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Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival
Philly boldly celebrates African American freedom and heritage in a big way at the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival.
The annual celebration, launched locally in 2016, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States — specifically, June 19, 1865, when the last group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, received news that they were free.
What began with a procession near The President’s House — the site of the Philadelphia home where President George Washington once held enslaved Africans — has grown into one of the largest daylong Juneteenth celebrations in the country, drawing crowds of over 25,000.
The age-inclusive festivities now include a parade through West Philadelphia, a vendor marketplace, a music festival and more.
The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival takes place on June 22, 2025.
West Philadelphia bursts with Black history, culture and heritage — plus a whole lot of family-friendly fun — during the 2025 Juneteenth Parade & Festival.
Here’s what to expect this year:
The 2025 Juneteenth Parade runs from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
The one-and-a-half-mile-long procession kicks off from near Highmark Mann on South Concourse Drive before flowing down 52nd Street and ending at Malcolm X Park on 52nd & Pine streets.
Attracting over 25,000 onlookers, the parade features over 2,000 participants and a vibrant series of floats and other vehicles.
— Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia
This year, you can expect appearances from several trailblazing Philadelphians as grand marshals, including the lead singer of The Stylistics, Russell Thompkins Jr.; nationally recognized health equity advocate and founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, Dr. Ala Stanford; legendary drummer and essential part of the Sound of Philadelphia, Earl Young; and former Philadelphia Council Member, Jannie L. Blackwell.
After the parade, the family-friendly fun continues at Malcolm X Park.
Over 250 vendors, music and more fill Malcolm X Park for the day, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia
The park transforms into a free, all-ages, outdoor dance party with music by DJ Kool, as attendees shop with diverse small businesses at the marketplace, stop by the health and wellness fair, tap into other community resources offered by local organizations, explore a variety of interactive activations, and get their groove on with community dance lessons.
Getting hungry? Don’t miss local food trucks and additional grub at the Family Cookout by Everybody Eats.
Youth Pavilion
Specifically curated for the youngest festivalgoers, the Youth Pavilion lets kids in on the fun beginning at 10 a.m.
Families can find a variety of kid-friendly activities, including a game truck, at this dedicated section of the festival.
Music Festival
Everybody up on their feet! This year’s Juneteenth Music Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. and gives house party vibes all evening long with line dancing and a slate of performers from Philly and beyond.
The 2025 lineup features artists like Soca superstar Nailah Blackman and local songstresses Ria4Reel and Dono.
— Photo courtesy Juneteenth Parade and Festival
Car Show & Rolling Car Museum
Rev your engines. About 100 vintage, antique and custom cars roll into the festival grounds to flex their creativity and automotive artistry during the Rolling Car Museum from 3 to 6 p.m.
During the show, attendees vote for the vehicle of their choice in a variety of categories, including best theme and best color.
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.
The Juneteenth Parade begins near Highmark Mann on South Concourse Drive in West Philadelphia, before heading down 52nd Street to the festival grounds at Malcolm X Park, one-and-a-half miles away.
The parade and festival are free to attend, with pay-as-you-go food and shopping.
As one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country — and with thousands of expected attendees — public transportation is your best friend.
Luckily, transit routes like SEPTA’s No. 52 and 21 bus routes, as well as the L (Market-Frankford) subway line’s 52nd Street Station stop, leave you just steps away from Malcolm X Park.
Active types can also take advantage of the Indego bike rental stations nearby (including one right at Malcolm X Park).
For those who prefer to drive, just keep in mind that street parking throughout the neighborhood will be limited and stretches of 52nd Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.
For more information on the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival, click the button below.
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