Juneteenth is a celebration held in June that honors the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.
The holiday falls on June 19, but many organizations host events before or after the holiday. Dauphin, York, and Lancaster counties are all hosting events to commemorate the special day.
Here are the events organized by county for those interested in celebrating Juneteenth. All of the events held in Dauphin County are hosted by the YPOC, or Young Professionals of Color.
Dauphin County
June 14
When: Parade kicks off at noon.
Where: 501 N. Third St., Harrisburg
According to the YPOC, this marks the city’s first-ever Juneteenth parade. The parade will go around the Capitol Complex, and speeches will be made on the Capitol steps.
The parade includes cultural displays, marching bands, dance teams, and other local organizations. Anyone interested in participating in the parade or needing more information can email Juneteenthhbg@ypoc-hbg.org or fill out an application here.
June 16
When: 4-7 p.m.
Where: 100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey
Right before what is arguably the biggest concert of the year — the “GNX” tour featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA — concertgoers or those without tickets, can come party before the show starts at 8 p.m.
This free event will feature music from DJ Boc and will be hosted by social media content creator and entrepreneur, Amberella.
June 17
When: 5-7 p.m.
Where: 19½ N. Fourth St., Harrisburg
Cost: $50
This two-hour event will feature a Juneteenth-themed conversation with event sponsors, elected officials, and special guests. The YPOC site did not list who would be attending this event.
Attendees who purchased VIP tickets for the Juneteenth Summit will also have their meet and greet on this day.
June 18
When: Event kicks off at 9 a.m.
Where: 222 Chestnut St., Harrisburg
Cost: Registration is $7
This day-long event will feature talks from black public officials, creatives, and more as the Summit celebrates all things related to Juneteenth and Black culture. Attendees will include Texas Congressman Al Green, author and motivational speaker Corey Minor Smith, and professor and author Michael Eric Dyson.
June 19
When: The event kicks off at noon
Where: 531 Commonwealth Ave., Harrisburg
This free event will be held at the Soldiers and Sailors Grove, which is behind the Capitol. It will feature music, performances, inflatables for the children, and free food. Music will be provided by DJ Boc.
June 20
Juneteenth at SOMA Block Party
When: 5-9 p.m.
Where: Third Street between Market Street and Chestnut Street
This event aims to highlight black food vendors and restaurants alongside live entertainment. All ticket holders will also be entered to win free t-shirts and other items. Tickets can be reserved here, but the event is free.
June 21
5th Annual Juneteenth in HBG concert, “Hip Hop & Harmony”
When: Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: 1110 N. Third St., Harrisburg
Cost: Tickets are $10 if bought early, $20 at the door.
This event is 21+ and will be the final party to round off the Juneteenth events in Harrisburg. American rapper and hip-hop star Jadakiss will perform. Tickets for this event can be purchased here.
June 22
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
This free event will include performances from Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church’s Praise team, special gun firing demonstrations, and a quilting demonstration from the African American Quilters.
June 23
When: 1- 6 p.m.
Where: 612 N. Front St., Harrisburg
The event will feature live music, art, and food vendors, and more.
York County
June 20
Juneteenth Screening of “Underground Railroad: South Central Pennsylvania”
When: 6 p.m.
Where: 50 N. George St., York
Harrisburg native and former TV talk show host Bryan Wade will showcase his new documentary and will host a Q&A following the screening. This event is free, but registration is required.
June 21
When: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: 125 E. College Ave., York
This event will feature food, music, local vendors, a bounce house, and more. Anyone looking to register as a vendor can contact LaQuinn Thompson at lthompson@yorkcity.org or by calling 717-849-2276.
Adams County
June 19
Lincoln Cemetery Juneteenth Commemoration
When: 2-7 p.m.
Where: 331 S. Washington St., Gettysburg
The cemetery will honor the holiday by hosting a series of tours through Gettysburg’s only surviving black cemetery, which holds more than 450 citizens from the Adams County area.
June 21
Seminary Ridge Museum Juneteenth Commemoration
When: 11:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: 111 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg
This two-day event will feature expert-led educational programs, performances, and opportunities for the community to be involved in discussions. Following the discussions, there will be a walking history tour of the historic era, teaching attendees more about the history surrounding Gettysburg.
June 22
Majestic Theatre Gettysburg Juneteenth Performance
When: 3- 8 p.m.
Where: 25 Carlisle St, Gettysburg
This event will feature food trucks and other black-owned businesses earlier in the evening, and later on, attendees can enjoy performances by local artists Monisola Paige and Sydney Moon.
The main performance of the evening will come from blues and jazz artist Antoinette Montague, who primarily performs in the New York City area and is said to be a “protégé” of legendary musicians like Carrie Smith and Etta Jones.
Lancaster County
June 19
Juneteenth Celebration at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster
Cost: Adults are $6, children tickets are $4.
Landis Valley Village will host its first Juneteenth celebration. It will feature live historical reenactments, performances from gospel choirs, food trucks, and educational programming.
When: 2-6 p.m.
Where: 400 Block of Rockland Street, Lancaster
The party is a collaboration between the Spice of Life Foundation, the NAACP Lancaster Branch, African American Cultural Alliance Juneteenth Lancaster. It will feature food trucks, music, games, and will provide other community resources for interested community members.
June 22
Crispus Attucks Community 4th Annual Juneteenth Cultural Mixer
When: 3- 7 p.m.
Where: 407 Howard Ave., Lancaster
This event will feature music from ClubKing and Blind Date Band, food provided by A&K Kreations and Atayah Woods, and drinks from Spring House Brewing Company. The brewing company will be celebrating its “Fence Bustin’ Pilsner,” which is a collaboration with CAP to celebrate the Negro League Lancaster Centennial.
The event will also highlight the impact baseball has had on Juneteenth celebrations. According to the events site, baseball was pivotal during celebrations in the late 1800s and early 1900s, often celebrated as “an act of freedom and autonomy until the game was desegregated in 1947.”
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