Next Thursday is Juneteenth, a national celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Boston is showing up to celebrate with concerts, festivals, block parties, and free museum admission around the city.

A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 3 p.m.

WHERE: The Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Center

COST: Free

INFO: In celebration of Juneteenth, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra will perform a free concert of music by Black composers. Registration is required.

landmarksorchestra.org/events/current-season/juneteenth

ECHOES OF FREEDOM JUNETEENTH CONCERT

WHEN: Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Strand Theatre

COST: Free

INFO: Enjoy a performance by the Howard University Gospel Choir in celebration of Juneteenth reflecting on Black resilience and liberation. Tickets are free but advanced registration is encouraged.

boston.gov/calendar/echoes-freedom

EMBRACE IDEAS FESTIVAL

WHEN: Wednesday, June 18 to Saturday, June 21

WHERE: Venues around Boston

COST: $30 to $300 varying per event

INFO: Embrace Boston hosts an annual weeklong celebration of Juneteenth featuring insightful lectures, an awards ceremony for civic and community leaders and activations from culinary and artistic groups.

embraceboston.org/embrace-ideas-festival

JUNETEENTH OPEN HOUSE AT MFA BOSTON

WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: The Museum of Fine Arts Boston

COST: Free

INFO: Admission to the MFA is free for Massachusetts residents on Juneteenth, including access to the special exhibit “Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits.” While you’re there, see live performances, participate in art making activities, attend a spoken word show, experiment with face painting, and more. Be sure to visit “Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson,” an exhibition about the Roxbury native artist.

mfa.org/event/open-house/juneteenth

WE CREATE THE WORLD: A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT THE ICA

WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: ICA Boston

COST: Free

INFO: The ICA is free to all on Juneteenth and so is the water taxi across the harbor to their Watershed location, although reservations are required. On the Seaport side enjoy film screenings, live music and activities celebrating the Black experience. Free tickets are available to reserve starting Wednesday, June 18 at 10 a.m.

icaboston.org/events/juneteenth-free-admission

BLACK VOICES OF THE REVOLUTION EXHIBITION OPENING

WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 11 a.m.

WHERE: Museum of African American History

COST: Free

INFO: Learn the stories of Black Americans during the Revolutionary War period in this interactive exhibition using AI-driven, holographic images.

maah.org/black-voices-ofthe-revolution

JUNETEENTH FREE DAY AT THE GARDNER MUSEUM

WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

COST: Free

INFO: Celebrate this historic day with free admission to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, plus artmaking, film screenings, panel discussions with Black artists and leaders, live performances and more.

gardnermuseum.org/calendar/free-day-juneteenth-2025

15TH ANNUAL BOSTON JUNETEENTH EMANCIPATION OBSERVANCE

WHEN: Thursday, June 19

WHERE: The Museum of the National Center for Afro-American Artists

COST: Free

INFO: Begin the afternoon with a flag raising at Roxbury’s Dillaway-Thomas House, then join a celebratory Juneteenth parade to the Museum of the National Center for Afro-American Artists where a gathering with neighbors and local vendors will commence.

JUNETEENTH WITH BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS

WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center & Georges Island

COST: Free to $25

INFO: Listen to live music performances at the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center and take special guided Black History tours of Georges Island focusing on Boston’s Maritime Underground Railroad.

bostonharborislands.org/event/juneteenth-4

JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION AT EUSTIS ESTATE

WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Eustis Estate in Milton

COST: Free

INFO: At this Juneteenth celebration enjoy live music by Zili Misik, Branches Steel Pan Orchestra and Cornell Coley, family-friendly activities and museum tours. Caribbean food from Breez Gourmet will be available for purchase

my.historicnewengland.org/23850/eus-juneteenth

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Franklin Park Shattuck Picnic Area

COST: Free

INFO: Celebrate Juneteenth at Franklin Park with picnics, barbecues, live music, dancing and more with the community.

boston.gov/calendar/juneteenth-celebration