The Abridged version:
- Juneteenth celebrations are taking place in the Sacramento area throughout the weekend, starting with the holiday Friday.
- Some local gatherings began over 20 years ago, and others started in recent years.
- Festivals, live music, parades and walks are all planned for the holiday weekend.
You have a variety of ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the Sacramento area this year.
One local group has hosted a Juneteenth festival for more than 20 years, but more events began sprouting in pockets of the region in recent years, since June 19 became a federally recognized holiday in 2021.
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And for places to see outside of town, California State Parks is offering free passes to state historic parks, in honor of Juneteenth and the country’s 250th anniversary.
From decades-old traditions to ones running for just a few years, here are local events and celebrations recognizing the holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S.
Sacramento Juneteenth Festival
The 23rd annual Sacramento Juneteenth Festival takes place this weekend at William Land Park.
Festivities run 6-9 p.m. Friday, starting with “Gospel Under the Stars.” Saturday activities begin at 9 a.m. with a soul parade, followed by live music from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Juneteenth Art Walk in Midtown Sacramento
A stroll through Midtown celebrating Black art and culture begins at 10 a.m. Friday with an opening ceremony at Celebration Arts, 2727 B St., Sacramento.
The walk itself departs at 11 a.m. and continues into the early afternoon. The B Street Theatre website has more information on the event’s third annual installment.
The People’s Juneteenth Kick Back
Community organizers near Natomas are hosting The People’s Juneteenth Kick Back from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday at South Natomas Community Center Park, 2881 Truxel Road, Sacramento.
The event includes music, a beer garden and free food for the first 300 people.
Juneteenth block party in Oak Park
Find music, art, dancing and food from Black-owned vendors at the sixth annual Juneteenth Block Party from 4-9 p.m. Saturday at the 40 Acres complex, 35th Street and Broadway, in Oak Park.
Register for the event online.
Placer County Juneteenth Celebration
The sixth annual Placer County Juneteenth Celebration is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin.
The event includes live music, food, kids activities, a sweet potato pie contest and more.
Celebrating Juneteenth in West Sacramento
The fourth annual Juneteenth celebration, hosted by the Center for Spiritual Awareness, takes place from 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday at 1275 Starboard Drive, West Sacramento.
The event flyer calls for bringing a drum, song and dish.
Free state historic parks
California State Parks made a free version of its Historian Passport available through July 6, in honor of Juneteenth and the country’s 250th birthday.
The pass, which can be downloaded online, grants access to more than 30 participating state historic parks. Eligible local and nearby parks include Sutter’s Fort, Indian Grinding Rock, Railtown 1897 in Jamestown, Marshall Gold Discovery and Folsom Powerhouse state historic parks.
