Juneteenth, a commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, holds deep significance and inspires lively celebration. Events across Delaware honor the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future with insightful speakers, exciting parades, impressive performances and more.
Celebrate black freedom at these Juneteenth events across Delaware.
Wilmington Juneteenth Parade & Festival at Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park
June 15 | 12-6 p.m.
This free Juneteenth celebration includes live music, a special appearance from R&B artist Christopher Williams, a trivia experience, food and retail vendors and much more. The day will begin with an 11 a.m. parade down King Street and ending at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park. After that, enjoy a day filled with music, family and fun at the park.
Rosa Park Drive, Wilmington
Black History Tours & Celebration at John Bell House
June 15-21 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For the entire week of June 15-21, the John Bell House will feature information about Delaware’s black history and prominent black figures. On Saturdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, catch the John Bell House’s Black History Tour at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.
43 The Green, Dover
Delaware Freedom Ride
June 15 | 10 a.m.
The Urban Bike Project and Delaware Greenways join forces to present the Delaware Freedom Ride. Starting at 10 a.m. at the New Castle Courthouse Museum, cyclists will ride to Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park before embarking on an optional return trip. The ride to the park is 8.5 miles, or 15 miles round trip. It’s free to participate, but registration is required and closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14.
211 Delaware Avenue, New Castle
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Juneteenth Freedom Day at Winterthur
June 15 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth with the Wilmington Ballet and the Whitney Project on Saturday at Winterthur. Enjoy storytellers, musicians, dancers and vendors throughout the Enchanted Woods and Copeland Lecture Hall. The Wilmington Ballet will perform “A Celebration of Black Joy” at 1 p.m. in Copeland Lecture Hall. There is a separate fee for the performance.
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur
Celebrating Black Success
June 15 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join the Sussex Family YMCA for a Juneteenth event on Celebrating Black Success. Walk through time with local black-owned businesses and black performers.
20080 Church Street, Rehoboth Beach
Walnut Street YMCA Juneteenth Block Party
June 15 | 12-3 p.m.
Enjoy the fifth annual Juneteenth Block Party presented by Walnut Street’s YMCA. Look forward to lively music, food, engaging conversations, giveaways and local vendors throughout the day.
1000 North Walnut Street, Wilmington
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West Rehoboth Juneteenth Celebration
June 19 | 4-9 p.m.
This community-wide event will take place at three main locations throughout West Rehoboth. At the West Side Creative Market, shop local black-owned businesses with tunes by DJ Blackout and food from Changing Mains food truck. Learn about the rich history of the community at the West Rehoboth Legacy Mural with DJ September and Coco Mangos food truck. Just a short walk from the mural is West Side New Beginnings Inc, where you can enjoy more food, vendors and entertainment.
19826 Central Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Delaware City Juneteenth Celebration
June 19 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
At 10 a.m., join Delaware City at the African Union Church Cemetery for a Juneteenth Memorial Service, a solemn ceremony in honor of those who have fought and who continue to fight for freedom. From 6-9 p.m., enjoy Best Kept Soul, an evening of R&B and Soul at the bandstand in Battery Park.
31 Clinton Street Delaware City.
Beyond Juneteenth Celebration
June 20 | 5-8 p.m.
Beyond Juneteenth is a festival that celebrates and affirms the dignity of humanity and freedom. During the Delaware Art Museum’s Sculpture Garden Happy Hour, enjoy live performances, artisan vendors and more.
2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington
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