This year, Juneteenth, the federal holiday on June 19 that celebrates the conclusion of slavery in the United States, falls on a Friday, providing a perfect opportunity for festivities. Across both Baltimore and Maryland, numerous organizations are preparing to observe the day through a variety of events including festivals, concerts, educational programs, family-friendly activities, and community gatherings.
Juneteenth marks the date in 1865 when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, and announced to enslaved African Americans that they were granted freedom—over two years after President Abraham Lincoln enacted the Emancipation Proclamation.
Designated as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has rapidly evolved into one of the country’s most significant annual celebrations honoring Black history, culture, resilience, and achievements.
Here are some events to celebrate and honor Juneteenth in and around Baltimore.
AFRAM
Baltimore’s premier Juneteenth festival, AFRAM, is set to return to Druid Hill Park this year for its 50th anniversary.
Recognized as one of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast, AFRAM will showcase live music, cultural performances, diverse food vendors, family-friendly activities, African drumming, arts and crafts, along with various community organizations. This year’s lineup of performers includes well-known names such as Charlie Wilson, Mario, SWV, The Lox, Tamia, PJ Morton, Chloe Bailey, Lil Mo, Ultra Naté, and Baltimore’s own jazz trumpeter Brandon Woody. For more details, you can learn more here.
When: June 19-21; Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Druid Hill Park
Admission: Free
Juneteenth at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum invites the community for a day filled with free programming that examines the meaning of freedom through historical lens, insightful dialogue, artmaking workshops, panel discussions, and cultural showcases.
Inspired by the museum’s upcoming exhibition, The Lines We Cross, attendees will have the chance to reflect on the ongoing struggles for equity and justice in America. Additional details can be found here.
When: Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St.
Admission: Free
Rhythm Liberation Fest
Hosted by the Waterfront Partnership, the Rhythm Liberation Fest merges music, culture, and community programming that honors Black history, creativity, and liberation. Attendees can enjoy live music, DJs, local artists, and delicious food, all against the picturesque backdrop of the Inner Harbor. For further information, discover more here.
When: Friday, June 19, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Baltimore Museum of Industry
Admission: $5; free for children under 13.
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum Celebration
The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Baltimore County will commemorate Juneteenth with various activities including live music, living-history presentations, educational programming, and vendor exhibits, all celebrating the life and legacy of Benjamin Banneker. More details can be found here.
When: Friday, June 19, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Catonsville
Admission: Free
Juneteenth Celebration at AVAM
The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) will host a day of family-oriented events to honor the contributions and legacy of Black artists and culture. Noteworthy features include a pop-up shop showcasing local artist Sean Ramon Montague of Ethnicitees, who presents apparel and mugs portraying significant Black historical figures. Visitors can also join a guided tour highlighting Black visionary artists in AVAM’s collection. Organizers emphasize that this event aims to strengthen community ties through art, history, and narrative. You can learn more here.
When: Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy.
Admission: Activities included with regular museum admission.
Our Stories, Our Truth: African American and Black Veterans Share Their Experiences
The Baltimore chapter of StoryCorps presents Our Stories, Our Truth, an evening highlighting narratives from African American and Black veterans regarding their military service, resilience, identity, and community ties. The event will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning producer and Army veteran KeSean Johnson and features speakers such as Dr. Diandra Poe, an Army veteran and advocate for survivors of military sexual trauma, actor and Marine veteran Daniel Shannon, labor leader and combat veteran Keturah Johnson, and Army veteran advocate Stephanie Merlo. The organizers claim that this event seeks to explore the connections among military service, Black history, and the relentless quest for equity and acknowledgment. Additional information is available here.
When: Saturday, June 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Baltimore War Memorial, 101 North Gay Street, Baltimore
Admission: Open to the public; donations welcome.
Beyond Baltimore
Those interested in exploring further beyond the city can find numerous larger regional celebrations scheduled throughout Maryland, including:
If you are aware of any other Juneteenth events taking place in Baltimore, feel free to mention them in the comments so we can add them to our list, or you may email us at editor@baltimorefishbowl.com.
Past Events
Black Musical Expression & Memory: A Juneteenth Celebration at the Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum held a celebration for Juneteenth and Black Music Month featuring an afternoon filled with live performances, storytelling, and cultural reflections, hosted by Baltimore vocalist and singer-songwriter Black Assets. The program showcased artists like Jabari Exum, a movement coach and choreographer known for his work on Marvel’s Black Panther, and internationally recognized kora player Amadou Kouyate, whose family has maintained the West African griot tradition for many generations. Following the program, guests were invited to gather at the museum café while enjoying Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture, an exhibition featuring the jewelry artist known for designs showcased in Black Panther and Coming 2 America. Visit here for additional details.
When: Saturday, June 13, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Graham Auditorium, Walters Art Museum
Admission: Free with registration required.
Run-Up-to Juneteenth 5K and 1-Mile Walk
Participants are invited to celebrate AFRAM’s 50th anniversary by joining the Run Up to Juneteenth 5K and 1-Mile Walk. Taking place on the weekend prior to the festival, this year’s race returns to Druid Hill Park, reflecting routes used during the festival’s formative years while honoring a cherished community tradition. Participants are encouraged to embrace the event’s 1976 theme by donning retro running attire—anything from tube socks and headbands to short shorts and disco-inspired outfits, with prizes awarded for the best throwback costume. Proceeds will benefit The SEED School of Maryland’s College Transition & Success Program, which assists students in their journeys through higher education. More information can be found here.
When: Sunday, June 14, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Historic Mansion House Lawn, Druid Hill Park
Distance: 5K run or 1-mile walk.
Admission: Registration fee of $49.70.
