In Westchester, towns and businesses commemorate Juneteenth National Independence Day on and around June 19 with parades, concerts, and family-friendly crafts to remember the historic end of slavery in the U.S. and honor the resilience, families, and heritage that define the occasion. Here’s where to celebrate.
Juneteenth Celebration at Greenburgh Town Hall
June 14, 5:30-8 p.m.
Greenburgh Town Hall
Greenburgh’s Juneteenth celebration will be stocked with food and activities for the entire family, ensuring a day full of fun. Head over to the town hall for music, games, and special presentations. The rain date is June 21.
Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day
June 15, 12 p.m.
Peekskill Parks & Recreation
“Empowering the next generation” is the theme for Peekskill’s Juneteenth celebration. The parade kicks off at 12 p.m. and wraps up with a festival, entertainers, food, crafts, and community vendors. The Grand Marshals for the parade are Dr. Glenetta C. Phillips, Kenneth A. Phillips, and Todd M. Scott.
Rise Up Presents: Back to My Roots Juneteenth Celebration
June 16, 1-4 p.m.
Riverfront Library, Riverfront Auditorium and Atrium, Yonkers
Join the Yonkers Public Library for a celebration showcasing the rich cultural heritage of West Africa. Guests can enjoy music, dancing, and food. There will also be a special guest: the Sierra Leon ambassador Amara Turay Jalloh.
The Ardsley Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 1-4 p.m.
Pascone Park, Ardsley
The Ardsley Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion Committee in collaboration with the Ardsley PTSA DEI Committee puts together this year’s festival. On June 15 at Pascone Park, there will be performances by The Harlem School for The Arts, music by DJ Pete, Concord Road Chorus, a fashion show by Children’s Village, book giveaway, and food trucks. In case of rain, the celebration will take place in the Ardsley Middle School gym.
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Charles Turner & Uptown Swing
June 16, 2 p.m.
Caramoor, Katonah
Caramoor celebrates Juneteenth the best way it knows how with a standout musical performance. Head over to this free event for activities starting at 2 p.m. and performances at 4 p.m. The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester and Caramoor and Dance Theatre of Harlem teaching artist Dianne Robinson will instruct attendees on how to Double-Dutch rope jump.
After a few rounds of Double-Dutch, visitors can participate in a guided craft session by Antioch Baptist Church community artists. Neighbor Link will also be onsite to offer free ESL classes. On top of that, guests will be able to make their own moving artwork with Katonah Museum of Art educators and explore rhythm and creative writing with poet, spoken word artist, community leader, and educator Thomas Ray and Bethany Arts Community. At 4 p.m., everyone can wind down and enjoy performances by Charles Turner and Uptown Swing.
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Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saint Paul’s Church, Mount Vernon
To commemorate Juneteenth in Westchester, Mount Vernon hosts a celebration featuring living history demonstrations, live music, and talks. At 11:30 a.m., there will be a performance and sing-along of songs from the Civil War with historical commentary in the museum. At 1 p.m. in the church, attendees can listen to a reading of the text of the original proclamation declaring the end of slavery in Texas, delivered in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. A special performance by flutist Eric Thomas and bass baritone singer Ronald Campbell will follow.
Juneteenth Celebration for Kids
June 19, 2-3 p.m.
Ossining Public Library, Ossining
The Ossining Public Library hosts a quilt-making session for kids to learn about the Underground Railroad. The quilt will be displayed at Ossining’s Juneteenth celebration on June 22. A read-aloud and snacks will be provided.
TPLC Juneteenth Celebration
June 19, 5 p.m.
Glen Island Park, New Rochelle
New Rochelle’s Juneteenth is a spirited celebration of freedom in Westchester that will include a performance from Men of Soul. The group will bring its exciting mix of classical R&B and soul music to the stage at 5 p.m. This event is hosted by The Lincoln Park Conservancy, INC.
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Irvington Juneteenth Celebration
June 22 1-5 p.m.
Villa Lewaro, Irvington
Irvington’s fifth annual Juneteenth celebration will honor the life and legacy of Madam C.J. Walker. The agenda includes The History Twins presenting The History of African-American Music, the keynote address by A’Lelia Bundles, and family-friendly music and dancing.
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5th Annual Ossining Juneteenth Festival
June 22, 12-6 p.m.
Louis Engel Waterfront Park, Ossining
Guests can enjoy shopping opportunities, live entertainment, and multi-ethnic foods at Ossining’s fifth annual Juneteenth Festival in Westchester.
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Related: A Guide to Pride Month Events in Westchester County
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