Philadelphia is celebrating Juneteenth (June 19) with a packed weekend of music, culture, food, art, and community.

African American Museum in Philadelphia

The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) is celebrating both Juneteenth and its 50th anniversary through its annual Juneteenth Block Party this Friday (June 19) from noon to 5 p.m. This year’s theme is dubbed the “Juneteenth Jubilee: Celebrating 50 Years of the African American Museum in Philadelphia,”  and will feature performances by DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick and Leah Jenea.

Guests can additionally enjoy free admission to the museum beginning at 10 a.m., including access to the acclaimed exhibition “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design,” showcasing more than 80 original costumes from films like ‘Black Panther’, ‘Sinners’, and ‘Do the Right Thing.’ Presented in partnership with Wawa Welcome America and VISIT PHILADELPHIA, the free family-friendly block party will also feature local artists, food trucks, a vendor village,  gallery talks, family-friendly games, face painting, financial literacy activities, and more.

701 Arch St., aampmuseum.org

Juneteenth Wellness & Arts Festival

The Juneteenth Wellness & Arts Festival (JWAF) returns to Cherry Street Pier this Saturday (June 20) from 1 to 6 p.m. Formerly known as the Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival, this free, all-ages event has evolved into a family-friendly, zero-proof celebration focused on “health, connection, and cultural expression.” Visitors can expect free health screenings, fitness demonstrations, mental health resources, and interactive wellness experiences throughout the occasion.

The afternoon will also feature live music from Barbara Sheree and headliner Lady Stout, yoga and fitness sessions, line dancing, local community resources, a curated marketplace of Black-owned/wellness-focused vendors, and food offerings (think vegetarian fare, gourmet desserts, fresh juices and more.) Guests can also enjoy signature mocktails from the Cherry Street Pier Bar, with commemorative mocktail glasses available for purchase. Admission is free, and a full schedule of events can be found online.

121 N. Columbus Blvd., givebutter.com/JWAF26

Please Touch Museum

Families can celebrate Juneteenth at the Museum this Friday (June 19) with a day of storytelling, music, movement, and interactive workshops. Activities throughout the day (beginning at 10 a.m.) span oral storytelling with Aunti Oni, sewing workshops led by Seven Seventeen Sewing Studio, STEM programming from the Science Education Academy, cupcake decorating with Chef Ken (exploring the tradition of red foods in Juneteenth celebrations), and performing arts sessions with Dream Big Dream Black. The event will conclude at 4 p.m. with a community celebration featuring the West Powelton Steppers and Band. Tickets ($5-$24) are available online.

4231 Avenue of the Republic, pleasetouchmuseum.org

United We Heal Film Festival

The United We Heal Film Festival is returning for its fifth year over Juneteenth weekend at Underground Arts. The celebration kicks off June 18 with “The Pre-Game,” featuring live performances by Junglepussy and KOTA the Friend, before continuing June 19 with a curated showcase of short films (all by emerging and established filmmakers of color). Centered on Black storytelling and social justice, the festival includes filmmaker discussions, audience Q&As, award presentations, and an after-party headlined by DJ Diamond Kuts. A full schedule and festival passes ($30-$95) are available online.

1200 Callowhill St., undergroundarts.org

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Locals and visitors can head to the Magic Gardens for a free Juneteenth Walking Tour this Friday (June 19) at 2 p.m. The guided talk will highlight the neighborhood’s significance as the “historic heart of Black Philadelphia,” including stories of the city’s first Black firefighters, the Defenders of the Seventh Ward, and the legacy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Participants will also take a closer look at Isaiah Zagar’s notable mural, ‘Rose and the Firefighters’. The event is free and open to all, with no reservations or museum admission required, participants just need to meet in the Alder Street alley off South Street.

Between S. 10th and S. 11th Streets, phillymagicgardens.org

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary will mark the occasion this Friday (June 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), with an all-day, family-friendly festival filled with storytelling, live music, and discussions. Highlights include an immersive storytime led by Thembi Palmer, musical performances from The Black Breath Collective, and a panel discussion featuring historian Hasan Kwame Jeffries and Eastern State President and CEO, Kerry Sautner. Programs will be offered both in person and online via Zoom and YouTube for those who can’t make it out themselves. Activities this Friday are included with special event admission (note, children 12 and under attend for free).

2027 Fairmount Ave, easternstate.org

Honeysuckle’s Juneteenth Cookout

Honeysuckle’s annual Juneteenth Cookout returns this Sunday (June 21), in partnership with Plowshare Farms in Pipersville, Pennsylvania. Led by Honeysuckle founders and James Beard Award finalists Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate, the family-friendly gathering will feature a communal outdoor feast boasting whole hog cooking, seasonal farm-fresh dishes, and flavors inspired by the African diaspora. Guests can also enjoy live music, games, face painting, scavenger hunts, and interactive farm tours that highlight the connection between the land and the ingredients that inspire Honeysuckle’s cuisine.

The event welcomes guests of all ages. Note: Children 10 and under can attend for free. General admission ($75) includes unlimited access to food, activities, and programming, with an optional ticket package ($100) that includes round-trip transportation from Honeysuckle. Tickets are available via OpenTable.

111 Stover Park Rd, Pipersville, honeysucklephl.com

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