Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in Westchester
Juneteenth, also referred to as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Black Independence Day, is an annual holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. While it has been around for over 150 years, Juneteenth was only made an official holiday in New York State in 2021 that is celebrated with festivals, parades, music, food, and more. In Westchester, there are several ways to celebrate and teach your kids about this important holiday and its meaning of freedom, culture, and heritage. Read on for a list of events to experience with your kids:
Wednesday, June 1st – Thursday, June 30th, various times
June Harriet Tubman StoryWalk: The White Plains Library is hosting a variety of interactive events throughout the month of June. Kids are invited to read “Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free” by Alice Faye Duncan and Keturah A. Bobo, a story that illustrates the true life of Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. Families can then walk to Renaissance Plaza to see the nine-foot monument honoring Harriet Tubman entitled “The Journey to Freedom.” Additionally, the library will be offering programming throughout the month, such as The Roots of Black Music in America on June 1st at 7:00 pm and The Underground Railroad: Stories and Craft on June 9th, 4:00pm as well as offer craft grab-and-go kits for preschoolers through 3rd grade. 100 Martine Avenue. White Plains, NY 10601.
Saturday, June 11th from 12:00pm-4:00pm
1st Annual Juneteenth Event in Mount Kisco: Participate in the Village’s first Juneteenth celebration and enjoy live music from Base Camp, a live DJ, free raffles, arts and crafts, food and drinks, and shopping from Black-owned vendors. Village Parking Lot, behind Town Hall, Mount Kisco, NY 10549.
Saturday, June 11th from 11:00am-1:00pm
The 18th Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival in White Plains: Celebrate Juneteenth in White Plains as a part of this all day festival/parade. The parade kicks off at 11:00am and then follows a festival from 12:00pm-5:00pm, which includes a tribute to Harriet Tubman. The festival also features exhibits on Renaissance Plaza and speeches from Kent Washington, Joe Mack and Jamal Koran, and Roger Glass as well as the untold stories of African American history in Westchester. Mamaroneck Avenue, Downtown White Plains.
Thursday, June 16th – Monday, June 20th, various times and locations
Songs for our Fathers: This multi-day event features a jazz concert on June 19th, various exhibits, performances, an African marketplace, films, food, gospel singing, poetry slam, games, and a trolley tour. On June 18th, there will be a free kids event along with the reading of the book, “Juneteenth for Mazie” as well as arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, games, prizes, puzzles, and more.
Friday, June 17th from 7:30pm-10:30pm
Juneteenth: Access for All Celebration: Enjoy a free Juneteenth concert featuring Ray Blue, KJ Denhert, Acute Inflections, and Bria The Artist. While tickets are free, you have to reserve by visiting the box office, calling 914-739-0039 ext. 2, or emailing at boxoffice@paramounthudsonvalley.com. 1008 Brown Street, Peekskill, NY 10566
Saturday, June 18th from 5:00pm-9:00pm
Juneteenth in Ardsley: Enjoy a day of music, food trucks, art, dancing, and more. Pascone Park, 638 Ashford Avenue, Ardsley, NY 10502
Saturday, June 18th from 12:00-5:00pm
11th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day: Enjoy this outdoor celebration of African dance, drums, gospel singing, spoken word, dancing, and more. There will also be vendor tables, highlighting Black-owned businesses and organizations. The event also includes participation in the 2022 Juneteenth Freedom Day Walk where guests are invited to participate with banners, group t-shirts, dashikis, and/or uniforms. Depew Park, 1 Robin Drive, Peekskill, NY 10566.
Saturday, June 18th from 2:00pm-8:00pm
Juneteenth in the Village of Pelham: Spend the day Wolfs Lane Park and enjoy art, live paintings, performances, free film screenings, a DJ, and an exhibition from PMHS art students. Wolfs Lane Park, Pelham, NY 10803.
Saturday, June 18th from 2:00pm-6:00pm
Celebration of “Yesterday”: This 3rd annual celebration includes food, dance, the arts, and live music from Nkumu Katalay and The Life Long Project. The event also includes the unveiling of the “Yesterday” sculpture, which was created by Vinnie Bagwell to commemorate the lives of the enslaved African who lived in Irvington. Main Street School, 101 Main Street, Irvington, NY 10533.
Saturday, June 18th from 12:00pm-6:00pm
Juneteenth: Ancestral Spiritual Awakening in Mamaroneck: The event celebrates the pillars of faith, food, family, music, and education. It will also include food vendors, a basketball tournament, outdoor games, African drummers, and the repainting of the BLM mural. Columbus Park, Van Ranst Place, Mamaroneck, NY 10543.
Sunday, June 19 from 12:00pm-4:00pm
Ossining Juneteenth Celebration: Attend the 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration with local vendors, live music, poetry, African drumming, spoken word, African food, community awards, and much more. Louis Engel Waterfront Park, 25 Westerly Rd, Ossining, NY 10562.
Sunday, June 19th at 3:00pm
Celebrate Juneteenth at Caramoor: Visit Caramoor for a day of education, music, and community and as part of their Celebrate Juneteenth event. The day includes singing from Jeremiah Abiah, family-friendly activities such as learning how to Double-Dutch rope jump, the art of stepping, and participating in the making of a community quilt. The event is free but you have to RSVP to attend. 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY 10536.
Sunday, June 19th at 4:00pm
MAGIC CHARM … UP MY SLEEVE: a Juneteenth Celebration in Music and Word: Enjoy a concert with your family featuring Music from the Copland House. This includes texts by Langston Hughes, Marcus Amaker, Dudley Randall, Walt Whitman, and more. There will also be a post-performance ‘Offbeat/Onstage’ talk back with the artists. Emelin Theater, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck, NY 10543.
Sunday, June 26th from 1:00pm-5:00pm
Juneteenth Celebration & Food Truck Event: Enjoy food trucks and live music from around the world. The event is free for kids 18 and under, adults are $7 per person. Zinsser Commuter Parking Lot, across from the Hastings on Hudson Metro North Train Station.
