🎉 Juneteenth 2025 – Celebrate Freedom Across Virginia, Maryland, & DC

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📜 What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and freedom for the last enslaved African Americans—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Celebrated as the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S., Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of resilience, liberation, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. In 2021, it became a federal holiday.

Check out these Juneteenth activities that are happening across Virginia, Maryland, and DC.

1. Washington, D.C. Region 🌟

2. Northern Virginia

  • Sully Historic Site (Chantilly) – June 19, 10 AM–2 PM: storytelling, family activities, historic tours. Free with registration fairfaxcounty.gov
  • Alexandria – “You Matter” 5K at Fort Hunt Park – June 19, 8 AM: run/walk followed by wellness booths and community celebration. Registration required (≈ $60) findarace.com

3. Fredericksburg Area

  • PD16 Juneteenth Celebration – June 14, 2–9 PM at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Free, with live performances, vendors, Mr./Miss Juneteenth pageant, and job fair fairfaxva.gov+6pd16community.org+6openpr.com+6
  • Forge the Future – Juneteenth Event – June 19, 7–10 PM at John J. Wright Museum (Spotsylvania). A spiritual and cultural evening focused on heritage and unity—free, registration required members.fredericksburgchamber.org
  • Fredericksburg Market Square – June 19, 11:30 AM–7 PM: family-friendly activities, performances, exhibits on the Market Square fxbg.com

4. Richmond & Surrounding Region

5. Colonial Williamsburg & Williamsburg Area

  • Free Admission at Colonial Williamsburg – June 19: Historic Area and Art Museums open for free with guided tours, performances, and exhibitions
  • Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony – June 15: Jamestown Settlement hosts paddle events and documentary screenings followed by reflection on African American history va250.org+1visitwilliamsburg.com+1
  • The Village Initiative Juneteenth Celebration – June 19, 12–7 PM at 401 N Boundary St, Williamsburg: parade, DJs, cultural fashion show, Black Authors Circle—free entry juneteenthcc.org+1visitwilliamsburg.com+1

6. Fauquier County – Warrenton, VA

  • When: Saturday, June 14 • 11 AM–8 PM (Rain date: June 21)
  • Where: Main Street, Warrenton, VA
  • What: Fauquier’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration—FREE and open to all! Celebrate with community unity and heritage, featuring over 60 vendors, nonprofit booths, children’s activities, dance and musical performances (including gospel choirs, go-go, and reggae), storytelling, a Double Dutch exhibition, contests (sweet potato pie, Black history trivia), and a mini-concert. The Afro-American Historical Association will hold a soft opening during the event. Hosted by WHUR 96.3 Fauquier County Juneteenth

🎆 Juneteenth in Maryland

🌳 Prince George’s County – Watkins Regional Park (Upper Marlboro)

🎵 Baltimore – East Baltimore Historical Library / Eager Park

  • When: Thursday, June 19 • 3–7 PM
  • What: This Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration includes soulful storytelling, live performances, pony rides, face painting, and soul food. A joyful intergenerational event that uplifts Black history and culture—free and open to all. baltimore.org+1washingtonian.com+1

🎨 Germantown – BlackRock Center for the Arts

  • When: Saturday, June 21 • All day
  • What: Free community festival with go-go, reggae, and soul performances, dance workshops, artisan market, and film. Shuttle service runs all day, making it accessible and celebratory for families and friends.

🎪 St. Mary’s County – UCAC Juneteenth Celebration (Leonardtown)

  • When: Saturday, June 7 • 12–6 PM
  • What: Join the 21st annual celebration at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. Expect vibrant music, living history exhibits, art activities, and community workshops—all free admission. pgparks.com+13visitstmarysmd.com+13ymaryland.org+13

📌 Why These Matter

  • Educational & Cultural Growth: Learn, engage, and reflect on liberation, resilience, and heritage.
  • Family & Community-Centered: Events offer entertainment, creativity, and togetherness for all ages.
  • Access for All: Most events are free, honoring the essence of Juneteenth—freedom and inclusion.

✅ Planning Tips

  1. Pre-register for popular events (e.g., paddle at Jamestown, Forge the Future).
  2. Arrive early for parades and museums.
  3. Bring essentials: water, sun protection, chairs/blanket for outdoor celebrations.
  4. Spread the word: Share this guide and encourage diverse local attendance!

🌺 Free on Juneteenth – Don’t Miss These:

  • 🌼 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Richmond) – Free admission all day on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth. Stroll through beautiful blooms, explore the children’s garden, and enjoy peaceful reflection spaces.
  • 🏞️ National Parks – All U.S. National Parks will offer free admission on June 19. Great local options include Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, Prince William Forest Park, Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls NP, and Richmond National Battlefield Park.

☀️ Already Included, But Worth Repeating:

  • Colonial Williamsburg – Free admission to the Historic Area and Art Museums with Juneteenth-themed events and performances.
  • Many Museums in DC – Free year-round, with special programming for Juneteenth.

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