Next Thursday is Juneteenth, a national celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Boston is showing up to celebrate with concerts, festivals, block parties, and free museum admission around the city.
Boston Landmarks Orchestra — A Juneteenth Celebration
When: Saturday, June 14, 3 p.m.
Where: The Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Center
Cost: Free
Info: In celebration of Juneteenth, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra will perform a free concert of music by Black composers. Registration is required.
Echoes of Freedom Juneteenth Concert
When: Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Strand Theatre
Cost: Free
Info: Enjoy a performance by the Howard University Gospel Choir in celebration of Juneteenth reflecting on Black resilience and liberation. Tickets are free but advanced registration is encouraged.
Embrace Ideas Festival
When: Wednesday, June 18 to Saturday, June 21
Where: Venues around Boston
Cost: $30 to $300 varying per event
Info: Embrace Boston hosts an annual weeklong celebration of Juneteenth featuring insightful lectures, an awards ceremony for civic and community leaders and activations from culinary and artistic groups.
A joyous time was had by all at last year’s Juneteenth Community Celebration at the Eustis Estate in Milton. PHOTO: Courtesy Historic New England
Juneteenth Community Celebration at Eustis Estate
When: Saturday, June 21, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Eustis Estate in Milton
Cost: Free
Info: At this Juneteenth celebration enjoy live music by Zili Misik, Branches Steel Pan Orchestra and Cornell Coley, family-friendly activities and museum tours. Caribbean food from Breez Gourmet will be available for purchase
Juneteenth Open House at MFA Boston
When: Thursday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Cost: Free
Info: Admission to the MFA is free for Massachusetts residents on Juneteenth, including access to the special exhibit “Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits.” While you’re there, see live performances, participate in art making activities, attend a spoken word show, experiment with face painting, and more. Be sure to visit “Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson,” an exhibition about the Roxbury native artist.
We Create The World: A Juneteenth Celebration at the ICA
When: Thursday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: ICA Boston
Cost: Free
Info: The ICA is free to all on Juneteenth and so is the water taxi across the harbor to their Watershed location, although reservations are required. On the Seaport side enjoy film screenings, live music and activities celebrating the Black experience. Free tickets are available to reserve starting Wednesday, June 18 at 10 a.m.
Black Voices of the Revolution Exhibition Opening
When: Thursday, June 19, 11 a.m.
Where: Museum of African American History
Cost: Free
Info: Learn the stories of Black Americans during the Revolutionary War period in this interactive exhibition using AI-driven, holographic images.
Juneteenth Free Day at the Gardner Museum
When: Thursday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate this historic day with free admission to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, plus artmaking, film screenings, panel discussions with Black artists and leaders, live performances and more.
15th Annual Boston Juneteenth Emancipation Observance
When: Thursday, June 19
Where: The Museum of the National Center for Afro-American Artists
Cost: Free
Info: Begin the afternoon with a flag raising at Roxbury’s Dillaway-Thomas House, then join a celebratory Juneteenth parade to the Museum of the National Center for Afro-American Artists where a gathering with neighbors and local vendors will commence.
Juneteenth with Boston Harbor Islands
When: Thursday, June 19, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center & Georges Island
Cost: Free to $25
Info: Listen to live music performances at the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center and take special guided Black History tours of Georges Island focusing on Boston’s Maritime Underground Railroad.
Juneteenth Celebration
When: Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Franklin Park Shattuck Picnic Area
Cost: Free
Info: Celebrate Juneteenth at Franklin Park with picnics, barbecues, live music, dancing and more with the community.
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