Celebrate Juneteenth in Birmingham with beloved traditions + new events all weekend

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Bham Black Pride
Photo via Bham Black Pride

June 19 is more than just a date, it also marks Juneteenth—an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate this important day, mark your calendar for these events happening in Birmingham.

1. TheMGB 1st Annual Juneteenth Fest

Celebrate Saturday, June 19 with a full day of family-friendly entertainment, culture, community and Black excellence during The Modern Green Book’s 1st Annual Juneteenth Fest at Legion Field. From food trucks and local vendors to a Hip Hop Showcase and live performances from local artists, here’s what makes this event next level.

Here are seven reasons you don’t want to miss it.

Event Details:

  • When: Saturday, June 19, Noon-10PM
  • Where: Legion Field Stadium, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
  • Admission Price: FREE before 5PM | $10 from 5PM-7PM | $20 from 7PM-10PM
  • Event Prices: BBQ Showdown – $10 | Shuttle Pass – $5 (unlimited rides) | Showcase – $20 | Festival Pass – $30 (include BBQ Showdown, Shuttle Pass, Showcase + Free Drink)
  • Tickets
Juneteenth celebration in Birmingham
Celebration of Juneteenth at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham. Photo by Larry O. Gay with permission

2. National Juneteenth Festival and Parade

Head to Kelly Ingram Park on Saturday, June 19 for the National Juneteenth Festival and Parade. This free event features a parade and festival with food, music, vendors, entertainment and more.

Event Details:

  • When: Saturday, June 19, 9AM-4PM
  • Where: Kelly Ingram Park, 500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Admission: FREE

3. Junteenth Food Truck Festival

Nothing beats an event with scrumptious eats, so check out the Juneteenth Food Truck Festival on Saturday, June 19.

You’ll discover the hottest food trucks in The Magic City, vendors, a live band, drink specials and infinite amounts of black excellence.

Event Details:

  • When: Friday, June 18-Saturday, June 19
  • Where: 521 3rd Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
  • Admission: $5
  • Tickets

4. Arlington Historic House Present “Celebrating Freedom”

Commemorate and celebrate the release of the last enslaved Africans in the Deep South with Arlington Historic House. Here’s what’s on the agenda during their Celebrating Freedom event:

  • An art show featuring the art of Ronald McKeithen
  • Live music by local jazz trio The Clark Collective
  • A menu prepared by Arlington’s Chef Matthew Murphree

Event Details:

  • When: Friday, June 18, 5-8PM
  • Where: Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, 331 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
  • Admission: $20
  • Tickets
Bham Black Pride
Photo via Bham Black Pride

5. Freedom of Expression: A PRIDE-Full Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate freedom of speech and the ability to just be with voices and talents from the Bham Black Gay Arts Community. Hosted by Joi Miner, the event includes speaker, such as Destiny Franklin, Fee-Fee Redmon and Sucena Hardy.

Event Details:

  • When: Saturday, June 19-Sunday, June 20, 11PM-3AM
  • Where: 3522 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • Admission: FREE
  • Register to Attend

6. Black on Black Dollars

Bhamsterdam is the place to be this Juneteenth. Located in Birmingham’s Five Points West neighborhood behind J Wings, this event features the dopest small businesses in the city. Attend the event to show them your support.

Event Details:

  • When: Saturday. June 19, 11AM-5PM
  • Where: 2528 Bessemer Rd, Birmingham, AL 35208
  • Admission: $5
  • Tickets

7. Kuumbafest 2021

Celebrate the arts during this three-day Juneteenth event at The Majestic Lounge in Bessemer. Here’s what’s on the agenda:

  • Friday, June 18: enjoy music and drinks while painting a masterpiece during Brushes and Beats.
  • Saturday, June 19: take it back old school style with African drums, berets, snaps and poetry during An Ode to Elders Poetry Show.
  • Sunday, June 20: eat, drink and dance during The Royal Brunch

Event Details:

  • When: Friday, June 18-Sunday, June 20, 7-10PM
  • Where: Majesty Lounge, 1400 9th Ave N, Ste 120, Bessemer, AL 35020
  • Admission: $15-$65
  • Tickets
Bham Black Pride
Photo via Bham Black Pride

8. Piamistry: Juneteenth Vendor Celebration

A cultural experience awaits during this vendor-rich event. Happening just a skip from Birmingham in Bessemer, here’s what you’ll discover food, history, live music and poetry from local artists, vendors from black-owned businesses and more.

Event Details:

  • When: Saturday, June 19, 6PM
  • Where: Alabama Ave, Bessemer, AL 35020
  • Admission: FREE

9. Juneteenth at Studio 2500

Celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of kinship with Studio 2500 in Birmingham. During the months of June and July, the studio hosts multiple events that feature visual and performing arts that explore the connection of the experiences of the native African and the Diaspora.

Event Details:

  • What: Juneteenth in the Garden
  • Description: an outdoor celebration in Studio 2500’s art garden featuring art, shopping, poetry, dance, open mic, remarks from special community leaders + more.
  • When: Saturday, June 19, 11AM-2PM
  • Where: Studio 2500, 2500 26th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35234
  • Admission: $20 | Kids 13 + under – FREE
  • Tickets

You can also attend the Kindred Spirit Exhibit Closing Reception at Studio 2500 on Sunday, July 11. Admission is $10 (kids 13 and under get in FREE). Buy your tickets now.

bham legion bcri jersey Celebrate Juneteenth in Birmingham with beloved traditions + new events all weekend
Jerseys that not only look dope but recognize the importance of the current international movement for Black Lives Matter. Photo via USL Championship

10. ARAI Juneteenth Celebration

Grab your lawn chairs and head to Homewood Central Park on Saturday, June 19 for the ARAI Juneteenth Celebration. Community organization ARAI (Alabama Rally Against Injustice) hosts this family-friendly event that includes:

  • FREE barbecue
  • Guest speakers
  • Ice cream truck
  • Live music
  • Performers
  • Vendors

Event Details;

  • When: Saturday, June 19, 11AM-7PM
  • Where: Homewood Central Park, 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
  • Admission: FREE

11. The Energy is Currency Popup Shop

Over 30 businesses in the Magic City join together at this popup event on Juneteenth. Expect live entertainment, food and family- and pet-friendly activities.

Event Details:

  • When: Saturday, June 19, 7-11PM
  • Where: Euphoria Lounge, 7 15th St W, Birmingham, AL 35208 
  • Admission: FREE

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Patience Itson
Patience Itson
Articles: 1763