June 19 known as Juneteenth, is a day that commemorates the end of slavery in America and the emancipation of enslaved people. It’s an official holiday in Los Angeles, and has been considered a federal holiday since Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021. (You can learn more about the significance of Juneteenth here.)
Los Angeles is full of Juneteenth celebrations and events that you can partake in all month long, and we collected the best below!
1. 31st Annual Juneteenth Celebration – Santa Monica
The City of Santa Monica and the Juneteenth Celebration Committee, Inc. have teamed up to host a day full of live music, incredible food and craft vendors, along with local resources to celebrate the 31st annual Juneteenth celebration! This years theme is about Coming Together in Appreciation, Reconciliation, and Commemoration.
🗓️When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
📍Location: 2200 Virginia Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405
2. Do The Right Thing screening at Street Food Cinema
L.A.’s largest outdoor movie screening is back! The latest season of Street Food Cinema returns to its original entertainment format featuring outdoor movies, live music, food trucks and more. In honor of Juneteenth, they’re screening Do the Right Thing, 90s classic film by Spike Lee where violence erupts in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn after a day of heated confrontations and racial tension. Come celebrate Juneteenth with this screening and more!
🗓️When: Saturday June 17, 2023
- Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
- Live show: 7:00 p.m.
- Movie: 8:30 p.m.
🎟️Tickets: Grab them here!
📍Location: 888 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, 90017
3. LA Function Festival Juneteenth Celebration at Academy LA
Head on over to Academy LA for a jam-packed afternoon with sets by beloved DJ’s spinning hip hop, R&B, afro-beats, reggaetón, nostalgic and deep house. Folks can also expect food vendors like Vurger Guyz, NY Chopped Cheeseand more! In their own words, “We welcome everyone who has LOVE for LA culture to come together for positive vibes.”
🗓️When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
🎟️Tickets: Get them here! (21+ only.)
📍Location: Academy LA, 6021 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028
4. Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971 at The Academy Museum
Juneteenth is the perfect time to explore Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971, an exhibition by The Academy Museum that reveals the vast history of Black participation in US cinema from the beginning and beyond. This powerful exhibit seeks to revive lost or forgotten films, filmmakers, and performers for a contemporary audience.
🎟️Tickets: Grab your tickets here!
📍Location: The Academy Museum, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036
5. Juneteenth Lovers & Friends Yoga with R&B Saxophonist
In honor of Juneteenth, NamaSally is hosting a beginner friendly yoga session along with Ron G on the Saxophone playing to beloved R&B and hip-hop hits. Everyone is welcome, whether you wish to practice yoga or simply want to relax on your mat and take in the music, you will be greeted with love and light.
🗓️When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
🎟️Tickets: Grab your tickets here!
📍Location: Crenshaw Yoga & Dance, 5426 Crenshaw Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90043
6. 2023 Juneteenth Celebration – Hawthorne
This year the City of Hawthorne in Collaboration with Holly Park Neighborhood Association is honoring Juneteenth with a full day of activities celebrating community with live Jazz music performed by J.W.B Band, face painting, food vendors, and so much more!
🗓️When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
📍Location:Holly Park, 2058 W. 120th St., Hawthorne, CA 90250
7. Juneteenth in L.A. – South Central
Join Junetheenth in L.A. and their annual drive-thru parade, featuring 200+ registered cars driving through the streets of South Central. This powerful event is committed to brining folks together and honoring the community and celebrating Black independence. If you can’t join the fun in person, you can tune in live on NBC. You can also take part in this parade by registering your vehicle here!
🗓️When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 12 p.m.
📍Location: Starts near La Brea and Manchester, concludes/culminates at Inglewood City Hall / Taste of Inglewood Food Festival
8. Taste of Inglewood Juneteenth Food Festival – Inglewood
They say that food has no boundaries and holds the power to connect people. With this in mind, and in honor of Juneteenth, the Taste of Inglewood Food Festival returns with a lineup of mouth-watering food and vendors. Their goal with this incredible event is to promote unity and culture through food and fun!
🗓️When: Sunday, June 18th, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
📍Location: Market Street, Inglewood, CA 90302
9. Global Celebration of Freedom – Greek Theatre
Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom is a live musical experience that will take place at the iconic Greek Theatre. The event will feature an array of legends and artists across the entertainment industry like Miguel, Kirk Franklin, SWV, Davido, Coi Leray, Jodeci, and more to be announced. Vice President Kamala Harris will join the event to deliver remarks. If you’re unable to attend this historic event in person, it will be broadcasted live on CNN at 8 p.m.
🗓️When: Monday, June 19, 2023 – Doors at 3:30 p.m. | Event starts at 5 p.m.
📍Location: The Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, California 90027
10. Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival – Leimert Park Village
The Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival will highlight Black excellence, celebrate local creativity and community. Located in the historic Leimert Park Village, the program features 300 Black owned businesses, three main stages, two DJs stages, a spoken word stage, and so much more.
🗓️When: Monday, June 19, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
📍Location: 331 Degnan Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008