/Festivals
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration Festival
Event WebsiteAbout
The Juneteenth Freedom Celebration Festival commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans and celebrates African American culture in recognition of black contributions and progress.
The name, “Juneteenth,” is in reference to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas and announced that the Civil War was over and the enslaved were now free. While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed into law in 1863, it effectively had zero legal impact since the Confederacy had seceded from the Union. As a result enslaved Blacks remained in bondage 2 years after President Lincoln sign the proclamation.
SF/Arts Curator Insight
San Francisco has a long-held tradition of commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The city has recognized the Juneteenth holiday since the 1940s, and 2025’s Freedom Celebration Festival will continue to showcase Black cultural heritage and achievements with a celebration spanning multiple city blocks in the historic Fillmore District. Attractions include a parade, lively musical entertainment, food vendors, car show, sports game arena, fashion and hair show, and kid-friendly activities and games.
Juneteenth SF Freedom Organization