Celebrate Juneteenth in D.C. with festivals, music and history
The big picture: Juneteenth — a new federal holiday marking the 1865 emancipation of enslaved people in Texas — has grown in popularity nationally amid Trumpian backlash.
It's become a rich and history-steeped holiday in D.C. with ties to historic Black communities, special museum exhibits and plenty of music and culture.
What's happening:
🎶 Backyard Band at Ivy City Smokehouse
The go-go legends kick off the holiday with a Wednesday night show.
📍 Ivy City | ⏰ 9pm | 💵 $44
🎉 Scotland Juneteenth Festival
Montgomery County's largest celebration honors Scotland's historic Black community with multiple days of events and a full-day festival on Thursday.
📍 Multiple locations | 📅 Ongoing through Thurs | 💵 Free
🗣️ Washington Revels in Old Town
Thursday's two-part program features storytelling with David Olawuyi Fakunle and a Jubilee Voices concert of traditional songs and spirituals.
📍 Old Town Alexandria | 📅 Thurs, 1pm | 💵 Free
🌁 Anacostia Juneteenth Freedom Walk and Jubilee
The Anacostia Renaissance Kollective is holding a freedom walk across 11th Street Bridge starting at 10am, continuing with activities in Anacostia.
📍 Anacostia | 📅 Thurs, 10am–5pm | 💵 Free
🎤 Juneteenth at National Harbor
Festivities include a marketplace of Black creators, dancing, live music — and a waterfront screening of "Black Panther."
📍 National Harbor | 📅 Thurs | 💵 Free
📜 National Archives display
See the original Emancipation Proclamation and Juneteenth order from 1865 — on view for just four days.
📍 Capitol Hill | 📅 June 19–22 | 💵 Free
🏛️ Mount Vernon "Freedom before Emancipation"
programs, tours, and storytelling.
A full Saturday of yoga, urban gardening, poetry, workshops, and live performances awaits at the Smithsonian museum.
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