The Juneteenth holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and freed the last enslaved people in the U.S. Unfortunately, it was two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation Act. Nevertheless it was joyous news and the date marks an important event in our history.

Today, the holiday is marked with parades, festivals, performances, storytelling, and Black cultural programming. Join the celebration at one of these local events.

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Find more Juneteenth celebrations…

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Main Line Events Celebrating Juneteenth

Since its recognition as a federal holiday in 2021, there are more and more ways to celebrate Juneteenth. The Main Line offers many fun ways for families to commemorate Juneteenth, from vibrant festivals and creative crafting opportunities, to educational walking history tours.

Juneteenth Open Mic Night

Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Pkwy, Exton
June 12, 2025 from 5:30 – 7 pm

In honor of America’s Juneteenth, the Chester County Library will host an Open Mic Night, focusing on Black history and culture. Come sing, read poetry, tell a story, or just speak from the heart. It’s a celebration of Black voices and a commemoration of the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth.

Black Leaders in Aviation

The American Helicopter Museum, 1220 American Blvd., West Chester
June 14, 2025, from 11 am – 4 pm

On June 14, the American Helicopter Museum will unveil a special exhibit honoring black aviators. In honor of Juneteenth, the museum will unveil a permanent special exhibit, “On the Wings of Freedom: Black Leaders in Aviation.” This exhibit features prominent Black mechanics, pilots, and engineers in American aviation with connections to the museum’s aircraft collection.

Rustin Day of Film 2025

Chester County History Center, 225 North High Street, West Chester
June 14, 2025, from 6 – 7:30 pm

For the second year in a row, the Chester County History Center will present Rustin: Day of Film. This 90-minute block of short films centers around Bayard Rustin, the West Chester native and openly gay Black Civil Rights leader. Learn about this historical figure who dedicated his life to the fight for equal rights. Tickets are $10.

West Chester NAACP Juneteenth

Begins at the Chester County Courthouse, 2 N. High Street, West Chester (moves to multiple locations)
June 19, 2025 from 1 – 4:30 pm

The West Chester branch of the NAACP will host a powerful day of remembrance, unity, and celebration this Juneteenth. Meet at the Historic Chester County Courthouse for a theatrical reenactment of Juneteenth 1865. Immediately following the reenactment, join a Town Meeting & Praise at Bethel AME Church. Afterwards attend the Flag Raising Ceremony at The Melton Center.

Windsocks for Juneteenth

Abington Township Library – Roslyn Branch, 2412 Avondale Avenue, Roslyn
June 16, 2025, from 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Children and adults can join the Roslyn Branch Library to make Windsocks in honor of Juneteenth. The library will supply materials for each household to make one, 1-foot nylon windsock, as well as colorful paper windsocks to proudly display. No registration is necessary, just drop by the library to participate in this festive crafting event.

Delco’s Juneteenth Celebration

Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media
June 19, 2025, from 4 – 9 pm

Delco honors Juneteenth with speeches from community leaders, live music, vendors, and food, as well as a showcase of student artwork. Families can come out to Rose Tree Park to learn, grow and commemorate this critical date in our nation’s history. The event is free and open to the public.

Underground Railroad Walking Tours

Chester County History Center, 225 North High Street, West Chester
June 19–21, 25 and 28, 2025, tour times vary by date

Delve into the fascinating history of local figures and locations involved in the Underground Railroad. Community members can join small-group Underground Railroad Walking Tours in West Chester and learn stories of several local individuals who escaped to freedom.These tours cover 1¼ miles of ground, last 90 minutes, and are entirely outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes and the ability to navigate varied terrain are necessary to participate.

Juneteenth Market and Block Party

30 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne
June 21, 2025 from 9 am – 3 pm

Gather with family and friends at the Juneteenth Market and Block Party at the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market. Eat, craft, shop, and dance at this Block Party in celebration of Juneteenth and the incredible contributions of Black artists, creators, and entrepreneurs. The best parking option for this festival will be at 18 N. Highland Avenue in Lansdowne.

More Main Line Juneteenth Events

The Main Line offers diverse ways to honor Juneteenth through educational exhibits, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations. Find local events celebrating this important date in American history in our calendar listing below.

Lead photo courtesy of the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation. Beth Gilbert-Crowell contributed to the original version of this article.