Now a national holiday, Juneteenth has long celebrated the emancipation of Black women, men and children across the United States since as early as 1865. There are so many great ways to honor the beauty in freedom—and communities all across California are set to join in on the occasion with celebrations of their own.
Here’s how to celebrate Juneteenth 2022 in California this year:
2022 San Francisco Black Film Festival
San Francisco
Black culture’s impact on the arts is inimitable—particularly in the film landscape. And the San Francisco Black Film Festival is set to honor this legacy through a multi-day celebration which will showcase a variety of unique films, including projects like Freedom Day, High Power and more on Thursday, June 16, at the event’s Opening Screening. For more information, visit www.sfbff.org.
Juneteenth Double Dutch Bash
Inglewood
Sip & Sonder is giving a whole new meaning to springing into the Juneteenth holiday, with a Double Dutch Bash set to take place on Sunday, June 19, from noon to 3 p.m.—with double Dutch battles, live music, food, drinks, giveaways, prizes and more all slated for the occasion. For more information, visit www.sipandsonder.com.
Second Annual Juneteenth Wellness Festival
San Diego
Happening at the InterContinental San Diego, the Yoga Bus will be hosting its ultra-popular Annual Wellness Festival in honor of Juneteenth on Sunday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors will be treated to a plethora of wellness activities, inspired and hosted by Black wellness experts bringing their own expertise to life at this unique festival experience. Tickets start at $22. For more information, visit www.unation.com.
Liberation: A Festival of Arts & Culture Honoring Juneteenth
Los Angeles
The Blacksmiths coalition will be hosting a special Juneteenth celebration from June 7 to June 19, which will invites members and the community on a two-week journey set to highlight 10 Los Angeles-based Black musicians, cultural workers and dancers. For more information, visit www.wearetheblacksmiths.com.
The Jazzteenth Music Festival
San Francisco
The symphony of soul music is about to come back to life in San Francisco—with the help of the Jazzteenth Music Festival, of course, on Saturday, June 18. Attendees will be able to enjoy the tunes of five-time Grammy winner Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, all through this jazz-infused music festival that will celebrate the evolution of Black influence in music. For more information, visit www.goldengatebandshell.org.