
See also: Chef Mimi's Black & Asian Solidarity Dinner Was An Empowering Night Of Unifying Cuisine & Community
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1 Ferry Building / Website
If you're craving delicious handcrafted cuisine from local Black-owned businesses, then definitely head to the Ferry Building's free waterfront food pavillion! There will plenty of irresistable dishes such as comforting Gumbo Social and Jamaican Peaches Patties, as well as refreshing drinks, fun music, and more all under the summer sun at the famous shop's outdoor Terminal Plaza.
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4705 3rd St / Website
The Black Wall Street Celebration will be packing its third annual iteration with a wide variety of food vendors, gallery exhibitions, their exclusive Black Millionaire Marketplace, and premiere movie screenings! All month long, reserve your tickets and come out to the Bayview Opera House to watch a curated selection of black films.
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685 Mission St / Website
The Museum of the African Diaspora will be providing free admission all day to not only their current exhibitions, but also to their virtual panel discussions and a performance from St. Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band, a New Orleans traditional jazz marching ensemble in their noteworthy salon.
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Music Concourse Dr / Website
For two lovely evenings of free live music, come to Golden Gate Park's famous music concourse either Friday or Saturday for a performance special titled “The Evolution of America Through Jazz" with the Fillmore Jazz Ambassadors. These shows will feature live sets from incredible talents of the John Coltrane Church Jazz Ensemble, Lady Bianca, Robin Duke and Fillmore Slim, and more.
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Between Adeline St. & Alcatraz Ave. / Website
If you are over in the cultural pantheon of sunny Berkeley, definitely visit their free 35th annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., which is expected to host several delectable food vendors, family friendly activities, and live jazz entertainment by Nate the Soulsanger and more.
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800 Drake Ave, Sausalito / Website
Over in Marin's Rocky Graham Park will be their sixth Juneteenth festival, replete with local community vendors, great food, and more, all to highlight and uplift their positive 2022 "Looking Towards the Future" theme.
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3427 San Pablo Ave, Oakland / Website
On June 18th, Oakland wll be holding its tenth annual Pan African Wellness Fest, which is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health, yoga, self-defense, and meditative resources. The following day will be the big party, which will be highly entertaining and electrifying with famous Bay Area DJs at the Lake Merritt Amphitheatre.
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2023 Broadway, Oakland / Website
At the gorgeous intersection of Pride and Juneteenth is Oakland's amazing Port Bar, which is hosting an immensely amusing drag brunch hosted by the stunning BeBe Sweetbriar and featuring several truly talented queens such as Coco Buttah and more. This is a fantastically unique way to start your morning!
See also: 6 Local Makeup & Skincare Brands Perfect For Glamming Up For Pride Month And Summer
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Downtown San Jose / Website
Lastly down in the south bay is San Jose's can't-miss free Juneteenth party begininng with a soul food brunch at the city's landmark, Jackie's Place, and then leading to a street bazaar with artists, musicians, businesses, and local resources. You won't want to miss seeing Tamar Braxton headline here!
No matter where you are this Sunday, the whole Bay Area will be lit up with several lively and colorful parties all celebrating freedom, community, solidarity, excellence, and progress.
See also: All The Must-Attend Pride Club Parties Happening This Year
Photography by: Elevate/Pexels
