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Black history is Philly history.
The longest-running holiday celebrating Black emancipation from slavery, Juneteenth (officially June 19, 2025) marks the moment that enslaved Africans in Galveston, Texas, learned that they had been freed — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, officially ending the American slave trade.
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated — both in Philadelphia and nationwide — with historical reenactments, educational programming, parades, festivals and more.
In the City of Brotherly Love, the holiday officially kicks off the City of Philadelphia’s official Fourth of July celebration — a 16-day-long festival known as Wawa Welcome America — in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
Major festivals in West Philadelphia, Germantown and Chester County — as well as attractions and venues like the National Constitution Center, the Please Touch Museum and more — offer robust programming to commemorate the anniversary and celebrate Black culture and community.
Read on for ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Greater Philadelphia in 2025.
The Penn Museum celebrates Black art, culture and community all day long at its annual Juneteenth festival.
Museum admission is free all day, and in addition to the museum’s regular exhibitions and a few special pop-up exhibits, the day’s festivities include music and dance performances; live DJ sets; interactive drumming, double dutch and line dancing workshops; and storytelling.
Additionally, a community fair highlights local Black-owned businesses and organizations, and sweet and savory treats are available via local food trucks and a special Juneteenth menu at the Museum Café.
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
In the heart of Doylestown, the Mercer Museum holds its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration.
On the schedule for the free, outdoor festival this year: a living history presentation about the life of Harriet Tubman and other inspirational performances, a live DJ, food trucks, a vendor and artisan marketplace, and other kid-friendly activities.
Where: Mercer Museum, 84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA
Historic Germantown celebrates Freedom Day during its annual Juneteenth Festival.
Hosted by the Johnson House Historic Site — once an important stop on the Underground Railroad — this annual (and free!) fest celebrates the 130th anniversary of Black emancipation from enslavement with tons of vendors to shop; food trucks; live music from DJs and local musicians like Sanovia, Trumpet Chics and Philly Destiny Band; and a ton of family-friendly festivities and fun to go around.
Where: 6300 Block of Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Celebrate Juneteenth with the little ones this year. Fairmount Park’s children’s museum has a day of special programming planned, including Juneteenth-themed art workshops, storytimes, activities and performances.
Join the Chocolate Ballerina Company for an enchanting dance performance, create an airbrushed work of art with artist Amir Campbell, or settle in for a special storytime about fun and freedom in Philly with author Kathleen Wainwright. All this and more is included with regular admission to the museum.
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
Freedom did not come easily for African Americans, and Old City’s National Constitution Center honors the fight with free admission and a full day of programming for guests of all ages.
Costumed interpreters bring history to life, embodying the stories of abolitionists — like Ona Judge — during a special kids’ town hall, and the museum’s education team offers special exhibit walk-throughs highlighting the Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th Amendment and American freedom movements. History shows, Juneteenth crafts and more are also on the docket, so be sure to check out the official website for the full schedule.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Museum of the American Revolution honors America’s complicated legacy of equality with hands-on activities, special gallery guides and more.
Kids of all ages can explore recreated historical environments with interactive activities. The Black Voices of the Revolution Highlights Tour offers a closer look at artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection connected to Black men and women in history (at an additional cost). And you won’t want to miss screenings of the first-person theatrical performance telling the story of Elizabeth Freeman, the enslaved colonial woman who sued for — and won — her freedom.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
The historic Eastern State Penitentiary marks Juneteenth with special performances, activities and educational panels for guests of all ages — all included with regular admission.
The day features a special storytime reading of children’s books focusing on stories about Juneteenth and resistance with Thembi Palmer, choral performances by The Black Breath Collective, and a special panel discussion featuring scholars exploring the holiday’s history.
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Popping up in the middle of Philadelphia’s Historic District, this market invites you to shop works and wares from a collection of Black entrepreneurs.
In previous years, everything from homemade pastries to handcrafted pottery and home goods to natural hair and body care products has been up for grabs.
Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
In celebration of Juneteenth, a day-long Juneteenth Block Party kicks off outside the African American Museum in Philadelphia with free museum admission and plenty of all-ages fun.
