Juneteenth in Greater Philadelphia

Each June, Juneteenth celebrations across the country mark the anniversary of African Americans’ emancipation from enslavement and honor the ratification of the 13th Amendment while also examining the impact that our history of slavery continues to have on America today.

Philadelphia celebrates Juneteenth each year with parades, marches, panel discussions, festivals, vendor marketplaces and more across the five-county region.

In 2024, for the fourth time ever, the City of Philadelphia’s official Fourth of July event — known as Wawa Welcome America — includes Juneteenth events, kicking off a season of independence starting on June 19 and continuing through July 4.

The expanded theme builds a bridge between these two significant American holidays, showcasing new perspectives on what freedom and liberty mean in the birthplace of America; offering a bold opportunity for a more inclusive visitor experience; and asking questions about the complexities of democracy, the varying viewpoints for who was free, what is meant by liberty, and for whom this “great experiment” was intended.

Beyond Juneteenth celebrations, residents and visitors can learn more about the juxtaposition of freedom and enslavement year-round at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, The President’s House, Johnson House Historic Site, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church and many more historic and cultural sites in Philadelphia and the Countryside.

Learn more about freedom and liberty in Philadelphia by exploring the articles highlighted below.