Fireworks celebrations, picnics, and sparklers mark Independence Day on July 4—but in 1776, the year the “all men are created equal”-affirming Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Continental Congress, much of the American populous remained enslaved. That’s why many consider Juneteenth the day of American freedom. Officially recognized as a state holiday in California since 2003, Juneteenth (short for June 19th) marks the end of slavery in the United States.
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, but it wasn’t until June 19 in 1865 when Union troops marched to Galveston, Texas, to enforce this law that the institution of slavery was finally toppled. Now a meaningful day for Americans everywhere—especially those of African descent—Juneteenth is celebrated all over the country. In California, this means all-day block parties, star-studded concerts, and food-filled festivals. Here’s how and where to honor the holiday in 2025, and how you can keep the celebration going by supporting Black-owned businesses in California all year.
Sacramento Juneteenth Festival
Sacramento’s two-day-long affair (June 20–21) will kick off with a “Gospel Under the Stars” concert on Friday night in William Land Regional Park. On Saturday, the festival expands to two stages with keynote speakers, local bands, and a community talent show. Come Sunday, golfers can enjoy a day on the links with the Juneteenth Tournament on William Land Golf Course.
Sonoma County Juneteenth, Santa Rosa
The 55th Annual MLK Festival of Diversity and Inclusion marks a time-honored tradition in Santa Rosa that features gospel, jazz, and R&B performances on June 14. Other highlights include educational speakers, an arts-and-crafts fair, domino games, and a basketball tournament. March to commemorate freedom from Julliard Park to Martin Luther King, Jr. Square.
San Francisco Juneteenth Weekend
Founded in the spring of 2020 in solidarity with the George Floyd uprising, SF Black Wallstreet is committed to creating economic power for Black residents in the Bay Area and beyond on June 19. This year’s Juneteenth celebration in Gilman Playground—held on Sunday, June 15—will focus on dads and families (it’s also Father’s Day and the organization’s fifth anniversary) with amusement park rides, live performances, and one-of-a-kind shopping at the Black Millionaire Marketplace.
Juneteenth Weekend, Oakland
Famous for a legacy of Black history and culture, the city of Oakland honors Juneteenth in a big way. Head to the Oakland Cemetery on Saturday the 14th for the Juneteenth Family Festival, the Oakland Museum of California for Hella Juneteenth Festival on the 19th, and Brockhurst St. in West Oakland on the 21st for the Juneteenth Celebration & Street Festival, where the theme this year is "We Are Tapping Into The Ancestors’ Wisdom and Having the Freedom to Express Ourselves!"
Juneteenth in the Streets, San Jose
Presented by the African American Community Service Agency, 2025 marks the 44th celebration of San Jose’s official Juneteenth jubilee. Join an expected 6,000-plus revelers on June 14 to witness the Bill Pickett Rodeo and take in performances from more than a dozen artists, including country singer Tiera Kennedy, gospel singer and composer Kim Burrell, and R&B headliner Mario.
Juneteenth Santa Barbara
The city’s annual Juneteenth celebration recognizes the history and accomplishments of Santa Barbara’s Black residents past, present, and future with free food, dancing, and music. Held at Plaza Del Mar/Band Shell Park, the “Hope for the People”–themed celebration will feature live local music, dancing, poetry, spoken word, artist exhibitions, storytelling, kids zone, beer and wine garden, and food/food trucks. Also featured will be the return of the Black Artisan Market.
Back on the Block Juneteenth Festival, Los Angeles
Back on the Block’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Festival rolls through Downtown L.A. Center Studios on Sunday, June 15, from 1–8 p.m. R&B star Mario, alt-R&B duo THEY., and hip-hop artist Reason will headline the stage. Plus, learn about and peruse the offerings of 150+ Black-owned businesses and 40 food vendors. Also not to be missed are a VIP rooftop lounge, pop-up DJs, giveaways, gaming, and family‑friendly activities.
Repossessions & Reparations at CAAM, Los Angeles
L.A.’s California African American Museum (CAAM) is dedicated to the preservation of African American art and culture all year round. On Juneteenth, the museum will present an exhibition, Repossessions & Reparations, that explores the concept of reparations through art.
The Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration
Get in the spirit under palm trees and along waterfront walkways in Long Beach’ s Rainbow Lagoon Park. The city’s Juneteenth celebration on June 14 will feature a step show, spoken word poetry, inspirational speakers—plus plenty of music, food, and fun.
Juneteenth Freedom Weekend, Palm Springs
Join the desert community with an activity-filled weekend of food, fashion, and entertainment June 19–21. This year, Palm Springs will kick things off with the Village Fest in downtown on the 19th, followed by the Kings & Queens Pageant and a Kool & the Gang tribute band concert in the park on the 20th, and finally a screening of the film Rascist Trees on the 21st at the Palm Springs Art Museum followed by a picnic downtown.
Cooper Family Foundation Juneteenth Freedom Festival, San Diego
This family-friendly celebration has been a beloved San Diego tradition for more than 50 years. What started in the parking lot of the family-owned Cooper Grocery Store has since expanded to welcome thousands of people to Memorial Park in Logan Hills. This Saturday, June 21 event will feature food trucks, educational speakers, local vendors, and a kid’s bicycle rodeo.
Juneteenth Kinfolk Fest, San Diego
Celebrate freedom and culture at Kinfolk Fest—San Diego’s Juneteenth Festival for the Culture, happening Saturday, June 14, from 2–9 p.m. at Waterfront Park (1600 Pacific Hwy). Enjoy R&B, hip‑hop, Afrobeats and diaspora sounds, browse 50-plus Black‑owned vending stalls, savor food and craft drinks, and join games and giveaways in this joyous 21+ celebration.