Revel in shared freedom while enjoying a vendor village highlighting Black-owned businesses and food trucks, a beer garden, book giveaways, wellness and relaxation activities, educational events like panels and speakers, and live musical performances by Slick Rick, DJ Drama, Kid Capri, Keke Wyatt, Lady Alma and more — all hosted by Philly’s own Patty Jackson.
This year’s theme? “Audacious Freedom: Celebrating 160 Years of Emancipation” (in partnership with Visit Philadelphia). The festival is free to attend.
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Nonprofit organization Millennial Juneteenth is back with its sixth annual Juneteenth Festival. Taking place at the 48th & Woodland Playground and themed “Black Outside” for this year, the all-ages bash features shopping with Black-owned businesses, live music, dance and poetry performances, and more.
The festival celebrates the mission of Millennial Juneteenth, a civic and volunteer organization geared towards millennials.
Where: 48th & Woodland Playground, 1414 S. 47th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Families, vendors and more head to Rose Tree Park in Media for Delco’s annual Juneteenth celebration.
This all-ages event is free to attend, with pay-as-you-go food and drink, and includes a celebratory program for the whole family, a student art showcase, performances, a historical reading and more.
Where: Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media, PA
Chester County’s Voices Underground curates a stellar schedule of Juneteenth events.
Themed “Black Joy,” this year’s lineup kicks off with a comedy show by America’s Got Talent contestant Preacher Lawson at Longwood Gardens (Friday, June 20, 2025). Pro tip: Don’t miss a special Juneteenth-themed illuminated fountain show while you’re at the attraction.
The schedule also promises a family-friendly event at The Creamery of Kennett Square, complete with a mixology workshop (advance registration encouraged), DJ sets, all-ages comedy show and games (Saturday, June 21, 2025), and a multi-faith church service and family festival at Lincoln University (Sunday, June 22, 2025).
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (2)
The Creamery of Kennett Square, 401 Birch Street, Kennett Square, PA
Lincoln University, 1570 Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University, PA
Join Jabali Market in Germantown for live performances, food vendors, face painting and community fun.
Catch local percussionist Karen Smith’s legendary drumming, hone your green thumb with interactive plant workshops, learn “The Philly Jawn” line dance or get up on stage with an open mic. The family-friendly fest is free to attend.
Where: Maplewood Mall, Germantown Avenue and Armat Street, Philadelphia, PA
Toast to local and international Black culture at the free, family-friendly Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival at the Delaware River waterfront’s Cherry Street Pier, curated by musical artist Shekhinah B.
Hosted by The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, Inc. in partnership with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, the third annual festival honors the spirit of Juneteenth through wine tastings from Pennsylvania wineries, local art exhibitions, live music performances, craft vendors and more. All ages are welcome, though, of course, guests must be 21 or over for wine tasting (which requires separate tickets).
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Held the Sunday after Juneteenth, the ninth annual Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival commemorates the anniversary with the largest event in the nation celebrating the summer holiday. First, a joyous parade featuring 25,000 attendees, 2,000 participants and over two dozen floats will proceed through West Fairmount Park, kicking off across from Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
The celebration then continues at historic Malcolm X Park with the Juneteenth Marketplace & Art in the Park featuring over 250 vendors, the Juneteenth Youth Pavilion, and the family-friendly Juneteenth Music Festival.
I can’t count how many times I’ve been to the Juneteenth Festival. Every year, it’s an amazing celebration of Black joy, family and friendship, right in the heart of West Philly at Malcolm X Park.
The shopping is one of my favorite parts. Hundreds of vendors come out each year — local businesses, brands from across the country and great food. I always make a point to stop by Atiya Ola’s. Perfectly seasoned and flavorful, her raw vegan dishes are staples in Philly.
Pro tip: The shopping doesn’t stop at the festival — make sure you explore all the small businesses on nearby 52nd Street while you’re there.
Where: Various locations including Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA
Bartram’s Garden hosts a day dedicated to culture, community and all-ages fun.
Head to the Southwest Philly botanical garden for performances co-hosted by VinylTap 215, workshops, shopping, storytelling, lawn games and more.
Where: Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Pride AND Juneteenth? The auspicious occasion calls for a fabulous evening of epic proportions.
