Juneteenth 2026 Events Across Massachusetts

Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, the date when—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom. Today, communities throughout Massachusetts celebrate Juneteenth with festivals, educational programs, concerts, family activities, and opportunities for reflection and learning.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Juneteenth this year, consider attending one of the events below.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

June 19–21, 2026
Various Cape Cod locations

The Cape’s annual Juneteenth observance includes educational programs, cultural performances, community conversations, art exhibits, and family-friendly activities.

Provincetown Juneteenth Programming

June 19, 2026
Provincetown

Local organizations and museums host educational events exploring Black history, culture, and the significance of Juneteenth.

South Shore & South Coast

Juneteenth Flag Raising

June 18 at 4:30

The New Bedford Human Rights Commission invites the community to the annual Juneteenth Flag Raising on June 18 at 4:30 p.m. in front of City Hall in New Bedford.

The ceremony honors freedom, history, and community while reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth and the continued pursuit of equality and justice.

Greater Boston

Beacon Hill Juneteenth Celebration & Flag Raising

June 19, 2026
Boston

Hosted by the Museum of African American History, this annual celebration includes performances, speakers, family activities, and free admission to historic sites.

Juneteenth Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts

Friday, June 19, 2026
10:00 am–10:00 pm

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Tickets available in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free with a valid Massachusetts zip code.

Museum of Fine Arts Juneteenth Celebration

June 19, 2026
Boston

Free admission for Massachusetts residents and special programming highlighting Black artists and culture.

ICA Juneteenth Celebration

June 19, 2026
Boston

Music, art, films, community vendors, and cultural programming celebrating Black creativity and freedom.

Cambridge Juneteenth Parade & Festival

June 19, 2026
Cambridge

A parade followed by a community festival featuring performances, speakers, food, and family activities.

North of Boston

City of Everett Juneteenth Celebration

June 19 | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Everett, MA

Hosted by the City of Everett and community partners, this annual celebration commemorates the end of slavery in the United States with live entertainment, food, family activities, community resource tables, face painting, and more. The event is designed to bring residents together in celebration, reflection, and community connection.

Central Massachusetts

Juneteenth at Old Sturbridge Village

June 19
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge

Old Sturbridge Village will commemorate Juneteenth through a day of programming exploring the history, resilience, and culture of Black Americans. Visitors can engage with guest speakers, performers, costumed historians, exhibits, and guided discussions that examine both the historical significance of Juneteenth and its continued relevance today. Admission is free with advance registration.

Worcester Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival

Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Institute Park, 99 Salisbury Street, Worcester

The Black Heritage Committee of Worcester’s 29th Annual Juneteenth Festival celebrates freedom, culture, and community through live entertainment, local vendors, food, family activities, and cultural programming. The free, all-ages event is one of Central Massachusetts’ largest Juneteenth celebrations. Rain date: June 27.

Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony

Friday, June 19, 2026 | 10 a.m.
YWCA Central Massachusetts, 1 Salem Square, Worcester

Community members are invited to gather for Worcester’s annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and kicking off the city’s Juneteenth weekend observances

Western Massachusetts

Springfield Juneteenth Jubilee

June 18–20, 2026
Multiple locations throughout Springfield

A multi-day celebration featuring a flag raising, youth programming, community discussions, live performances, a block party, and Family Fun Day activities.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra Juneteenth Freedom Day Concert

June 19, 2026
Springfield

A free concert celebrating Black history, culture, and contributions to the arts.

Holyoke Juneteenth Celebration at Wistariahurst Museum

June 19, 2026
Holyoke

Featuring live music, food vendors, artists, educational exhibits, family activities, and local community organizations.

Holyoke Community Reading of Frederick Douglass

June 17, 2026
Holyoke

Community members gather to read and discuss Frederick Douglass’s historic speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”

Amherst Juneteenth Celebration

June 19, 2026
St. Brigid’s Parish Auditorium

he Black Business Association of Amherst Area (BBAAA) & Sankofa Gumbo proudly present the 17th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee incorporating Mass Humanities’ Reading Frederick Douglass Together program featuring keynote speaker renowned historian Dr. Amilcar Shabazz. Rep. Mindy Domb will give remarks during the award ceremony when honors will be bestowed to the New England Chapter Female Co-Chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’COBRA) Kathleen Anderson who will receive the inaugural Extraordinary Leadership Award and UMass Amherst 21st Century Leader Charles Walker-Hoover who will receive the Youth Excellence Award.

Pittsfield Juneteenth Celebration

June 19–20, 2026
Pittsfield

The Berkshires’ annual Juneteenth observance featuring music, community programming, food, and cultural celebrations.

Additional Resources

Meet Boston Juneteenth Guide

Comprehensive guide to celebrating Juneteenth in Boston.