Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth celebrates freedom and provides an opportunity to reflect on African American history, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Communities across Long Island will mark the occasion with educational programs, cultural events, performances, and celebrations honoring the day’s significance.
Juneteenth Bellport
June 12 (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
South Country Library, in partnership with the Greater Bellport Coalition, will host a Juneteenth celebration at the library in Bellport. The educational and community-focused event will highlight the history and significance of Juneteenth through presentations and activities for all ages. Desserts and soft drinks will be served. Admission is free. For more information, visit southcountry.org/
Juneteenth Brentwood
June 15 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to celebrate Juneteenth at the Brentwood Public Library with crafts and activities that highlight the holiday’s history and significance. Registration is required, and a Brentwood Public Library card is needed to participate. For more information, visit brentwood.librarycalendar.com/
June 19 (noon-4 p.m. p.m.)
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce our second annual Juneteenth Jubilee at Valley Stream State Park! The Juneteenth Jubilee will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature cultural entertainment, cultural food, information booths, interactive activities, children’s games, children’s inflatables, and more! The Long Island Nets will be hosting a FREE special basketball clinic for children ages 7 to 14 on the newly upgraded basketball courts. Registration for the clinic is LIVE and will stay open until it is filled. Visit: Long Island Nets – Juneteenth Youth Basketball Clinic at Valley Stream State Park to register! We will also have a special welcome address from Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages highlighting the importance of the Juneteenth Holiday and what it means to celebrate Black freedom. Tabling and vending opportunities are available! Please reach out to LIParksRecreation@parks.ny.gov to inquire. This year’s program is sponsored by NY Life and Sunrun.
June 19 (Noon-4 p.m.)
Spirit of Unity Juneteenth Celebration
The One Long Island Ministral Alliance of North Amityville, Inc. in corporation with the Town of Babylon presents the Spirit of Unity celebration at Tanner Park, 400 Baylawn Ave. in Copiague with exhibits, vendors, food trucks and speakers for a day of fun for the entire family. For more information email prayertabernable@aol.com or call 631-842-3521.
Juneteenth Celebration Huntington
June 19 (4-6 p.m.)
The Heckscher Museum of Art, in partnership with the Huntington African American Museum, will host a Juneteenth Celebration honoring freedom, resilience, and community. Visitors can meet exhibiting artists from Just Powers: Long Island Biennial 2026 exhibition during gallery discussions from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a performance by the Adlib Steel Pan Orchestra and a reception with refreshments. The free event celebrates Juneteenth through art, music, and cultural engagement. Admission is free, though registration is recommended for the performance and reception. For more information, visit heckscher.org/
Juneteenth Weekend in Fire Island Pines
June 18-21
Fire Island Pines will host a Juneteenth Weekend celebration featuring pool parties, tea dances, drag performances, and community events throughout the holiday weekend. Organized in partnership with The Pines Fire Island, Black Market NYC, and Trappy Hour Harlem Reloaded, the celebration will highlight Black culture, LGBTQ+ pride, and community. Special guest Nene Leakes and a lineup of DJs, performers, and entertainers are scheduled to appear throughout the weekend. For more information, visit pinesfi.com/events/
Juneteenth Celebration and Poetry
June 19 (5-7 p.m.)
The Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum will host a Juneteenth Celebration and Poetry program featuring spoken-word performances, poetry readings, and live saxophone music by Carl Bartlett. Long Island author Cheryl Williams will participate in the event, which will also explore local Black history, including the story of Elizabeth “Liss,” an enslaved woman from Oyster Bay. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, visit longislandauthors.com/
June 19 (7-9 p.m.)
“BlacKkKlansman” Screening at the Cherry Grove Community House
Spike Lee’s groundbreaking 2018 film, BlacKkKlansman, starring John Davis Washington, Adam Driver, and featuring Fire Island resident actor Robert Burke, screens at the Cherry Grove Community House.
Juneteenth Greenport
June 20 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
The third annual Juneteenth Greenport celebration will feature community programming, educational events, and cultural activities recognizing the history and significance of Juneteenth. Events are scheduled throughout June 20 at locations across Greenport. For more information, visit juneteenthgreenport.org/
Juneteenth Jubilee
June 20 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island will host a Juneteenth Jubilee at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 50 Cathedral Ave., Garden City. The event will include the presentation of scholarships through the Barbara C. Harris Scholars Program and a public celebration recognizing Juneteenth. Admission is free, though registration is required. For more information, visit dioceseli.org/events/juneteenth-jubilee-0
Freedom Day Celebration
June 20 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
The Brookhaven Town Black History Commission will host the 12th Annual Juneteenth “Freedom Day Celebration at the historic Longwood Estate, 205 Longwood Road, Ridge. The event, open to Brookhaven Town residents, marks the 161st anniversary of the end of slavery and features food, games, music, trivia, and children’s activities. Tickets are limited. To RSVP, visit BrookhavenNY.gov/Juneteenth. For more information, call 631-451-2627.
NAACP Juneteenth Celebration 2026
June 20 (1-5 p.m.)
The Islip-Smithtown NAACP will host its annual Juneteenth Celebration at the Reed Middle School football field in Central Islip. The community event will celebrate freedom, history, culture, and community with live performances, cultural activities, music, educational exhibits, and community resources. Free food will be available for attendees. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit islipnaacp.org/
Juneteenth Freedom Day
June 20 (3-6 p.m.)
The Huntington Juneteenth Committee will host Juneteenth Freedom Day in Heckscher Park, celebrating African American culture, history, and achievements. The community event will feature educational programming, cultural activities, and opportunities for residents to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth and to honor the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. The Heckscher Museum of Art will participate in the celebration. Admission is free. For more information, visit heckscher.org/
June 20 (7-11 p.m.)
Mr. Miss Mx Black Independence Pageant
CG4ALL and Arts Project of Cherry Grove present a Juneteenth pageant like no other, featuring Le’Nece Onassis and Jeremiah Tynes Starr, at the Cherry Grove Community House Theater; $30 admission.
Fire Island Pines Juneteenth
June 21 (1-5 p.m.)
Celebrate Juneteenth and Pride at 225 Bay Walk as BOFFO Artist-in-Residence Texas Isaiah unveils new work. The event will also feature a poolside conversation with Raquel Willis, presented in collaboration with the American LGBTQ+ Museum. Attendees can enjoy food from Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too, co-founded by Norma Jean Darden, along with refreshments and a signature Juneteenth cocktail. Admission is free with RSVP. For more information, visit fippoa.org/cobe
