9 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Birmingham 

Juneteenth—a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the US—is coming upon its second year as a federal holiday. Now that more people are aware of this important day, there are more public ways to honor Juneteenth in Birmingham—check them out. 

1. Inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

The Lifting as We Climb Foundation, a nonprofit focused on uplifting underserved youth, is hosting their first festival-like event for Juneteenth. There will be something for everybody from entrepreneurs, family, students and anyone else. Check out this impressive list of activities planned:

• Food trucks.
• Tents with relators and financial advisors.
• Networking hub for the hustlers.
• Two different DJs.
• Scholarship giveaway from their Black Rhino’s mentoring program.
• Best of all—fireworks.

This is an all-day thing, so bring a tent, chairs and a cooler. Get your tickets here.

• When: June 19, 2022 | 2-9 PM
• Where: 331 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
• Price: $15-$25

BONUS: Support Black-owned biz! 22 Black-owned restaurants in Birmingham you need to try now.

2. Backyard Boogie at BCRI

Celebrate Juneteenth in Birmingham at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. This year’s theme is “Backyard Boogie,” a tribute to the backyard BBQ traditions.

Check out BCRI’s newest mobile application, The Movement and The Color of Baseball, an exhibit featuring iconic members of the Negro Leagues. You can also participate in “Magic Walks” throughout the Civil Rights District.

• When: June 18, 2022 | 10 AM-6 PM
• Where: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Price: FREE

3. Neptune Frost at SIDEWALK

At Sidewalk experience a moving Afrofuturist musical about an intersex African hacker, a coltan miner and the virtual marvel born. This film paints neo-colonialism in a new light through DIY aesthetics, impressive visuals and beautiful storytelling.

• When: June 17-23, 2022 | Times vary
• Where: 1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Price: $5-$12.01

4. Inaugural Juneteenth Empowerment Luncheon

The first-ever Juneteenth Empowerment Luncheon is happening here in Birmingham. Enjoy a 2-hour long event of speakers, professional networking and powerful content from the community.

• When: June 16 |11 AM–1 PM
• Where: 1531 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Price: $75-$600

5. Juneteenth In The Magic City Festival

Simone’s Kitchen ATL is bringing the hottest food trucks to celebrate Juneteenth in Birmingham. This is a party of Black excellence, so enjoy freedom with African dancers, live music and a fire show.

• When: June 19, 2022 | 4-10 PM
• Where: 521 3rd Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
• Price: $5-$10

6. Official National Juneteenth Observance Foundation of Alabama Commemoration

For bumping music, education, thrilling games and tasty food celebrate at Kelly Ingram Park. You’ll be sore from all the dancing!

• When: June 19, 2022 | 10:30-5 PM
• Where: 500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Price: FREE

7. A taste of Juneteenth

Samford students, this one is for you! Celebrate the intercultural diversity of food that will reach your body and soul cause it’s so good!

• When: June 21, 2022 | 11 AM-1 PM
• Where: Ben Brown Plaza, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Homewood, AL 35229
• Price: FREE

8. Black Diamond Juneteenth Festival

Learn from notable guest speakers as they talk about their life and why history is important. You’ll want to add this to your to-do list for Juneteenth in Birmingham things to do since iconic community members—including Kundai Bajikikaayi from AAAPPEP Huntsville—will be there.

• When: June 17 | 7-9 PM
• Where: 1121 Tuscaloosa Ave, Birmingham, AL 35211
• Price: $30

9. The Inaugural Juneteenth Festival

Celebrate Juneteenth in Gardendale at the very first festival. It’s open to everybody that wants to come. There will be vendors, food and music—sounds like a party!

• When: June 18, 2022 | 12 PM-5 PM
• Where: 857 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071
• Price: FREE

How will you be celebrating Juneteenth in Birmingham? Share your pics with us @BhamNow.