Celebrate Juneteenth with these local events

Last Updated On Jun. 06, 2022

Image courtesy of Oaklandside.

On June 19, the United States celebrates the history and cultural contributions of Black Americans.

Juneteenth -- sometimes referred to as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day -- is commemorated on this day in remembrance of the announcement of General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865. With the order, freedom was secured for the enslaved people of Texas, the last Confederate state that legally allowed slavery.

Celebrated in some regions of the U.S. for more than 150 years, Juneteenth was not recognized as a federal holiday until 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.

As we approach this important holiday, we’ve compiled a list of Bay Area Juneteenth events that are easily accessible by BART.

Image courtesy of Visit Oakland.

City of Richmond Juneteenth Parade and Festival | El Cerrito del Norte

The Richmond Juneteenth Parade and Festival returns after a two-year pandemic absence on Saturday. The parade begins at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center and ends at Nichol Park. It will be followed by a festival, starting at 11:30am that will run until 6pm, with live music, food, and family fun.

When: June 18, 9am

Where: Booker T. Anderson Community Center, 960 S 47th St, Richmond

Walk Time: 19 minutes

Hayward Juneteenth Celebration | Hayward

Trap yoga, dance work outs, and twerk-out sessions will headline a second annual Hayward Juneteenth Celebration that will take the form of a participatory Wellness Festival. The event will feature the "Kid Zone" with a variety of activities including rock-climbing instruction on a climbing wall, arts and crafts, and the Hayward Public Library’s bookmobile "Curbie" will open its doors to its rolling collection of books and other materials.

When: June 18, 10am-1pm
Where: Hayward Heritage Plaza
Walk time: Five minutes

PanAfrican Wellness Festival | Lake Merritt

On Saturday, Afrocentric Oakland presents the 10th annual PanAfrican Wellness Fest, a day dedicated to holistic wellness. Come for meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, self-defense, interactive art installations, Black excellence awards, and more.

When: June 18, 12-8pm

Where: Lake Merritt Amphitheatre, between 12th and 1st Ave and Lake Merritt Blvd

Walk Time: Seven minutes

Image courtesy of MoAD.

Community Free Day at MoAD | Montgomery St

Join the Juneteenth celebrations at Freedom Day @ MoAD. They will be celebrating on Saturday with free admission and complimentary access to their current exhibitions. If you're unable to make an in-person visit, check out and register for their celebratory virtual offerings.

When: June 18, 11am-6pm

Where: Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St, San Francisco

Walk Time: Five minutes

BlaCOUER: A Juneteenth Disruption | Powell St

Described by organizers as a “historic evening of irresistible vibes,” BlaCOUER will bring together a series of local chefs, artists, musicians, and “creative visionaries of the Black diaspora.” Events include an opening art reception and “innovation mixer,” as well as live music and food and wine pairings. Get your tickets here.

When: June 18, 6-10pm

Where: Westfield San Francisco Centre, 865 Market St

Walk Time: Three minutes

Image courtesy of Sports Basement.

Juneteenth Celebration Ride | Ashby

Take a gentle, flat bike ride with the Major Taylor Bay Area Cycling Club on June 19 to celebrate the holiday. The ride will leave from Sports Basement Berkeley at 10 am and wind through Alameda and Oakland. “It will be flat, and a celebration, so definitely not a sufferfest or a race,” the organizers said on the event page. After the ride, the cyclists will gather back at Sports Basement to celebrate with food, drink, and a raffle. Register here.

When: June 19, 2pm

Where: Sports Basement, 2727 Milvia St, Berkeley

Walk Time: 11 minutes

Berkeley Juneteenth Festival | Ashby

Now in its 35th year, the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival promises a day of education, activity, and community. Experience Black culture and history with speakers and music, art and food, and special activities for children. Performers include Nina Causey, Ronnie Mills, Michael “Spiderman” Robinson, and more. There will even be a “Juneteenth Poppin Skate Party” near Ashby Station.

When: June 19, 11am-7pm

Where: Adeline St at Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley

Walk Time: Nine minutes

Let's be social.

Let us know how you celebrate Juneteenth via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat, places to eat, and spots to have fun.