CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH IN LOS ANGELES

Black on the Block | Instagram: @blackxtheblock

Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is an annual celebration that commemorates the emancipation of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865 - two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been enacted - Union soldiers rode into Galveston, Texas and General Gordon Granger announced the news that the slaves in Texas were free. Juneteenth dates to 1866 in Galveston and is now celebrated across the country.

From neighborhood festivals to a celebration at the Hollywood Bowl, read on for highlights of Juneteenth events in Los Angeles. All events take place on Wednesday, June 19 unless otherwise noted.

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL - LA CENTER STUDIOS (JUNE 16, 2024)

1201 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles 90017
213-534-3000
View Website
Black on the Block presents the third annual Juneteenth Festival, taking place from 1-8pm on Sunday, June 16 at Los Angeles Center Studios. The all-ages festival features special performances by Flyana Boss and DVSN; 100+ Black-owned businesses, full food court, drinks, special guests, activations, giveaways and much more.

Tickets are on sale via the Black on the Block app. The VIP Experience (21+) includes access to the indoor-outdoor lounge overlooking the festival; separate VIP entrance to the festival, open wine bar, access to seating and cabanas (first-come, first-served), photobooth and VIP cash bars.
MORE INFO

ANGEL CITY FC VS RACING LOUISVILLE FC - BMO STADIUM

3939 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles 90037
213-519-9900
View Website
On Juneteenth, Angel City FC hosts Racing Louisville FC at BMO Stadium: "Honoring the legacy and resilience of Black people in history while envisioning a future filled with empowerment and prosperity for Black communities." Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster.

Now open on the second floor of The Fields at BMO Stadium, Level Up by Bandai Namco features a PAC-MAN arcade, amusement and soccer-themed games, and Gashapon collectible toy machines. Level Up will be open for LAFC and Angel City FC matches, BMO Stadium concerts and other Exposition Park events.
MORE INFO

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION FEAT. T-PAIN - HOLLYWOOD BOWL

2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles 90068
323-850-2000
View Website
T-Pain co-curates this one-night-only event at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl, celebrating Juneteenth and Black music with special guests and a full orchestra. Tickets are now on sale for this musical celebration of freedom, creativity and brilliant artistic tradition.
MORE INFO

"BLESS THEIR LITTLE HEARTS" - ACADEMY MUSEUM

6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90036
323-930-3000
View Website
The only fiction feature directed by Billy Woodberry, Bless Their Little Hearts (1984) is a low-key drama about a man who is unemployed, living in the Watts neighborhood of South LA, and struggling to help support his wife and children. Woodberry, a member of the LA Rebellion group of Black filmmakers who emerged from UCLA, developed the film as his college thesis. Fellow Rebellion member and 2017 Honorary Oscar recipient Charles Burnett served as the film’s screenwriter and cinematographer. In 2013, the Library of Congress selected Woodberry’s film for preservation in the National Film Registry. Tickets at the Academy Museum website.
MORE INFO

KEN & FRIENDS: THE POP OUT - KIA FORUM (JUNE 19, 2024)

3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood 90305
310-330-7300
View Website
GRAMMY Award winner Kendrick Lamar has announced a one-off show at Kia Forum to celebrate Juneteenth. Ken & Friends: The Pop Out will be presented by pgLang and Free Lunch. Tickets to the all-ages event are on sale at Ticketmaster.
MORE INFO

JUNETEENTH CEREMONY & CELEBRATION - MANHATTAN BEACH

(JUNE 19 & 22, 2024)

1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach 90266
310-802-5408
View Website
The City of Manhattan Beach, in partnership with Black in Mayberry, invites the community to celebrate Juneteenth with two events filled with reverence, education, entertainment and community engagement. First up is the Juneteenth Ceremony, taking place on June 19 from 10-11am at Bruce's Beach Park. The ceremony will include speakers from the community, special guests and a gospel choir.

The second event is the family-friendly Juneteenth Celebration & Concert, which will be held from 11am to 3pm at Polliwog Park on Saturday, June 22. Shop Black-owned business vendors and enjoy food trucks, live music and special performances. Free with RSVP at Eventbrite.
MORE INFO

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION - AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Juneteenth Celebration | Photo: Aquarium of the Pacific

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802
562-590-3100
View Website
The Aquarium of the Pacific presents the annual Juneteenth Celebration, taking place from 1-2pm on June 19. Learn about the history of this holiday and its significance to the African American community and beyond. Discover the traditions of this annual celebration through music, storytelling and more. The Juneteenth Celebration is included with General Admission and will also be live streamed on the Aquarium’s YouTube page.
MORE INFO