Celebrate Juneteenth in Albany County! This historic holiday commemorating what is considered to be the effective end of slavery in the US has been observed since June 19, 1865. Throughout Albany join in events celebrating freedom, unity, diversity, and Black history and culture. Scroll on to learn more about Albany's Juneteenth celebrations taking place from Friday, June 14 to Wednesday, June 19th! Note that the majority of events take place on Saturday, June 15. 


An Evening of Jazz

Alice Moore Black Arts & Cultural Center | June 14 | 5:30 PM to 8 PM | Free

Start off Juneteenth weekend with this opening reception hosted by the Alice Moore Black Arts & Cultural Center. During "An Evening of Jazz" celebrate community spirit with live music performed by jazz group "Out of the Box" and delicious refreshments. 

African Heritage Parade

Washington Park | June 15 | 10 AM to 12:30 PM | Free

Line up in Washington Park on Saturday morning for the annual African Heritage Parade. Hosted by the Capital District YMCA (CDYMCA), this event celebrates the African Diaspora in the US and brings the community together to share cultures, contributions, and education. The parade steps off at 11 AM and leads right to the Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the Alice Moore Black Arts and Cultural Center on South Pearl Street. View the CDYMCA's recap post from last year's parade above! 

Juneteenth Street Celebration

Alice Moore Black Arts and Cultural Center | June 15 | S. Pearl Street | 12 PM to 5 PM | Free

Held in the historic South End of Albany, the Alice Moore Black Arts and Cultural Center continues their Juneteeth celebrations with a free, family-friendly outdoor event. The afternoon will feature live entertainment, craft vendors, the kick-off to Albany's Black Restaurant Week, Underground Railroad Trolley Tours, and info tables from local non-profit organizations. Little ones will enjoy the Kids Zone featuring a bounce house, petting zoo, arts and crafts and face painting. 

Juneteenth at UREC

Underground Railroad Education Center | June 15 | 12 PM to 4 PM | Free

Make sure to stop by the UREC on Saturday for an afternoon honoring the historical significance of Juneteenth. Explore exhibits and displays showcasing the intersection of art and history, taste delicious complimentary treats, enjoy live musical performances, and listen to thought-provoking poetry. Learn about Underground Railroad history with a tour of the Myers residence. The residence was home to Stephen and Harriet Myers who played an important role in the journey to freedom in the Capital Region. 

ABCC's Juneteenth Block Party

Albany Black Chamber of Commerce | June 15 | 2 PM to 7 PM | Free

End festivities on Saturday with a visit to the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Juneteenth Block Party. The celebration will feature live entertainment, cultural exhibitions, vendors, delicious food, and a youth zone. Plus, witness the ABCC's first ever Juneteenth Dessert Competition. Seeking the best baker in the Capital Region, bakers are called to create a winning red velvet cake, banana pudding, peach cobbler, or sweet potato pie. 

Albany Institute

Juneteenth Free Day and Music

Albany Institute of History & Art | June 19 | 10 AM to 5 PM | Free

Enjoy free admission to the Albany Institue of History and Art in honor of Juneteenth. Starting at noon, listen to live music performed by local duo Lucia and Levi. The artists will perform jazz and blues songs written by black artists. If the weather is nice, the museum invites guests to picnic on the front lawn. 


More on Juneteenth

Read more on Juneteenth with guest blog post "New York's Relation to Juneteenth" written by Paul Stewart. Stewart is an independent researcher and co-founder of the Underground Railroad Education Center. The blog post details the history of emancipation celebrations in New York beginning in 1827.