2024 Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Portland

Photo by Pixabay

Celebrate Juneteenth at these community gatherings throughout the Portland area.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a federal holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of African American slaves.

In 2021, Juneteenth was finally made a federal holiday. Events held on Juneteenth honor this monumental change in American history through celebration, education, advocacy and bringing communities together. 

Here’s a list of Juneteenth celebrations in and around Portland. 

Is your community hosting a Juneteenth event? Send me a message with the event details.

2024 Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Portland

Logo courtesy of Juneteenth Oregon

Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival

June 15

The free Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival brings local jazz, hip hop and soul legends, education, empowering speeches and more to the community. The celebration kicks off with a parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday. 

Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival is June 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The event is free to attend at Lillis-Albina Park, N Flint Ave. and Russell St. in Portland.

Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

June 15

The Vancouver event has a full schedule of speakers and musicians at Esther Short Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 15. More than 30 vendors are filling the park along with a Juneteenth interactive display, photo booth, family activities and a full lineup of performances. Food vendors are also onsite for the event.

Performers include LaRhonda Steele, Jujuba and TheJewler. 

The free Juneteenth Freedom Celebration is at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St. in Vancouver.

Photo courtesy of City of Lake Oswego

Juneteenth Celebration in Lake Oswego

June 16

Respond to Racism, Black Student Unions of Lakeridge, Lake Oswego High School and the Women of Color Alliance invite you to the Juneteenth Celebration at Millennium Plaza Park on Sunday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about the importance of Juneteenth and ways to keep the conversation going on anti-racism and social justice at this free community event. There’s a keynote address, performances, vendors booths and youth panel discussion.

The Juneteenth Celebration in Lake Oswego is a free event at Millennium Plaza Park is at 200 1st Street in Lake Oswego.

Juneteenth Celebration at Dawson Park

June 18

The Miracles Club is hosting a free Juneteenth Celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. You can even earning gift cards for winning contests.

Activities include:

• Free haircuits.
• Art station: How to paint for beginners.
• Free throw and 3-point contest.
• TikTok dance contest. 
• Domino tournament.
• There’s also cotton candy and snow cones. 

Dawson Park is at N Stanton Street and Williams Avenue in Portland.

Juneteenth Celebration at The Miracles Club

June 19

Join the Miracles Club for a Juneteenth Celebration from 12-6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19. There’s a BBQ, music, guest speakers and kids activities. Everyone is welcome at this free event. 

The Miracles Club is at 4200 NE MLK Jr Blvd. in Portland.

Free Admission at Leach Botanical Garden

June 19

The garden invites visitors to use this contemplative, restful space to celebrate Black freedom, honor the ongoing struggle for racial justice and imagine a better future. On Wednesday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission to the garden is free for all visitors.

Leach Botanical Garden is 6704 SE 122nd Ave. in Portland.

Juneteenth Community Concert

June 19

On Wednesday, June 19, from 5-7 p.m., celebrate Juneteenth with a free community concert at Oregon Center for Contemporary Art. At the event, Friends of Noise rising star Zyanna opens for the legendary LaRhonda Steele.

Doyagi food cart will be onsite and Oregon Contemporary is extending gallery hours so attendees can check out the latest exhibit.

The event is at the Oregon Contemporary Courtyard, 8371 N Interstate Ave. in Portland.

Free Entrance at Oregon and Washington Parks

June 19

On Sunday, June 19, there are three opportunities to get outdoors and explore our local parks and recreation areas: 

• Free Parking Day at Portland Metro Parks
• Forest Service Recreation Area Free Day
• Free Entrance Day at Washington State Parks

You can also get free parking all day in downtown Portland. 

Portland Pickles Juneteenth Celebration

June 19

Portland Pickles and the Voices Project invite you to honor the historic significance of Juneteenth and the importance of sports in bringing together at Walker Stadium on Wednesday, June 19. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. It is also Woof Wednesday. All dogs get in for free.

Tickets start at $12. The Juneteenth Celebration game is at Walker Stadium, 4727 SE 92nd Ave. in Portland.

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