7 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Birmingham

Every June 19th, we honor what’s become known as Juneteenth, a day to mark—and celebrate—the end of slavery in the United States. It’s an important way to recognize the efforts and struggles of Black Americans, and it’s now both a federally recognized and locally celebrated holiday.

We found Juneteenth celebrations around the Magic City this year. Keep reading for festivals, parades, commemorations and more ways to make the most of this important holiday all week long.

1. Wellness Day at the Civil Rights Institute

• What: Kick off the week of Juneteenth with free health screenings + wellness resources at the Civil Rights Institute. Local farmers will lead hands-on workshops centered on seed planting, food justice + small farming.
• When: Sunday, June 14 | 10AM-2PM
• Where: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Details

2. Juneteenth Trivia Walk at Center Point Library

• What: Center Point Public Library is hosting a fun + interactive game the week of Juneteenth Walk around the library, find fact cards, answer the questions and learn something new.
• When: Monday, June 15 | 9AM
• Where: Center Point Public Library
• Details

3. National Juneteenth of Alabama Freedom Day

• What: A special commemoration ceremony, parade + block party hosted by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation of Alabama. Except marching bands from local HBCUs, motorcycle clubs, Greek-letter organizations, civic groups + church floats.
• When: Saturday, June 19
  • Parade lineup: 8AM
  • Parade step-off: 9AM
  • Commemoration: 11AM-5:30PM
• Where: Kelly Ingram Park
• Details

4. Juneteenth Jubilee at the Civil Rights Institute

• What: Free admission to the Civil Rights Institute, free tours of 16th Street Baptist Church and AG Gaston Motel Gallery. Stay later for a community block party with food, music, local vendors, face painting, a kids’ zone, line dancing + more.
• When: Saturday, June 19 | 10AM-8PM
• Where: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Details

5. East-West Classic at Rickwood Field

• What: MLB All-Stars and World Series Champs play in a Juneteenth tribute to the Negro Leagues at the historic Rickwood Field. Plus, there’s a “PLAY BALL” youth clinic for children in the Birmingham RBI program.
• When: Friday, June 19
  • Gates open: 11:30AM
  • Home Run Derby: 12PM
  • East vs. West game: 1PM
• Where: Rickwood Field
• Cost: $12 general admission
• Details

6. A Vibe Called Black Part 3: A Night of Recognition and Giving

• What: A celebration of Black excellence returns with A Vibe Called Black Part 3: A Night of Recognition and Giving at the Birmingham Museum of Art. This elegant Juneteenth soirée honors the achievements of Black entrepreneurs and the next generation of innovators and promises to bring even more culture, connection and celebration than ever before. 
• When: Sat, June 20 | 8PM–12AM
• Where: Birmingham Museum of Art
• Cost: $76.54
• Details

7. Juneteenth in The Magic City

• What: Celebrate Juneteenth with live music, dancing, games, a kids’ zone, fireworks and more, hosted by Simone’s Kitchen.
• When: Sat, June 21 | 4–10PM
• Where: 521 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35204
• How much: Early bird tickets: $10 | Kids 12 and under: Free admission
• Details

Explore these resources to learn more about Juneteenth

Now that you’ve plotted out how you’ll celebrate, here’s where to go to learn more about this important holiday:

• How Birmingham made the holiday official
• How to celebrate with events across Alabama
• Juneteenth.com
• The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• 16th St Baptist Church’s expansion plans
• Winners of the 2025 Minority Business Awards in Birmingham
• The National Museum of African-American History and Culture

How will you celebrate Juneteenth, Birmingham? Let us know @bhamnow!