Juneteenth Events on Long Island 2023

Juneteenth, which is short for June 19 and became a federal holiday in 2021, commemorates the day that federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to inform the state of the freeing of enslaved people and ensure their freedom. This came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was meant to ban all slavery.

Celebrate Juneteenth at these celebratory and educational events on Long Island.

Juneteenth Events on Long Island 2023

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN HECKSCHER PARK

Music, dancing, food and reflections on the historical and cultural significance of African American culture and freedom. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free. Heckscher Park, 11 Prime Ave., Huntington. shadesoflongisland.com/event. 1-7 p.m. June 17

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Food, games, live performances and more. Clark Botanic Garden, 193 I U Willets Road, Albertson. Shadesoflongisland.com. 2-6 p.m. June 17.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH WITH JEROME SMITH AND THE CITY SOUND

Live music and dancing to vibrant songs that celebrate freedom and joy. Free. Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmontlibrary.org. 2 p.m. June 17.

PARADISE SALON AND SPA SUITES ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CHARITY POP-UP SHOP

Support local African American vendors. All donations benefit orphans from “Deborah’s House,” an NGO based in South Africa. Paradise Salon and Spa Suites, 164 N Central Ave., Valley Stream. Shadesoflongisland.com. 12-5 p.m. June 17.

ELMONT’S ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Enjoy music, food, drinks, games and more. Free. 14 Village Ave., Elmont. Eventbrite.com. 4-9 p.m. June 17.

ADVOKIDS: JUNETEENTH

Create a festive confetti popper to celebrate Juneteenth at the Long Island Children’s Museum while learning about the day’s significance. Tickets are $4 with museum admission and $3 for members. Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. licm.org. 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. June 19.

THIRD ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Games, live music, family-friendly activities, food and more to celebrate African American culture. Free. Hicksville LIRR Station, 125 W. John St., Hicksville. Events.longisland.com. 12-6 p.m. June 19.

JUNETEENTH POP-UP CELEBRATING CULTURE

Enjoy food from local vendors, games, comedy and music to recognize Juneteenth and African American culture. Free. Legacy Event Space, 634 NY-109, Lindenhurst. shadesoflongisland.com/event. 3-7 p.m. June 19.