Roundup of Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth events; independent celebration still awaiting permit

Pittsburgh is hosting a series of city-sponsored events to commemorate Juneteenth, a holiday observing the day the last slaves in the United States were emancipated.

The city this year is hosting a series of events throughout Pittsburgh.

Last year, the city contracted with an outside company to host a city-sponsored Juneteenth celebration. The process sparked controversy, as the city selected Bounce Marketing & Events through a competitive bid process to put on the event, bypassing longtime Juneteenth event organizer William “B” Marshall, who criticized the mayor for not backing his festival.

This year, Marshall is planning to host his own Juneteenth celebration — separate from Pittsburgh’s — but has taken the city to court over a permit for the event.

Pittsburgh’s lineup launches with a free concert featuring Kanti Kasa and Live from the City at Allegheny Commons East from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. There will also be activities for kids, backyard games and a cookout with Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, which will provide the first 100 meals free.

The city will host a series of free movies that will play at dusk at the following places:

• June 16: Banksville, showing “Soul”
• June 18: Schenley Park at Flagstaff Hill and Schenley Plaza, showing “Fences”
• June 20: Arsenal Park, showing “Soul”
• June 21: Grandview Park, showing “Soul”
• June 21: Riverview Park at the base of the observatory, showing “Fences”

On June 18, Schenley Park’s skating rink will host a family roller skating night from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available online.

The city’s Roving Art Cart will provide kids an opportunity to paint, bead, sculpt and hear a reading of the children’s book “Me and Uncle Romie,” inspired by artist Romare Bearden, who lived in Pittsburgh. The art cart is scheduled to make stops from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following days:

• June 17: Allegheny Commons Park
• June 18: Paulson Spray Park
• June 20: Highland Park Super Playground

The city’s Juneteenth festivities will be capped by WAMO Day on June 28 from noon to 5 p.m. at Highland Park’s Fountain Lawn. The celebration includes live entertainment, local vendors, food and family-friendly activities.