Juneteenth Events to Explore This June
Find Freedom Day jubilations happening all month long throughout Richmond!
Observed on Sunday, June 19th, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States and the newest recognized federal holiday. Explore all the ways to honor those who fought for freedom during the month of June by visiting any of the historic downtown Richmond sites, from the Emancipation and Freedom monument on Brown's Island to the Richmond African Burial Ground in Shockoe Bottom.
Make sure to check out our round-up of celebratory events happening throughout downtown Richmond in the list below.
1. Freedom on Paper: An Exhibition of “Free Negro Registers” from the Virginia Untold Project
June 17 @ Library of Virginia
In celebration of Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States, visitors to the Library of Virginia will have the rare opportunity to view a selection of "Free Negro Registers" displayed in the lobby and to learn about the Library’s efforts to digitize, preserve, and make them more accessible.
Find more information about this event here!
2. Juneteenth Fashion Show & Pop-Up Shop
June 17 @ 24 E. Broad Street
Sarah’s Den will host its first fashion show and pop-up shop featuring designers from the Tri-Cities who will be showcasing their Spring & Summer Collection. All proceeds will go to the Unique Resource Center programs. Enjoy a night of fashion, culture and networking in downtown Richmond.
Find more information about this event here!
3. A Jubilee Soiree
June 18 @ Charlotte's Southern Deli
Celebrate Black culture through food and cocktails made by five local Black chefs that benefits the RVA Homeless Intervention Program.
Find more information about this event here!
4. 5th Annual RVA Black Bar Crawl: A Juneteenth Celebration
June 19 @ Downtown RVA Restaurants & Bars
Join this bar takeover to celebrate, network and socialize at multiple minority-owned restaurants, bars and lounges throughout downtown Richmond:
- Addis Restaurant
- Bellos Lounge
- Daily Menu
- Liquid Cafe 2.0
- Main Street Steakhouse
- Margarita’s Cantina
- Stadium Sports Bar
- Southern Kitchen
Find more information about this event here!
5. Jubilation in June
June 18 & 19 at 17th Street Market and Deepwater Terminal
On June 18, enjoy “Shared History in Stories” at 17th Street Market, a theater production titled “Journey to Freedom” performed by students from the Journey-Mapping Your Career program. On June 19, Jubilation in June will culminate with a festival at Deepwater Terminal and will feature performances from local artist Bee Bouiseou, national recording artists The Hamiltones and culminate in a fireworks display at 9:15PM.
Find more information about this event here!
6. Juneteenth: Freedom Day
June 19 @ ST. PETER'S AND ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Start your day with a gathering of prayers and songs at St. John's and join a March for Unity to the Peter Paul Development Center where there will be a worship service, kid-friendly games and activies, food and more.
Find more information about this event here!
7. Elegba Folklore Society's Juneteenth 2022 Celebration
June 26 @ RICHMOND AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND
Join Elegba Folklore Society at the Richmond African Burial Ground for a day of performances, a Get Woke youth summit, a Freedom Market, ancestral offerings and more.
Find more information about this event here!