Juneteenth is equivalent to the Fourth of July - America’s Independence Day - because Juneteenth is the day that ALL Americans were free. On June 19th, 1865 the last slaves were freed in Texas, nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln. The holiday is marked by celebrations including food, festivals, parades, music, gatherings, and reflection. For years, many southern states celebrated this momentous occasion while other states barely knew the holiday existed. Thankfully, a shift has happened and there is an eagerness in and outside of the Black community to connect to Juneteenth, its history, and honoring African American ancestors.

South Florida has seen a rise in Juneteenth celebrations and festivals in the last few years and 2021 is promising to be an exciting year for the public to partake. Check out some of the events we’re getting into this year! (Scroll down for events in Broward and the Palm Beaches!)

Miami Dade Juneteenth Events

What: Hued Songs and the Rhythm Foundation present The Juneteenth Experience, through the City of Miami Beach's Arts in the Parks. A showing of three original, short films produced by members of the Juneteenth creative team.

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Where: North Beach Bandshell - 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141 AND available on Livestream

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-juneteenth-experience-tickets-150842326459

What: Weekend Juneteenth celebrations hosted by The Hungry Black Man. Events include musical performances, food, and much more!

When: Friday, June 18th thru Sunday, June 20th, 2021

Where: Various locations in Miami, FL.

Cost: Varies by event

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hungry-black-man-annual-juneteenth-food-music-weekend-celebration-tickets-152401189059

What: This free event will feature performances, including music by DJ OSOCITY and Curtis Lundy, and local artisan vendors, a Bacardi Lounge, art exhibits, and activities, food trucks, raffles, and fun for the whole family.

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Where: Florida International University - 11200 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fiu-juneteenth-freedom-day-celebration-registration-156185347579

What: A Juneteenth Themed Brunch

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Where: The Garden - 11720 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33161

Cost: $10-15

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freeish-brunch-juneteenth-celebration-tickets-156027280797

What: Juneteenth On Ali Baba Festival

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Where: The ARC (Arts & Recreation Center) - 675 Ali Baba Avenue, Opa-locka, FL 33054

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-on-ali-baba-festival-tickets-156149753115

What: Juneteenth Freedom Day Block Party filled with food, champagne, photo-booths, music, a spades and basketball tournament, and more!

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 starts at 1:00pm

Where: Barry University Soccer Field - 11300 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/june-teenth-freedom-day-block-party-tickets-156171419921

What: At the Juneteenth Celebration Art Showcase each vendor will be showcasing their art catalog for purchase while also creating a brand-new art piece in the theme of expressing what Juneteenth means to them. There will also be body painters painting live, visual artists, make-up artists, and much more!

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Where: Clutch Couture Presents The Clutch Bar - 20348 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33169

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-celebration-art-showcase-registration-153129254723

What: Under this year’s theme Forward Together: Traveling the Journey To Freedom Through Music, Miami Gardens has invited special acts to perform multiple musical selections that will highlight the evolution of slavery to freedom in the United States.

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 - Doors open at 4:00 pm

Where: Calder Casino - 21001 Northwest 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-drive-in-celebration-tickets-153872961169

What: The Mino Learning Collaborative is partnering with the Village (Free)dge, Greenhaven Project, and Esquina de Abuela to battle food insecurity, promote wellness, and beautify our historically Black neighborhoods.

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 - 9AM to 1 PM EST.

Where: Charles R. Drew K-8 Center, Greenhaven Project in Historic Overtown, and Village (Free)dge in Liberty City

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3jDXKS-0Pcrsxw11q7kU8zONHWCgphHv0NM4hsos6gK9Dcw/viewform

Broward Juneteenth Events

What: This event will spotlight South Florida's own, Butterfly, Comedian Untouchable, Rome from Italy, and featuring Elaina The Poet.

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 8:00 pm to 2:00 am

Where: Deluxe Restaurant - 998 Southwest 81st Avenue, North Lauderdale, FL 33068

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-the-mic-all-arts-juneteenth-showcase-tickets-154297049629?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

What: The city of Lauderdale Lakes Presents an outdoor Drive-Up Movie Night.

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 starts at 7:00 pm

Where: Willie L. Webb, Sr. Park - 3601 Northwest 21st Street, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-movie-drive-in-night-the-queen-of-katwe-tickets-153830991637

What: South Florida's professionals and business owners are invited to arrive in Casual Attire expecting to enjoy a few ice cold drinks, some light bites and great networking to the tune of smooth jazz music until the sun sets!

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Where: El Rancho Dania Beach - 218 Northwest 1st Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004

Cost: $10

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-smooth-jazz-juneteenth-tickets-155719187281

What: Enjoy an evening of burlesque, live art, music, poetry, floetry, vendors, food, drinks and more .

When: Sunday, June 20th, 2021 5:00 pm to 12:00 am

Where: Social Bar and Lounge - 1401 South State Road 7 #A3, North Lauderdale, FL 33068

Cost: $20

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lady-of-the-sweet-wata-tickets-155437079489

What: The City of Coral Springs will host an in-person celebration at Sportsplex Tom Messenheimer Field (2575 Sportsplex Drive) in honor of Juneteenth, Freedom Day; a day that symbolizes the abolition of slavery in the United States of America. The celebration will include messages of hope from community leaders, musical and step performances, and a historic perspective about the significance of Juneteenth.

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: Sportsplex Tom Messenheimer Field, 2575 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs

Cost: The first-come, first-serve event will prioritize Coral Springs residents with proof of residency. Attendees with proof of residency will receive a voucher to enter the parking area for entry and parking, free of charge.

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.coralsprings.org/Events-directory/Juneteenth-Celebration

What: Join the African-American Research Library with Broward Black Elected Officials as they host the Juneteenth event.

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 9:30 am to 11:30 am

Where: African-American Research Library - 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/388037/

What: The African American Heritage Board along with the City of Deerfield Beach is hosting their Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration event on Saturday, June 19th, and Sunday, June 20th. Celebrate this historical holiday with a Black History Mobile Museum, Junkanoo, rib competition, live art/entertainment, Sunday brunch, and much more!

When: Saturday, June 19th, 2021 (12:00 pm to 7:00 pm) and Sunday, June 20th, 2021

Where: Oveta Mckeithen Recreation Center - 445 SW 2nd Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Cost: FREE

More Info & Registration Links: https://www.deerfield-beach.com/1940/Juneteenth

Palm Beach Events

For all of the Juneteenth events in the Palm Beaches, check out my blog at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County website - CLICK HERE

We celebrate the Juneteenth tradition to never forget where we came from and the journey to where we are now. A journey filled with sacrifice, strength, and resilience. Which events will you be attending? Comment below!