Concerts, art exhibits, historical presentations, film screenings, and more are planned in celebration of Juneteenth in Montgomery County. The holiday has been celebrated since 1865 and observed as a federal holiday since 2021. It commemorates the date when some of the last enslaved people in the Confederacy were notified of their freedom following the Civil War. Juneteenth celebrations connect and strengthen communities with an emphasis on education, conversation, acknowledgment of our nation’s history, and the hope of building a better future together.
Residents can join the following events:
Saturday, June 15
Freedom at the Rock: The county’s 27th annual celebration takes place Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and includes activities for the whole family. There will be dance performances, art exhibits, film screenings, book talks, and more. The festival takes place from noon to 10 p.m. at the Black Rock Center for the Arts in Germantown, 12901 Town Commons Dr. Some parking is available. Learn more.
Josiah Henson Birthday Celebration Family Day: Montgomery Parks kicks off Juneteenth Week with a celebration of Josiah Henson’s birthday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park. The celebration features hands-on activities, games, and story times. Admission is free. The park is located at 11410 Old Georgetown Rd. in North Bethesda. Learn more and register to attend.
Kensington’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Enjoy live music, dance, historical presentations, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and kids’ activities from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Paul Park, located at 10564 St. Paul St. in Kensington. Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. The rain date is Sunday, June 16. Find more information, including the vendor and performer lineup, activities, and more here.
Tuesday, June 18
Celebrating Juneteenth Discussion: Soulful Cafe welcomes BJ Dawkins to lead a discussion about the Juneteenth holiday from noon to 12:45 p.m. Learn about the history and importance of Juneteenth, as well as ways to celebrate the holiday in 2024. The event is free, but registration is required. Soulful Cafe is located at 50 Monroe Pl. in Rockville Learn more and register here.
Wednesday, June 19
Josiah Henson Museum Special Opening Family Day: Montgomery Parks will open the Josiah Henson Museum and Park on Juneteenth. The museum tells the story of Reverend Josiah Henson, who traveled along the Underground Railroad, freeing 118 enslaved persons. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours and hands-on activities will be available for families. Admission is $4 for children and seniors and $5 for adults, with tickets available onsite. The museum and park are located at 11410 Old Georgetown Rd. in North Bethesda. Learn more here.
Juneteenth at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park: The Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park is open on Juneteenth from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The museum and park are located at 16501 Norwood Rd. in Sandy Spring. Learn more here.
Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival: Juneteenth celebrations are planned in Potomac and Bethesda to honor the 80 historic Black communities that once flourished in Montgomery County. Members of the Scotland community are spearheading the celebrations. Money earned during the events will benefit the rebuilding of the Scotland AME Zion Church, as well as Emory Grove United Methodist Church, 1 Uphandles, Soul in Motion African Dancers and Drummers, Future Stars and Reach Beyond Basketball. Find a schedule of events here.
Friday, June 21
History Happy Hour: Sandy Spring Museum’s History Happy Hour series continues with local historian Reynauld Smith’s presentation on the history of the Juneteenth holiday. Smith’s ancestors were enslaved in Texas when word of the Emancipation Proclamation finally arrived. Smith is a retired high school history teacher. Sandy Spring Museum is located at 17901 Bentley Rd. in Sandy Spring. Tickets cost $20. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Saturday, June 22
Juneteenth Festival: Jerusalem-Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church will hold a community activity to celebrate Juneteenth from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will raise funds to restore the stained glass windows. Activities at the festival include a yard sale, church and stained glass window tours, bake sale, and kids’ activities. Admission is free. The church is located at 21 Wood Ln. in Rockville. Learn more here.
Juneteenth Flag Craft: Families can make a flag at the Long Branch Library from 3 to 4 p.m. Attendees will paint popsicle sticks in the traditional red, green, and black colors and then glue them together to make a Juneteenth National Independence Day flag. All materials will be supplied. Long Branch Library is located at 8800 Garland Avenue in Silver Spring. Learn more.