So head to Silk City for an adults-only variety showcase that crosses multiple genres — burlesque, drag, comedy and music — and communities. Tickets are required, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Where: Silk City, 435 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
June 22 & 26 2025
Come out to Bridge Street in Phoenixville for a special commemoration celebrating Black history, freedom and community. The fun gets started Saturday, June 22, 2025 with historical reenactments, music, art, dance, magic, storytelling and more.
The celebrations turn up louder on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the History of Black Music dance party at The Colonial Theatre.
Where: 200 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA
Dates vary by tour
Where: The Black Journey: African-American Walking Tour begins at Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Black Be Beautiful Mural Tour begins at North 11th Street & Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Uptown Soul Food Tour begins The Nile Cafe, 6008 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Did you know Philly legend Dyana Williams helped found Black Music Month over 45 years ago? It’s only right that Philly celebrates Black musical traditions and its own deep, musical roots each June:
Where: World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Celebrate diverse voices in the global culinary movement during Philadelphia African Restaurant Week, with restaurants offering special, discounted menus of African, African American and Caribbean favorites.
Among the week’s nearly two-dozen participating restaurants are Food Geez, New Era Cuisine, Macho’s Delish Mix, Eatwell Philly, Gojjo Ethiopian Restaurant and Amina Philadelphia. The event also features dedicated programming like cooking experiences, meet-and-greets, happy hours, and more.
Where: Participating restaurants including Food Geez, 6326 Sackett Street, Philadelphia, PA
In honor of Immigrant Heritage, and specifically, Caribbean Heritage Month, the City of Philadelphia celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the city’s Caribbean community.
Now in its 11th year, the Caribbean Heritage Day celebration at the Discovery Center is themed “Celebrating our Contributions to American History, Culture and Life” and highlights Caribbean art, culture and more.
Where: The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA
Open Thursdays through Sundays
The African American Museum in Philadelphia, founded in 1976, is the first institution built by a major U.S. city to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage and culture of African Americans.
The museum takes a fresh and bold look at the stories of Black Americans and their role in our nation from pre-colonial times through today.
Typically open Tuesdays through Fridays, April through November
This 1703 Quaker burial ground is the final resting place of Lucretia Mott, Robert Purvis and other abolitionists, with several murals depicting 300 years of struggle for social justice.
Today, it’s also an environmental education center offering history, early literacy, community building and urban greening programs.
Where: Historic Fair Hill, 2901 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Open by appointment
A crucial part of the Colonial Germantown Historic District, this site attained a National Historic Landmark designation for its role in the Underground Railroad.
Tours offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the injustices of slavery and the 19th-century resident Johnson family, who participated in the Underground Railroad and risked their lives offering refuge to freedom seekers. Among the freedom fighters who stayed here: William Still and, according to family lore, Harriet Tubman.
Where: Johnson House Historic Site, 6306 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
This historic Germantown museum, open for tours by appointment only, displays thousands of slavery artifacts — shackles, coffles, branding irons and more — which tell the dark and tragic story of the American slave trade.
Also displayed are authentic Jim Crow-era objects and signs exploring the country’s history of racial prejudice and segregation, and their lasting impacts.
Where: Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery, 5501 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Open year-round
Near Independence Hall stand the remnants of the home where nine Africans — enslaved by presidents George Washington and John Adams — lived, worked and (in one case) escaped.
The free open-air Independence National Historical Park site, on the same block as the Liberty Bell Center, invites visitors to learn about the events that transpired through illustrated panels, video reenactments and archaeological fragments.
Where: The President’s House, 6th & Market streets, Philadelphia, PA
Open Tuesdays through Thursdays
The home of the abolitionist Judge Richard Peters, a staunch opponent to the Fugitive Slave Act and a precedent-setting judicial decision-maker, has been preserved and transformed into the Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion.
Visitors can take a tour to explore the site’s abolitionist history and follow in the footsteps of both Founding Fathers, like George Washington, and Black Americans fleeing slavery in the South, like Cornelia Wells.
Where: Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion, 2000 Belmont Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA
Along with being home to America’s first major museum devoted to Black history and many stops along the Underground Railroad, Philadelphia has countless murals, memorials and sites acknowledging the Black experience in America and celebrating Black excellence.
Click here for a guide to more Philadelphia museums, historical landmarks, churches, art galleries, and public spaces exploring Black history and culture.
Where: Various locations including Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, 419 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.