Juneteenth celebrations are just around the corner in Southern California, and this year’s events come just in time for the weekend.
The holiday is the oldest, annual commemoration of the June 19, 1865, order that proclaimed the emancipation of all remaining enslaved people in the United States after the Civil War.
Juneteenth became a celebration of freedom and achievement, bringing families and communities together with food, entertainment, spiritual and religious ceremonies, and cultural storytelling. In 2021, it became a federal holiday.
Here are five ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Southern California.
Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper is on the road celebrating 10 years of his iconic “Coloring Book” with a headlining performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, June 19, marking the only Southern California stop on his tour. Fans can expect a setlist that spans his career, including newer material from his latest release, “Star Line.” Then on Saturday, June 20, Chance the Rapper will join fans at Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA for a special screening of his live concert film, “Magnificent Coloring World.” The exclusive screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the rapper about the project, which blended live performance with stylized set design, immersive lighting, and theatrical staging to create stunning visuals.
- When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 19, and 7:35 p.m. Saturday, June 20.
- Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles, and Rooftop Cinema Club, Terrace, 888 S Olive Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles.
- Information: hollywoodbowl.com and rooftopcinemaclub.com.
Supervsn x The Broad
The fashion brand and collective Supervsn and The Broad are teaming up for a full day of music, art, and new merch on Juneteenth. The free event will offer all-day access to Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, a tour of the third-floor collection galleries, DJ sets by House of 73, FRIDAY, and Kailyn Hype, and a photobooth to commemorate the event. The event will also feature the in-person debut of a special-edition Broad x Supervsn capsule collection, available only during the event. The popular Lauren Halsey x Supervsn capsule that brings together portraits, signage, and cultural references rooted in the artist’s hometown of South Central Los Angeles, will also be available for purchase.
- When: Noon-5 p.m. Friday, June 19.
- Where: The Broad, 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles.
- Information: thebroad.org.
Irvine Juneteenth Celebration
BIPOC Orange County is hosting a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 20, featuring a vibrant community gathering honoring freedom, hope, and joy. This special gathering invites families, friends, neighbors, and the entire community to experience Black culture and the significance of Juneteenth through an uplifting day of music, dance, food, local organizations, and cultural performances. The event will also feature a wellness lounge, a kids village, and a BIPOC marketplace.
- When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 20.
- Where: Great Park Palm Court Complex, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine.
- Information: irvinejuneteenth.com.
Juneteenth in Santa Ana
Santa Ana’s Juneteenth Celebration returns to Centennial Regional Park for an afternoon honoring freedom, culture, history, and community. The event will be hosted by Tyrone Duboise and sponsored by the City of Santa Ana, and features live music, performances, community organizations, food vendors, cultural experiences, and activities celebrating African American heritage and Juneteenth traditions.
- When: Noon- 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20.
- Where: Centennial Regional Park, 3000 West Edinger Ave, Santa Ana.
- Information: theorangecountycityguide.com.
Songs of Freedom: Music of Resistance & Joy
The Civil Rights Institute in Riverside will host a free Juneteenth celebration featuring a kids’ craft corner hosted by The Black Arts Museum and a scavenger hunt for all ages from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by the kids’ activities is a performance by Empower You Edutainment, highlighting the powerful role of music in Black history. Music in Black history at the Civil Rights Institute.
- When: 11 a.m. Friday, June 19.
- Where: Civil Rights Institute, 3933 Mission Inn Ave. Riverside.
- Information: riversideca.gov.