Celebrate Juneteenth 2025 in Southern California by Attending One of These Events

Happy Juneteenth!

In recognition of Juneteenth, the United States' youngest federal holiday, many government offices throughout the Southland and the country will be closed on Thursday, June 19.

Known as America's Second Independence Day, Juneteenth has been a federally recognized holiday since 2021, providing millions of Americans with a paid day off and the opportunity to commemorate the end of slavery. It was June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, with 2,000 Union troops to proclaim that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free; 2½ years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.

Where and How to Celebrate in Southern California

• Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, June 19, 1 to 2 p.m. Juneteenth celebration history and activities will be in person and live-streamed.

• California African American Museum: June 19, 5 to 8:30 p.m. "Reposessions and Reparations." Repossessions is a group exhibition that reflects on reparations for the descendants of enslaved African Americans. Exhibiting artists Chelle Barbour, Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle (Olomidara Yaya), Rodney Ewing, Curtis Patterson, and Marcus Brown will speak about their work on a tour led by exhibition curator Bridget R. Cooks. Afterward, engage in an insightful panel discussion with representatives from The Reparations Project and Reparations4Slavery. These organizations support descendant families of enslavers in their pursuit of ancestral healing through the repair of generational harm. Panelists include Lotte Lieb Dula and Briayna Cuffie of Reparations4Slavery, Sarah Eisner and Randy Quarterman of The Reparations Project, and moderator Bridget R. Cooks. More information.

• Autry Museum of the American West, June 19, 6 to 9 p.m. "Autry After Hours: Rodeo Rising--Celebrating Black Women Athletes." Trailblazing women in the rodeo industry who sowed the seeds for this ascent, and the upcoming generation of athletes who continue to drive the sport forward. Moderated by Lauren E. Banks of Lawmen: Bass Reeves, panelists include DeBoraha Akin-Townson, rodeo champion and founder of Townson Ranch; Margo Wade LaDrew, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo; and Jiyah & Jaelah Knapper, the Blue Bird Riders. More information.

• City of Buena Park, June 19, 6 to 9 p.m. Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom at Boisseranc Park. More information

• City of Manhattan Beach Juneteenth Celebration and Ceremony, June 19-22. Bruce's Beach Park and Polliwog Park. More information.

• North San Diego NAACP, June 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Annual Juneteenth Multicultural Celebration. Downtown Oceanside. More information.

• Cooper Family Foundation, June 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Memorial Park, San Diego. Includes educational programs, food, performances, activities, and music. More information.

• Culver City Juneteenth Celebration, June 21, 1 to 4 p.m. Ivy Station. A family-friendly event that includes food, festivities, and live music featuring BriJolie and Friends as well as Top Shelf Brass Band. More information.