19+ Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth With Kids

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is celebrated every year on June 19 to honor the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated with events across the East Bay and beyond, featuring music, food, art, and family-friendly activities honoring Black liberation and culture. (White allies, here are 10 ideas for you.)

Juneteenth Events for Families – celebrate early

Oakland First Friday – Juneteenth

Friday, June 5, 2026, 5 pm – 9:30 pm on Telegraph Avenue between West Grand and 27th Streets
Join Oakland First Fridays as the community event observes Juneteenth. Be a part of the celebration of freedom and inclusion through expressions of art, music, and dance. Check out event details >

Juneteenth on the Waterfront

Sunday, June 7, 2026, 11 am – 4 pm at San Francisco Ferry Building
Celebrate local Black-owned businesses with a day of community and delicious food at the 6th annual Juneteenth on the Waterfront. Kids can participate in crafts and families can see a cooking demonstration. This free event takes place at the San Francisco Ferry Building; take the ferry from Oakland or Richmond for added fun. See the vendors and learn more >

San Francisco Juneteenth Carnival

Saturday, June 13, 2026, 11 am – 6 pm in Fillmore District
Cross the bridge into San Francisco for a Juneteenth celebration. Families can enjoy food, rides, classic cars, fashion show and live performances at this free community event. Find more details >

Hella Juneteenth Night with the Oakland Roots SC

Saturday, June 13, 2026, 7 pm – 9 pm at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
The Oakland Roots SC will host their annual Hella Juneteenth Night against Miami FC, celebrating Black culture with local artists, community organizations, special fan activations, and exclusive collaborative merchandise. Buy Tickets >

Juneteenth Events for {510} Families – Juneteenth week

Children’s Fairyland Juneteenth Celebration 

Thursday, June 19, 2026, 10 am – 4 pm at Children’s Fairyland 
Pack up a picnic and spend the day celebrating freedom, resilience, and joy at Children’s Fairyland. Enjoy arts & crafts, games, live performances, and Juneteenth stories. Learn more >

Juneteenth! at the Museum

Friday, June 19, 2026, 11 am – 4 pm at OMCA
OMCA X Black Freedom Fund presents Juneteenth! at the Museum, a lively day celebrating Black culture, creativity, and community with live music, DJs, great food from Bay Area Black chefs and vendors, and hands-on activities for all ages. Learn more >

Hella Juneteenth Festival

Friday, June 19, 2026, 12 pm – 6 pm at Cloud Park
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Hella Juneteenth Festival at Cloud Park in downtown Oakland with live DJs, Black-owned food vendors, art, games, and family fun. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities while grown-ups relax to live music and cookout classics. Learn more >

Juneteenth Celebration Hike

Friday, June 19, 10 am – 11:30 am at Coyote Hills Regional Park
Celebrate Black contributions and achievements throughout history and in the fields of science, conservation, and art during this all ages community hike. Designed for all ages/families and drop-in friendly. Learn more > 

Juneteenth Celebration Walk

Friday, June 19, 2026, 10 am – 1 pm at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park
Join a guided walk in the future Thurgood Marshall Regional Park: Home of the Port Chicago 50. Celebrate stories of Black history, civil rights, and the fight for freedom on this land. This 1.5-mile walk happens on a mostly paved path with views of Mount Diablo. For ages 10+. Register > 

San Francisco Juneteenth Parade

Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11 am at Market & Spear Streets 
Enjoy a parade on Market Street and community festival in San Francisco’s Fulton Plaza. More Info >

Juneteenth Concert

Sunday, June 21, 2026 1 pm – 2:30 pm at Golden Gate Park Music Concourse
The Golden Gate Band will perform in honor of Juneteenth. Enjoy a collection of music from contemporary and historical black composers.  Learn more >

Berkeley Juneteenth Festival

Sunday, June 21, 2026 11 am – 7 pm near Ashby BART Station
Berkeley hosts its 39th Annual Juneteenth gathering on Adeline and Alcatraz Streets. This large community event features a kids’ STEM activities, performances, vendors, and live music at the festival. Plus, admission is free. See festival details >

San Francisco Bayview Juneteenth

Sunday, June 21, 2026, 12 pm – 6 pm at Gilman Park SF
Head to Bayview neighborhood to celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day at a community festival filled with music, food, kids’ rides and car show.  RSVP >

Want more ideas? Visit our event calendar for other happenings in June.

More Bay Area Juneteenth Events

Juneteenth Weekend Events for {510} Families – worth the drive?

There are so many celebrations. We’ve listed just a few more that might be worth a trip depending on where your weekend takes you.

Mill Valley Freedom Festival

Saturday, June 13, 11 am – 3 pm at Tamalpais High School
Take part in African American Independence Day with live music, food, and activities for all ages. Learn more >

Juneteenth in the Street Festival, San Jose

Saturday, June 13, noon – 7 pm in San Jose
San Jose’s Juneteenth community festival is one of the area’s longest-running celebrations of the holiday. Enjoy the creativity of African American artists, entertainers, and entrepreneurs on full display through music, food, and art. Learn more >

Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration, Antioch

Thursday, June 19, 4 pm – 8 pm at Williamson Ranch Park
Antioch’s 5th Annual Freedom Celebration features live performances, music, food, and activities for the whole family. Learn more >

Vallejo Juneteenth Parade & Festival Celebration

Saturday, June 20, 9 am – 5 pm at Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green 
Join the Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Vallejo. This free event celebrates black joy and culture with tasty eats, children’s activities, and musical entertainment. A parade begins at 9 am at Sonoma and Tennessee Streets; the Festival begins at 11 am at Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green. Read more >

Concord Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 27,  11:30 am – 5:30 pm at Todos Santos Plaza
Join the Juneteenth Celebration in Concord. This free event honors the past and rejoices at the future. Enjoy delicious food, kids’ activities, musical entertainment and vendors. Learn more >

If you have more terrific ideas to commemorate Juneteenth, let us know in the comments!

xxx