2023 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.

2023 Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Portland

Photo by Alisha Jucevic

Juneteenth Celebration at Zenger Farm

June 10

On Saturday, June 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Zenger Farm’s community chefs are leading the annual Juneteenth celebration. The event has Black organizations and vendors, complimentary lunch, a wellness station with DIY demos, arts and crafts, a DJ and speakers, and kids activities. 

Zenger Farm’s Juneteenth Celebration is open to the public on a pay what you can basis. The farm is located at 11741 SE Foster Road in Portland.

Juneteenth Cookout

June 16

BNO Entertainment is kicking off Juneteenth weekend with a cookout for all ages. The event is Friday, June 16, from 5-11 p.m. The event is free to attend.

At the event you’ll enjoy: 

• Live entertainment and special performances
• DJs
• Food and drink
• 21+ bar
• Fun games
• Photo booth
• Inflatables
• Dancing

The Juneteenth Cookout is at The Redd, 831 SE Salmon St. in Portland. 

Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

June 17

The Vancouver event has a full schedule of speakers and musicians at Esther Short Park from 1-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. More than 60 vendors are filling the park along with a full lineup of performances. 

Here’s the performance schedule: 

1 p.m.

Welcome (Malcolm Hoover)

Land acknowledgement (Ma.Caroline)

Prayer (Pastor Lee)

1:30 p.m. Praze Worship (Gospel Singers)

2:30  p.m. ThaJewler (Hip Hop DJ)

3:30 p.m.

Historic Trust

NAACP Act-So scholarship winners

Black Men in Training

4 p.m.

The Mix (Funk)

5:30 p.m.

Jujuba (Afro-beat/ Funk)

Enjoy kids’ activities and art installations. Food vendors are also onsite for the event.

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

Logo courtesy of Juneteenth Oregon

Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival

June 17-18

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 taking place Saturday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 18, from 12 to 6 p.m. 

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

Washington County Juneteenth Celebration

June 17

The Black Advisory Business Council is collaborating with community groups to host a Juneteenth celebration with food, music, speakers, and Black-owned business vendors. The event is Saturday, June 17, from 12 to 6:30 p.m. It is free to attend.

Entertainment includes: 

• DJ Scipio providing entertainment all day long
• Century High School Drum Line
• Trivia
• Sebe Kan
• Nik Whitcomb
• Zelos Marchandt
• Hip Hop HIITs®
• The Orenco Case
• Melissa Lowery
• Line Dancing with Taylor Gee

The Washington County Juneteenth Celebration is at Jerry Willey Plaza, 943 NE Orenco Station Loop in Hillsboro.

Juneteenth Celebration in Lake Oswego

June 18

Respond to Racism, LO for LOve and the City of Lake Oswego invite you to the Juneteenth Celebration at Lake Oswego City Hall on Sunday, June 18 from 1-4 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, mural unveiling, live music and poetry readings.

The Juneteenth Celebration in Lake Oswego is a free event at Lake Oswego City Hall, 380 A Ave. in Lake Oswego.

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

Come Thru Black and Indigenous Market

June 19

On Monday, the Black and Indigenous marketplace is taking place from 3-7 p.m. at The Redd, 831 SE Salmon St. in Portland. More than 25 local vendors will be showcasing their goods during this outdoor market.

Portland Pickles Juneteenth Celebration

June 19

Portland Pickles and the Voices Project invite you to support local black-owned businesses at Walker Stadium on Monday, June 19. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m.

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

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