Check Out These NJ Juneteenth Celebrations This Month

New Jersey residents will host Juneteenth celebrations all across the state this week. This annual holiday, observed on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that Union troops finally arrived in Galveston to enforce the decree. The day was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. Here’s where New Jerseyans can go to celebrate this year:

Newark: Juneteenth NJ Celebration at Newark Symphony Hall

In this celebration of Black art, music, and community, Newark Symphony Hall will host performances by musical artists including SHOWCASE, Flygerian, and Moneta-Kai, just to name a few. Guests can also shop at vendors offering food, clothes, accessories, books, and more. Newark Symphony Hall’s Juneteenth Celebration is for guests ages 21 and over.

Friday, June 19, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m.

Newark Symphony Hall, 1020 Kenneth Gibson Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102

Union: 6th Annual Union Juneteenth Festival

Union’s Juneteenth Festival will welcome an estimated 3,000 attendees to a cultural celebration featuring over 50 Black-owned businesses, food trucks, and a kids zone, with zero price for admission. Hosted by musician Kernard Reid, this festival will feature musical performances by Jai’len Josey, Malaya, DJ Wallah, Men of Soul, and more.

Saturday, June 20, from 12 to 6 p.m.

Biertuempfel Park, 1300 Winslow Ave, Union, NJ 07083 

Maplewood: Juneteenth 2026: A Celebration of Freedom

Durand-Hedden House & Garden, Maplewood’s historic museum, will host a free Juneteenth celebration featuring historical reenactors, musical performances, an art exhibit, quilters, dancing, poetry, face painting, and children’s crafts. 

Attendees can purchase food at the event. They will also have the opportunity to see the museum’s exclusive exhibit, “Slavery in New Jersey: A Troubled History,” and learn more about the historical context of Juneteenth and the history of enslaved people in the Garden State.

Friday, June 19, from 12 to 4 p.m.

Durand-Hedden House & Garden, 523 Ridgewood Rd, Maplewood, NJ 07040

Jersey City: African Cultural Arts Juneteenth Family Festival 2026

Organized by the City of Jersey City, this Juneteenth family festival will feature musical performances spanning rock, blues, jazz, R&B, gospel, house, and traditional African dance & drum. Performers include Gerald Lucas & Dirty City, Dr. Melanie R. Hill, Woaza Masekela, DJ Joe Smith, Spektrum Afrikans, and CCC Collective.

Saturday, June 20, from 12 to 7 p.m.

Berry Lane Park, 1000 Garfield Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07304

Cherry Hill: 6th Annual Juneteenth Parade & Festival

Hosted by the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association, the town’s Juneteenth festival will celebrate Black culture and history by offering a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees can treat themselves to a day featuring food, shopping, live musical performances, and a petting zoo.

Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Croft Farm, 100 Bortons Mill Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

Willingboro: Juneteenth: A Gospel & Cultural Celebration

Willingboro Township will celebrate Juneteenth and Black culture with an afternoon filled with gospel music. Along with food trucks and vendors, this event will feature performances by Camden’s Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble and gospel music artist Anton Milton. Attendees are also welcome to walk along the town’s “Freedom Trail” and learn more about local Black history.

Millcreek Park, 300 Beverly Rancocas Road and Pagent Lane, Willingboro, NJ 08046

Friday, June 19, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Skillman: 4th Annual SSAAM Juneteenth Celebration 2026

Recognized as one of the inaugural sites on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum will host Juneteenth as part of its ongoing mission to preserve and promote awareness of Black history. 

Guests will be treated to family-friendly activities, workshops, food, live music, spoken word, and theatrical performances. The museum will also feature an exclusive exhibition on the legacy of Black baseball players in New Jersey and beyond.

Admission costs $28 for adults and $18 for children aged 14 and under. Tickets cost $3 less if purchased online.

Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, 189 Hollow Rd, Skillman, NJ 08558

Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Summit: Fifth Annual Juneteenth Event 

Summit’s Juneteenth celebration will include a flag-raising ceremony on the Village Green with a performance by singer Lulu Gurrero. There will also be a pool party at the Summit Family Aquatic Center featuring food trucks, children’s activities, music, and more. Both of these events are free and open to the public.

Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, 2026 @ 12 to 5 p.m.

Summit Village Green, 356 Broad Street, Summit, NJ 07901