How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Seattle
Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021, following a year of fevered public outcry, protests, and education movements that shed a national spotlight on persistent racial inequality in the United States. But the anniversary of the day that the country’s last enslaved people learned of their emancipation has been celebrated in Black communities for generations. This year, old traditions meet with new ones in the Juneteenth celebrations cropping up all around Seattle.
While many of these events involve food in some form, our list of Black-owned restaurants is always a great place to start.
Juneteenth 2024 Celebration
June 15 & 16, 19 | Northwest African American Museum, Free
Celebrate Juneteenth all weekend with a curated slate of programs that includes a youth day on June 17 with live storytelling from Seattle Children's Theater, a film festival on June 18, and a skate party on June 19. Also, the museum is currently hosting the first West Coast stop of the exhibit Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See through December.
Revival: Juneteenth Popup market
June 16, noon–5pm | Midtown Square, 2301 E Union St
Support Black-owned businesses at this popup market in the Central District. There will be food trucks, retail vendors, and music spun by DJ Riz, broadcasting live on KEXP.
Songs of Black Folk 2024: Music of Resistance and Hope
June 16, 7pm | Paramount Theatre, $40
This musical performance brings together local and national artists for a journey across history, featuring a choir of 40 local singers. Soloists include R&B and gospel singer John Stoddart and classical singer Brandie Sutton, with narration from Reverend Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr. Tacoma-born Ramón Bryant Braxton returns for his third year as artistic director.
Freedom Dream
June 16, 2pm | Plymouth Church, free
Downtown's Plymouth Church hosts a free Sunday afternoon concert that celebrates Black women and Juneteenth. Musical performances weave together with narration and a guided sensory experience from emcee Kiesha Garrison, in a church that can trace its history back to 1869.
Juneteenth DJs on stage at Jimi Hendrix park.
Image: Alaundra Alford/Unsplash.com
Summer of Soul: Juneteenth
June 19, noon–8pm | Jimi Hendrix Park, free
Africatown's Summer of Soul concert series returns to Jimi Hendrix Park for a free celebration and performances, plus food, vendors, and family activities. The event is hailed as the city's oldest and biggest Juneteenth celebration.
Tacoma Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 11am–5pm | Stewart Heights Park, Free
South Sounders can celebrate Juneteenth at this free Tacoma festival with more than 100 vendors, music, a kids area (with bouncy houses, of course), and school and career resources. Performers include girl group 702 and Nigerian American singer Swego. Organizers will again crown a Miss Juneteenth.
State and National Park Free Days
June 19 | Free
Both the national parks and Washington's 100-plus state parks waive entrance and parking fees on June 19 to commemorate Juneteenth. That means no $30 entrance to Mount Rainier National Park—though you'll still need a reservation and camping fees may still apply.
Juneteenth Commemoration
June 20, 5:30–7pm | Washington State HIstory Museum, FREE
Tacoma's history institution teams with Blk Wins, a Black educational organization, for a free event the day after Juneteenth. The reflective presentation includes a conversation about the history of the holiday and its significance at the local and national level.
8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
June 22, 2–5pm | Othello Park, Free
Othello keeps the celebrations rolling through the weekend with a Saturday gathering featuring dance performances and lots of free soul food. The family friendly event also includes a balloon artist and crafts.
