Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday that commemorates the date when slaves in Galveston, Texas found out they were free in 1865. The announcement, in fact, had been made two years earlier, so these were the last slaves in the confederacy to claim their freedom. Though June 19 is the official holiday, the day is celebrated throughout Westchester all month long.
Ardsley, 6/15 The Ardsley Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion Juneteenth Celebration Presented by: The Village of Ardsley. This event will include music, dance and poetry, as well as a DJ and local youth performances. Food and ice cream will also be available for purchase. 1-4pm at Pascone Park in Ardsley.
Irvington, 6/19, Ways to Fly: Irvington’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Presented by: Irvington Juneteenth Committee and the Village of Irvington
This free workshop for kids in grades four through six focuses on the messages of hope and resilience seen in sculptor Vinnie Bagwell’s Yesterday statue. The workshop will be grounded in the Jacqueline Woodson’s The Year We Learned to Fly story and will incorporate a discussion and art activity so participants can explore their own resilience techniques. Pre-registration is required. 10:45- 11:30amat Irvington Historical Society.
Irvington, 6/22, Celebrating the Legacy of Madam C.J. Walker: Irvington’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Presented by: Irvington Juneteenth Committee and the Village of Irvington. This historic street-naming celebration in honor of Madam C.J. Wallker at the legendary Villa Lewaro will be attended by Madam’s great, great granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles. There will also be music, food and tours of Villa Lewaro. The event is free, but preregistration is required for the timed tours. 2-5pmat Villa Lewaro, 67 North Broadway, Irvington.
Katonah, 6/16, Charles Turner & Uptown Swing Presented by Caramoor
Jazz vocalist and songwriter Charles Turner and his band performs music from 1920s to modern day in the style of swing, bebop and blues. The day includes family-friendly activities.
Lewisboro, 6/22, Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Together! Presented by: Equity4All. This event includes live music, food, crafts, games, family fun and a DJ. 2-4pm at Lewisboro Town Park.
Mount Kisco, 6/22, Mount Kisco’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Presented by: Aaliyah Thompson, This event includes food and entertainment. Rain Date: Saturday, June 29. 12:30-5pm at the Mount Kisco train station parking lot.
Mount Vernon, 6/19, Mount Vernon Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Presented by: Yusef Shah Islamic Center in collaboration with the Mount Vernon Department of Recreation. A celebration of freedom and unity.12-3pm at Hartley Park, Mount Vernon.
New Rochelle, 6/19, 4th Annual Resilience Juneteenth Celebration 2024. Presented by: The Lincoln Park Conservancy, Inc. This Juneteenth celebration will include an African marketplace, performances, a petting zoo, food trucks and more. 12-6pm at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle.
Ossining, 6/21, Ballroom Has Something to Say: An Ode to Black Gay/Queer Men Presented by: ArtsWestchester, Bethany Arts Community, The Loft, The Juneteenth Council Icon Michael Roberson’s newest production presents an intergenerational history of the Black LGBTQ+ house ballroom community. 7-9pm at Bethany Arts Community in Ossining.
6/22, 5th Annual Ossining Juneteenth Festival. Presented by: The Juneteenth Council, The Town of Ossining, ArtsWestchester, Bethany Arts Community This celebration includes performances, food, and vendors. 12-6pm at Louis Engel Waterfront Park, Ossining
6/29, WBBTC 3rd Annual Juneteenth Tournament & Family Fun Day Presented by: The Juneteenth Council, Ossining. This celebration from the Westchester Basketball Tournament Committee includes performances, food, and vendors. 10am-2pm at Ossining Parks and Recreation (95 Broadway, Ossining).
Peekskill, 6/15 Peekskill’s 13th Annual Parade Presented by: Peekskill Youth Bureau, Tuesday Paige McDonald This year’s celebration theme is “Empowering the Next Generation.” Grand Marshals are Dr. Glenetta C. Phillips, Kenneth A. Phillips and Todd M. Scott. The parade kicks off at 1pm AME Zion Church (1220 Park Street, Peekskill).
6/15, Peekskill’s 13th Annual Festival Presented by: Peekskill Youth Bureau, Tuesday Paige McDonald Festival with live entertainment, vendors offering unique and cultural goods and services, a food, vendors and community partners. The festival will take place in downtown Peekskill 2-7pm on the Intersection of N. Division Street and Park Street.
Pelham, 6/16 Juneteenth in the Village of Pelham Presented by: The Village of Pelham Council of the Arts A celebration will be a day of inspiration, education, cultural connection and entertainment to honor the Juneteenth Federal Holiday. Approximately 3-6pm at Wolfs Lane Park, Pelham.
Pleasantville, 6/19, Film screening: Miss Juneteenth. Presented by Jacob Burns Film Center Once a beauty queen and now a single mom, this movie’s protagonist struggles to prepare her rebellious teenage daughter for the Miss Juneteenth pageant.
Port Chester, 6/19, Juneteenth Celebration. Presented by: The Port Chester Historical Society. This family-friendly event will feature music, poetry, history and community art. 5:30-7:30pm at Bush Lyon Homestead in Lyon Park
Pound Ridge, 6/19, Juneteenth in Pound Ridge. Presented by: Pound Ridge Partnership, Human Rights Advisory Committee, Pound Ridge Library, and Pound Ridge Library Foundation A free Broadway performance will feature Dan Micciche, musical director of Wicked; and Stephanie Umoh, who plays Angelica Schuyler in the national tour of Hamilton. 6pmat The Green in Scotts Corners in Pound Ridge.
Tuckahoe, 6/15, Tuckahoe Freedom Day Juneteenth Presented by: Tuckahoe Kids Table, NY Presbyterian. This Freedom Day includes an opening ceremony, poetry, awards and presentation, chess, gardening demonstrations, local vendors and small businesses. There will also be arts and crafts, African drummers and dancers, music, food and line dancing. 12-5pm at Main Street Park in Tuckahoe.
Yonkers, 6/15, Juneteenth Heritage Parade Presented by: Yonkers Downtown B.I.D.,The Autism Project- FLOS Inc. Parade day will include food, merchandise, vendors, prizes, arts and crafts, and family fun. 1-3pm at JFK Marina Park in Yonkers; Raffle drawing at 6pm.
6/19, 3rd Annual Juneteenth Educational Conference Presented by: Yonkers Downtown B.I.D.,The Autism Project- FLOS Inc. This educational conference will showcase Dr. Alexandria Connelly, Dr. William Seraile, Dr. Bob Baskerville and Sierre Leone Ambassador AmaraTuray Jalloh. Performances will include Terrell Armstead and TRCY, African Libation Drum & Dance with the Afrikan Healing Circle, as well as live DJ Superior and refreshments. 12-4pm at Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers.
